Enteral nutrition in children with chronic diseases: optimal delivery method

Abstract

Children with chronic diseases, such as neurological, neuromuscular, respiratory, in particular cystic fibrosis, hereditary, metabolic, oncological, and congenital heart defects often suffer from malnutrition, often accompanied by stunted growth. The main reason leading to a change in nutritional status is inadequate intake of nutrients and energy with increased nutrient requirements or various eating problems. Lack of nutrient status correction and continued malnutrition contribute to major body changes that worsen disease progression, increase the risk of death and reduce patients’ quality of life. To fully cover the body’s nutrient needs, the use of specialized enteric nutrition is a priority. Sufficient clinical experience has been accumulated, confirming the high effectiveness of the use of enteral nutrition formulas in children with malnutrition through gastrointestinal feeding. It has been proved that this method of delivery of food is safe for patients, improves nutritional status, simplifies care, as well as reduces the duration of hospitalization, the frequency of respiratory and infectious complications and, consequently, the cost of treatment and rehabilitation. The article presents the assortment of “Nutriсia” formulas for enteral nutrition, which allows a differentiated approach to nutrition of patients depending on the clinical situation. Nutritional problems in patients with neurological disorders and ways of their correction are described in detail. The advantage of using domestic enteric nutrition through feeding tube for the correction of nutritional deficiencies. Timely assigned nutritional support is a highly effective method of correction of nutritional deficiencies or preventing their development in children with chronic diseases.