Continuous Gastric Feeding Research Articles

A multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing three-times-a-day intermittent enteral postural feeding to continuous enteral feeding among mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care

BACKGROUND AND AIMSPrevious randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intermittent feeding versus continuous feeding used different methods, employed shorter fasting intervals, ignored patients’ posture in bed during feeds, and showed mixed results. Prolonged fasting intervals are hypothesized to have several benefits. Additionally, there is evidence for more efficient gastric emptying in the right lateral position. In this multicenter RCT, we aimed to compare the effects of three-times-a-day gastric feeding while in the right lateral tilt position (intermittent postural feeding) versus standard continuous gastric feeding (standard feeding) on gastrointestinal intolerance and mortality among mechanically ventilated patients in ICU. METHODSAdult ICU patients with gastric feeding tube in-situ and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were randomized to either intermittent postural feeding group or to the standard feeding group. The feeding formula, target daily feed volume and posture turns were determined as per standard practice for all patients. Primary outcome was an incidence rate per 100 patient-days of gastrointestinal intolerance, a composite outcome of vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Secondary outcomes were all-cause hospital mortality, gastrointestinal intolerance-free days, ventilator-free days, episodes of vomiting or diarrhea per patient, and mean diet volume ratio (diet received/ diet prescribed). RESULTSAt five multidisciplinary ICUs, 120 mechanically ventilated, adult ICU patients (median age 65 years, 60% males) were randomly allocated to intermittent postural feeding (n=61) and standard feeding (n=59). The primary outcome did not differ between intermittent feeding arm versus standard arm (8.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.9-11.8, versus 6.2, 95% CI: 4.1-9.1 per 100 patient-days; p =0.23). Gastrointestinal intolerance-free days until day 14 were similar (6 [2-8] versus 5 [2-10]; p =0.68) in both groups. Number of episodes per patient of vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation also did not differ in between groups. All-cause hospital mortality between intermittent feeding arm versus standard arm was 20% versus 31% (p=0.17). There were no significant between-group differences in any of the other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONSIntermittent gastric feeds delivered three-times-a-day while in the right lateral tilt position among mechanically ventilated patients was as well tolerated as the continuous enteral feeding. A definitive RCT to assess other clinically important outcomes is justified. Trial registrationACTRN12616000212459 https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=365526&isReview=true

Continuous versus Bolus Gastric Tube Feeding in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Supported with Noninvasive Respiratory Support: A Randomized, Pilot Study.

This study aimed to compare time to full feeding (TFF) between continuous gastric feeding (CGF) and bolus feeding (BF) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants supported with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and to evaluate feasibility and identify methodological pitfalls for future large-scale studies. This study is a randomized controlled, prospective, pilot study. VLBW premature infants, supported with NIV, were randomized while still on trophic feeding <20 mL/kg/day to receive feeding over 2 hours of CGF or over 15- to 30-minute BF. The primary outcome was TFF. Analysis was done by intention to treat. Overall, 32 infants were included in this analysis, 17 in the CGF group and 15 in the BF group. Infants in the CGF group were significantly younger than the BF group (mean ± standard deviation [SD] gestational age [GA] 26.9 ± 1.2 vs. 28.9 ± 1.5 weeks, respectively). TFF was comparable with median (interquartile range [IQR]) for the two groups, 10.0 (10.0, 19.0) days in the BF group versus 12.0 (9.0, 13.0) days in the CGF group (p = 0.59). Feeding length was not found to significantly affect TFF in multivariate analysis correcting for GA. Groups were comparable in weight gain, gastrointestinal complications, length of NIV, bronchopulmonary dysplasia incidence, and age at discharge. Most infants from both groups (60% of BF and 70% of CGF) required changes in feeding length. In this pilot study, among VLBW infants supported with NIV, TFF was comparable between the BF and CGF groups. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and despite the multivariate analysis correcting for the different GA. Interestingly, most infants required changes in feeding length regardless of their allocation. This feasibility study emphasizes the need for careful attention to randomization and strict feeding protocols including criteria for switching allocation in future large-scale studies aimed at determining the preferred feeding length during NIV in VLBW infants. · Among infants supported with NIV, length of feeding affects gastric venting.. · BF might increase gastrointestinal reflux, while continuous feeding hinders gastric decompression.. · Among infants supported by NIV, feeding tolerance was comparable between bolus and continuous groups..

Foods for Special Medical Purposes in Home Enteral Nutrition-Clinical Practice Experience. Multicenter Study.

BackgroundEnteral nutrition (EN) with foods for special medical purposes (FSMP) is recommended for most patients on home enteral nutrition (HEN). Although there are disease-specific guidelines for energy, protein, and micronutrient provision, only a few studies are showing real-life experience in the long-term use of FSMP.MethodsIn a multicenter study, the influence of the FSMP composition and administration technique (bolus vs. continuous) on protein and energy provision in HEN was analyzed. Provision of vitamins and minerals was compared to recommended daily allowance (RDA) and upper tolerable limit (UL).ResultsApproximately, 772 patients on HEN, mostly (88.6%) with oncological and neurological diseases, were enrolled. The patients on standard FSMP received less protein and energy than those on hypercaloric and protein enriched despite receiving higher volumes of EN (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in jejunal feeding with oligomeric vs. polymeric FSMP in terms of energy, protein, and volume. Continuous gastric feeding provided more protein, energy, and volume vs. bolus feeding (p < 0.05). Significant number of patients received less than 100% RDA of vitamin D (50.5%), vitamin B3 (49%), vitamin K (21.8%), vitamin B5 (64.3%), vitamin B9 (60%). Majority of the patients received less than 100% RDA of sodium (80.2%), potassium (99%), chloride (98%), calcium (67%), magnesium (87%), fluoride (99%), and iodine (43%). Approximately, 43.63% of cancer and 49.9% of neurological patients received less than 1 g/kg/day of protein and 51.7% of cancer and 55.5% of neurological patients received less than 25 kcal/kg/day.ConclusionAwareness of the available compositions of FSMP and advantageous profiles of specific diets may lead to the implementation of recommendations for EN. HEN professionals need to analyze all the patient’s needs and requirements to provide more tailored matching of nutritional support.

Bolus gastric feeds improve nutrition delivery to mechanically ventilated pediatric medical patients: Results of the COntinuous vs BOlus multicenter trial.

Comparison of bolus gastric feeding (BGF) vs continuous gastric feeding (CGF) with respect to timing and delivery of energy and protein in mechanically ventilated (MV) pediatric patients has not been investigated. We hypothesized that bolus delivery would shorten time to goal nutrition and increase the percentage of goal feeds delivered. Multicenter, prospective, randomized comparative effectiveness trial conducted in seven pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Eligibility criteria included patients aged 1 month to 12 years who were intubated within 24 h of PICU admission, with expected duration of ventilation at least 48 h, and who were eligible to begin enteral nutrition within 48 h. Exclusion criteria included patients with acute or chronic gastrointestinal pathology or acute surgery. We enrolled 158 MV children between October 2015 and April 2018; 147 patients were included in the analysis (BGF = 72, CGF = 75). Children in the BGF group were slightly older than those in the CGF; otherwise, the two groups had similar demographic characteristics. There was no difference in the percentage of patients in each group who achieved goal feeds. Time to goal feeds was shorter in the BGF group (hazard ratio 1.5 [CI 1.02-2.33]; P = 0.0387). Median percentage of target kilocalories (median kcal 0.78 vs 0.59; P ≤ 0.0001) and median percentage of protein delivered (median protein 0.77 vs 0.59; P ≤ 0.0001) was higher for BGF patients. There was no difference in serial oxygen saturation index between groups. Our study demonstrated shorter time to achieve goal nutrition via BGF compared with CGF in MV pediatric patients. This resulted in increased delivery of target energy and nutrition. Further study is needed in other PICU populations.

Glycogen storage disease types I and II: Treatment updates

Prior to 2006 therapy for glycogen storage diseases consisted primarily of dietary interventions, which in the case of glycogen storage disease (GSD) type II (GSD II; Pompe disease) remained essentially palliative. Despite improved survival and growth, long-term complications of GSD type I (GSD I) have not responded to dietary therapy with uncooked cornstarch or continuous gastric feeding. The recognized significant risk of renal disease and liver malignancy in GSD I has prompted efforts towards curative therapy, including organ transplantation, in those deemed at risk. Results of clinical trials in infantile Pompe disease with alglucosidase alfa (Myozyme) showed prolonged survival reversal of cardiomyopathy, and motor gains. This resulted in broad label approval of Myozyme for Pompe disease in 2006. Furthermore, the development of experimental therapies, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapy, holds promise for the availability of curative therapy in GSD I and GSD II/Pompe disease in the future.

Tolerability of bolus versus continuous gastric feeding in brain-injured patients

Brain injured patients may exhibit altered gastric emptying; thus, some believe post-pyloric feeding to be tolerated better than gastric feeding. Reliable post-pylorus access can be difficult to obtain, so gastric feeding remains the preferred route for administering nutrition. Feeding intolerance may be associated with increased complications and costs. We sought to compare bolus (B) versus continuous (C) gastric feeding in brain injured patients. This retrospective cohort study was carried out at a neurological/neurosurgical intensive care unit at a Level 1 trauma and tertiary referral center. Our subjects were 152 consecutive patients over two years. Use of B or C feedings was based on clinicians' preferences. Abdominal examination and gastric residuals (>75 mL over four hours) defined feeding intolerance (FI). Putative risks for FI were compared between the groups. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups B (n = 86) and C (n =66). Feeding intolerance occurred more often in group B than in group C (60.5% vs. 37.9%, p =0.009). Group C patients achieved 75% of nutritional goals faster than group B patients (median 3.3 vs. 4.6 days; p =0.03). Prokinetic agent use was similar between the groups and did not reduce the time to achieve nutritional goals. There was a trend towards a reduction in the incidence of infections in group C (p =0.05). Independent predictors of FI included: sucralfate (OR 2.3), propofol (OR 2.1), pentobarbital (OR 3.9) or paralytic (OR 3) use; older age (OR 5); days receiving mechanical ventilation (OR 1.2); and admission diagnosis of either intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 2.2) or ischemic stroke (OR 1.9). Continuous gastric feeding is better tolerated than B feedings in patients with acute brain injuries. Use of prokinetic agents did not affect time to achievement of nutritional goals. Use of common medications including sucralfate and propofol were associated with FI. [Neurol Res 2002; 24: 613-620]

UNEXPLAINED HYPOGLYCEMIA IN BECKWITH-WEIDSMANN SYNDROME WITH BLUNTED GROWTH HORMONE RESPONSE

We report a 34 week female infant, birth weight=3.7 Kg, length=49.5 cm with macroglossia, microcephaly, diastasis recti, pulmonic stenosis, visceromegaly, abnormal ear crease and multiple other problems including increased direct bilirubin and liver function tests. Severe hypoglycemia developed when weaned from parenteral nutrition at 6 weeks of age. Initial studies revealed growth hormone (GH)=7.7 ng/ml, cortisol (C)=9.7 mcg/ml, insulin (I)=2.1 mcU/ml when blood glucose (BG) = 21 ms/dl. Euglyccmia was maintained by continuous gastric feeding. Subsequent fasting showed GH=1.1, I <2.5, C=19.4, IGF I <0.6 U/ml, IGF II=532 ng/ml, C-peptide=1.1 ng/ml when BG=35. IV glucagon increased BG to 52. Therapy with GH (1 U IM QD) did not ameliorate hypoglycemia. Repeat glucagon stimulation on GH therapy demonstrated maximum I= 10 mcU/ml 1 minute after infusion and maximum GH= 3.7. Liver biopsy was negative for glycogen storage disease. Brain HRI and chromosomes were normal. Hyporbilirubinenia resolved during GH therapy. One week post GH therapy an argininc infusion test revealed: The reason for the hypoglycemia is unclear. Hyperinsulinemia or abnormal IGF I and II were not demonstrated. GH therapy was unsuccessful. Factors other than insulin, growth hormone and the known IGF's appear to play an important part in the macrosomia and hypoglycemia seen in this infant.

Portacaval Shunt as Treatment for Glycogenosis Ib-Reply

In Reply .—Corbeel et al 1 have suggested that portacaval anastomosis be considered as a primary mode of therapy to resolve neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction on the basis of clinical experience with a patient previously described. However, in at least one other patient, a portacaval shunt operation did not reverse the neutropenia or infections 2 ; and, indeed, the patient described by Corbeel et al had neutropenia on at least three occasions after the portacaval anastomosis. 1 Furthermore, the effect of portosystemic shunting in this patient could not be completely appreciated since granulocyte dysfunction prior to surgery could not be completely documented. Finally, platelet dysfunction in Corbeel and colleagues' patient normalized in response to continuous gastric feeding for three weeks, not the shunt procedure itself. Although increases in leukocyte counts are seen in other disorders after shunting, there is little experience in glycogenosis lb to support its use routinely as a