Need For Tube Feeding Research Articles

Structural airway abnormalities contribute to dysphagia in children with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

BackgroundLong-term dysphagia occurs in up to 50% of repaired esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) patients. The underlying factors are unclear and may include stricture, esophageal dysmotility, or associated anomalies. Our purpose was to determine whether structural airway abnormalities (SAA) are associated with dysphagia in EA/TEF. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of children who underwent EA/TEF repair in our hospital system from 2007 to 2016. Children with identified SAA (oropharyngeal abnormalities, laryngeal clefts, laryngomalacia, vocal cord paralysis, and tracheomalacia) were compared to those without airway abnormalities. Dysphagia outcomes were determined by the need for tube feeding and the modified pediatric Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) at 1 year. ResultsSAA was diagnosed in 55/145 (37.9%) patients with EA/TEF. Oropharyngeal aspiration was more common in children with SAA (58.3% vs. 36.4%, p=0.028). Children with SAA were more likely to require tube feeding both at discharge (79.6% vs. 48.3%, p<0.001) and at 1 year (52.7% vs. 13.6%, p<0.001) and had lower mean FOIS (4.18 vs. 6.21, p<0.001). In the logistic regression model adjusting for gestational age, long gap EA, and esophageal stricture, the presence of SAA remained a significant risk factor for dysphagia (OR 4.17 (95% CI 1.58–11.03)). ConclusionSAA are common in children with EA/TEF and are associated with dysphagia, even after accounting for gestational age, esophageal gap and stricture. This study highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach, including early laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, in the evaluation of the EA/TEF child with dysphagia. Level of evidenceLevel II retrospective prognostic study

Clinical Outcome for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia at the Age of 1 Year in the Era of Fetal Intervention

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is an abnormal development of the diaphragm leading to high neonatal mortality and morbidity. Beyond the neonatal period, prospective data on overall long-term outcome in CDH survivors is scarce. In particular, for those treated with fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO), a promising new technique to increase survival chances for severe cases, the outcomes are even less documented. Aim: To prospectively document the clinical outcome of CDH at 1 year including FETO-treated infants in relation to ante- and postnatal variables. Methods: A single-centre prospective clinical follow-up at 1 year of age included a standardised respiratory questionnaire. Results: Thirty-four CDH survivors were included, 10 of which were FETO-treated infants. At 1 year, the median weight z score was -1.50 (interquartile range [IQR]: -2.45 to -0.88) and 10/34 were “failure to thrive” (FTT) cases. Gastro-intestinal (GI) problems at 1 year were mainly related to gastro-oesophageal reflux (16/34) with a high need for tube feeding in the first year (9/34). Tachypnoea was present in 10/29 (34%) and 8/34 (24%) were on chronic inhaled medication. The median total respiratory symptom score was 20 (IQR: 13-32) and correlated with the number of neonatal ventilation days (p = 0.048). Hospital re-admission occurred in 19/34 infants (56%), and was for respiratory problems in almost half of them (8/19). Conclusion: In this CDH cohort, morbidity at 1 year was determined more by GI problems and FTT than respiratory morbidity. The respiratory questionnaire may, however, have underestimated the respiratory morbidity since respondents had a 1-in-4 chance to have persistent tachypnoea and be on chronic inhalation therapy.

Risk Factors for Abnormal Developmental Trajectories in Young Children With Congenital Heart Disease.

Children with congenital heart disease are at risk for developmental delay. This study sought to identify early risk factors for abnormal developmental trajectories in children with congenital heart disease. Children with congenital heart disease at high risk for developmental delay, without known genetic abnormality, and with ≥3 assessments by the use of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, were studied. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of patient and clinical factors on cognitive, language, and motor score trajectories; classified as: average or improved if all scores were ≥85 (<1 standard deviation below the mean) or increased to ≥85 and never decreased; or abnormal if all scores were <85, fell to <85 and never improved, or fluctuated above and below 85. Data on 131 children with 527 Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition assessments were analyzed. Subject age was 5.5 to 37.4 months. Overall, 56% had cognitive, language, and motor development in the average range. Delays occurred in single domains in 23%. Multiple domains were delayed in 21%. More cardiac surgeries, longer hospital stay, poorer linear growth, and tube feeding were associated with worse outcomes in all domains (P<0.05). In the multivariable model, the need for tube feeding was a risk factor for having an abnormal developmental trajectory (odds ratio, 5.1-7.9). Minority race and lack of private insurance had significant relationships with individual domains. Longitudinal developmental surveillance identified early factors that can help quantify the risk of developmental delay over time. Strategies to improve modifiable factors and early therapeutic intervention can be targeted to children at highest risk.

PC-FACS

PC-FACS

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of megestrol acetate as an appetite stimulant in children with weight loss due to cancer and/or cancer therapy

Megestrol acetate (MA) is an appetite stimulant with efficacy in promoting weight gain in adults with cancer-associated anorexia-cachexia. Studies documenting MA efficacy in children, however, are limited. We present the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of MA versus placebo in children with cancer and weight loss. Subjects <18 years of age with weight loss (minimum 5% from highest previous weight; or %ideal body weight <90%) due to cancer and/or cancer therapy were randomized to either MA (7.5 mg/kg/day) or placebo for a planned study duration of 90 days. Primary outcome was the difference between groups in mean percent weight change from beginning to end of the study period. Secondary outcomes included effects on anthropometrics, body composition, need for tube feeding or parenteral nutrition, and toxicities. Twenty-six patients were randomly assigned (13 MA, 13 placebo). The MA group experienced a mean weight gain of +19.7% compared to a mean weight loss of -1.2% in the placebo group, for a difference of +20.9% (95%CI: +11.3% to +30.5%, P = 0.003) in favor of MA over placebo. MA subjects experienced significant increases in weight for age z-scores, body mass index z-scores, and mid upper arm circumference compared to placebo. DXA scanning suggested disproportionate increases in fat accrual. Adrenal suppression was the main toxicity of MA. In children with high-risk malignancies, MA resulted in significant increases in mean percent weight change compared to placebo. Further studies of MA should be pursued to better delineate the effect on nutritional status.

Toxicity and Outcome of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy versus 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Matched-Pair Analysis

Because of the scarcity of randomized trials comparing toxicity and outcomes of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) with 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), we performed a matched-pair analysis from prospectively collected data from the Head and Neck Tumor Registry of our institution. In the absence of phase III trials, we believe this approach provides the highest quality data possible. Ninety-two patients treated with 3DCRT were matched (1:1) to 92 patients treated with IMRT for 9 potential predictive factors for toxicity and outcome: gender, age, T-stage, N-stage, tumor subsite, unilateral neck irradiation, chemotherapy, neck dissection and boost technique. Groups were compared for acute and late toxicity, locoregional control (LRC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Oncologic outcomes were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analyses and toxicity was analyzed according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0. The overall incidence of grade 3 acute toxicity was significantly reduced by IMRT, compared to 3DCRT (45% vs. 70%, p = 0.001). The need for tube feeding was reduced from 50% to 37% (p = 0.04). The 3-year actuarial incidence of grade ≥2 late toxicity was also significantly reduced by IMRT, compared to 3DCRT (20% vs. 45%, respectively; p ≤ 0.0001). The incidence of grade ≥ 2 late dysphagia and xerostomia for IMRT vs. 3DCRT were 10% vs. 31% for dysphagia, p = 0.004 and 13% vs. 37%, for xerostomia, respectively (p = 0.001). The 3-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of LRC, DFS, and OS for IMRT vs. 3DCRT were 90% vs. 82% (p = 0.1), 82% vs. 76% (p = 0.3), and 72% vs. 64% (p = 0.2), respectively. In conclusion, the presented non-randomized comparative study of well-matched groups demonstrates the superiority of IMRT vs. 3DCRT for OPC by significantly reducing radiation-induced toxicity without jeopardizing outcomes. The improved therapeutic ratio achieved by the use of IMRT would allow dose escalation of radiotherapy to further improve outcomes of patients with OPC.

Knowledge and Tube Feeding Practices for Older Adult Patients among Japanese Registered Nurses

The aim of this study was to examine nurses’ thinking regarding the indications for tube feeding in older adults with eating difficulties and to determine whether the team approach can improve their knowledge and tube feeding practices. We sent self-administered questionnaires to 436 nurses and collected them from November to December 2010 (response rate, 70.0%). The results indicated that approximately 30% of the Japanese nurses thought that older patients with dementia should be on tube feeding and more than half of the nurses answered that tube feeding is indicated for aspiration-prone, frail, older adults. Moreover, our findings showed that nurses who organize multidisciplinary teams performed more interventions for dysphagia before introducing tube feeding than the reference group as analyzed by multivariate adjustment (odds ratio, 2.1-6.6). In conclusion, a multidisciplinary team approach is expected to make better decisions on the treatment and care of older patients with difficulty eating, including the need for tube feeding

Reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects with submental flap after laryngopharyngectomy

The submental flap has rekindled interest in using cervical flaps for reconstruction of head and neck defects. In this article, the authors present their experience of using this flap for hypopharyngeal defects after laryngopharyngectomy. This is a retrospective study of six patients who underwent hypopharyngeal defect reconstruction with submental flap from 2008 to 2011, operated upon by a single surgeon (JC Lee). The flap was used primarily to reconstruct defects after tumor extirpation. The maximum flap size was 12 × 7 cm and the minimum size was 9 × 4 cm (average, 10.5 × 5.3 cm). No flap failures were observed. All the donor site defects were closed primarily. Two patients developed a small pharyngocutaneous fistula that resolved spontaneously. No other complications were observed. After speech reeducation, all achieved a good-quality, understandable artificial voice. All patients were able to eat by mouth without the need for tube feeding. The submental flap is an excellent alternative in the reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects because of its reliability, versatility, pliability, and relative ease of application. Our initial reports confirm that this kind of reconstruction is feasible and time-saving, and restored a good quality of life.

Comparison of reconstruction plate and double flap for reconstruction of an extensive mandibular defect

Functional reconstruction of the anterior mandibular defect in combination with a significant glossectomy is a challenging problem for reconstructive micro-surgeons. In this retrospective study, clinical results were compared between mandibular reconstruction plate (MRP) procedures and double flap transfers. The subjects were 23 patients who underwent immediate reconstruction, after an anterior segmental mandibulectomy in combination with a significant glossectomy, from 1993 to 2009. The patients were divided into two groups based on the reconstructive methods used: MRP and soft tissue free flap transfer (MRP group: 12 patients) or double free flap transfer (double flap group: 11 patients). Operative stress, postoperative complications and oral intake ability were compared between the groups. The rate of recipient-site complication in the double flap group tended to be lower than that in the MRP group. The most frequent complications in the MRP group included infection and orocutaneous fistula. Operative stresses (operation time and blood loss) were significantly less in the MRP group than in the double flap group. Overall, 19 patients (82.6%) were able to tolerate an oral diet without the need for tube feeding. This study demonstrates that laryngeal preservation is possible in more than 80% of patients even after such an extensive ablation. Double flap transfer provides a more stable wound closure than MRP and should be the preferred reconstructive procedure if the patients can tolerate the associated operative stresses.

Prevalence and predictors of later feeding disorders in children who underwent neonatal cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease

We thought of assessing the prevalence and predictors of feeding disorders in patients with congenital heart defects after neonatal cardiac surgery. Retrospective study of 82 consecutive neonates (48 males, 34 females) who underwent surgery for congenital heart defects from 1999 to 2002. Information was taken from patient charts and nursing notes. The presence of a feeding disorder was assessed by a questionnaire sent to the paediatricians when the child was 2 years of age. A feeding disorder was defined as a need for tube feeding, inadequate food intake for age, or failure to thrive. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Feeding disorders occurred in 22% of the study population. Reoperation and early feeding disorders were identified as independent risk factors for later feeding disorders (odds ratio 5.8, p 0.01; odds ratio 20.7, p 0.02). There was a trend towards more feeding disorders in patients with neurological abnormalities during the first hospital stay. Feeding disorder is a frequent, long-term sequela after neonatal cardiac surgery. Patients with congenital heart defects who undergo multiple cardiac surgeries and those with early feeding disorders are at risk of developing later feeding disorders. Patients with these risk factors need to be selected for preventive strategies.

PP-207. Evidence of oxidative stress in Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome by measuring a redox biomarkers profile

able. Pregnancy was unmarked but an increased need for assisted delivery after vaginal birth took place. Clinical findings included neonatal hypotonia, altered consciousness (lethargy), dolichocephaly, and bilateral cryptorchidismwithout any other signs of systemic illness. The newborn had decreased spontaneous movements and arousal, a weak cry, poor suck (need for tube feeding), and poor reflexes. Cranial ultrasound showed a temporal bilateral echogenic lesion. MRI of the head confirmed a diagnosis of extensive thrombosis of cerebral sinuses (CSVT) with a partial occlusion of superior sagittal sinus, torcular, transverse and sigmoid sinuses with no parenchymal brain lesion. A detailed hemostatic screening for hypercoagulable states was normal. Because of persistent and unexplained hypotonia Prader-Willi syndrome(PWS)was suspected.Methylation analysis confirmed PWS. FISH analysis excluded a deletion in 15q11-q13 and maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) for chromosome 15 was confirmed. Treatment consisted of rehydration and systemic anticoagulation with LMWH in a therapeutic anti-X level. The hypotonia gradually improved after the acute phase and the neonate was discharged at 28 days of life. On a follow up examination at 2 months of age, MR venography (MRV) revealed a remarkable reduction of thrombus size.

Oral versus Nasal Route for Placing Feeding Tubes: No Effect on Hypoxemia and Bradycardia in Infants with Apnea of Prematurity

Background: Raised upper airway resistance may be involved in apnea of prematurity (AOP). Objectives: To determine the effects of an oral versus a nasal gastric tube on episodes of hypoxemia and bradycardia in infants with AOP. Methods: In a randomized controlled cross-over trial, 32 infants (median gestational age 29 (range 24–31) weeks, postmenstrual age at study 32 (range 30–35) weeks) with the need for tube feeding and symptoms of AOP underwent a 24-hour recording of breathing movements, nasal airflow, heart rate, pulse oximeter saturation and pulse waveforms. A 5-Fr feeding tube was placed orally or nasally for 12 h each, the position selected first was randomly assigned. When the feeding tube was placed nasally, always the smaller nostril was selected. Each infant acted as his/her own control. Recordings were analyzed for the summed rate of bradycardia and desaturation (heart rate <2/3 of baseline, saturation ≤80%). Results: The route of placing the feeding tube had no significant effect on the summed rate of bradycardia and desaturation (nasal route: median 1.6, CI 0.8–1.9; oral route: median 1.0, CI 0.9–1.6, p = 0.25). Conclusion: We could not confirm an advantage of placing a feeding tube orally in these infants with AOP, as the oral route did not improve their symptoms of AOP. Possible explanations include: (i) the increase in nasal airway resistance by the 5-Fr nasogastric tube, inserted into the smaller nostril, is too small to have any effect on AOP; (ii) any benefit of the oral route is neutralized by the negative effects of an enhanced vagal stimulation, or (iii) study duration was too short to detect a difference in AOP.

Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh flap after total laryngopharyngectomy

: Pharyngoesophageal defects traditionally have been reconstructed using a jejunal or radial forearm flap. In 2002, the authors began using the anterolateral thigh flap for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, and it has become our preferred method. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and functional outcomes achieved using this technique. : The medical records of 91 male and 23 female patients who underwent pharyngoesophageal reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh flap were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes analyzed included length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, fistula and anastomotic stricture formation and other complications, swallowing and tracheoesophageal speech function, and survival. Most patients had primary (27%) or recurrent (42%) squamous cell carcinoma. Before reconstruction, 71% of patients had undergone surgery, radiotherapy, or both. There were 67 circumferential and 47 near-circumferential defects. : Mean intensive care unit stay was 1.9 +/- 2.2 days, and mean hospital stay was 9.0 +/- 4.7 days. Two patients experienced total flap loss, and 1 patient had partial flap necrosis. Pharyngocutaneous fistulas and strictures occurred in 9% and 6% of patients, respectively. Ninety-one percent of patients tolerated an oral diet without the need for tube feeding. Tracheoesophageal puncture was performed for speech rehabilitation in 51 patients. Eight-one percent of patients with a secondary tracheoesophageal puncture achieved fluent speech versus 41% of patients with a primary tracheoesophageal puncture. : This series demonstrates that excellent clinical and functional outcomes, with minimal donor site morbidity and quick recovery, are possible with pharyngoesophageal reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh flap. Cancer 2010. (c) 2010 American Cancer Society.

Biologicals Move Into the Esophagus

Biologicals Move Into the Esophagus

Impact of swallowing therapy on aspiration rate following treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancer

This study examines the efficacy of swallowing therapy in cancer-free patients who developed aspiration following treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancer. The records of 41 patients who underwent swallowing therapy for aspiration were reviewed. All patients were cancer free at a median follow-up of 25 months (6-150 months). Their treatment were respectively chemoradiation (24), and postoperative radiation (17). All patients had two or more modified barium swallow (MBS). Dysphagia severity was graded from 1 to 7. Dysphagia grade was compared before and following swallowing therapy. Before swallowing therapy, there were 16 grade 5 (trace aspiration), and 25 grade 6-7 (severe aspiration). In the chemoradiation group, there were nine grade 5, five grade 6, and 10 grade 7. Corresponding numbers for the postoperative group were: seven grade 5, seven grade 6, and three grade 7. Following swallowing therapy, there were six grade 3, seven grade 4, 10 grade 5, six grade 6, and 12 grade 7. In the chemoradiation group, there were four grade 3, three grade 4, four grade 5, five grade 6, and eight grade 7. In the postoperative group, there were two grade 3, four grade 4, six grade 5, one grade 6, and four grade 7. Overall, 13 patients (32%) had improvement of their dysphagia severity. Seven of them were in the chemoradiation group (29%), and six (35%) were in the postoperative group. Among 25 patients who presented with grade 6-7 aspiration, only nine (36%) improved to grade 5 or less. Four of them (27%) were in the chemoradiation group, and five (29%) were in the postoperative group. Swallowing therapy is effective to improve dysphagia severity and reduce the need for tube feedings. However, a significant number of patients still suffered from chronic severe aspiration. New strategies must be devised to improve their outcome.

Feeding and speech difficulties in typical congenital Nemaline Myopathy

The present study is a retrospective case note review of children with a diagnosis of Nemaline Myopathy attending a tertiary neuromuscular centre. Nineteen patients with typical congenital Nemaline Myopathy are described in relation to their feeding and speech difficulties. Clinical data is presented on: genetic aetiology, severity and disease progression, survival, frequency of follow up, ambulation, faltering growth, frequency of respiratory infections, sleep hypoventilation, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), feeding difficulties, videofluoroscopy results, need for tube feeding (both naso-gastric tube and gastrostomy), gastro-oesophageal reflux and fundoplication. The clinical characteristics of the group include maintained ambulation, faltering growth, feeding difficulties, recurrent respiratory infections and respiratory failure. The majority of children required either gastrostomy or NIV or a combination of both. Faltering growth and gastrostomy preceded nocturnal hypoventilation and NIV in most cases....

Discontinuation of enterostomy tube feeding by behavioral treatment in early childhood: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To determine whether behavior therapy was more effective than nutritional therapy in obviating the need for enteral feeding in infants with resistance to feeding. Study design: Sixty-four children aged 4 to 36 months who were tube fed for at least 1 month and had resistance to feeding were randomly assigned to either behavioral or nutritional interventions (32 per group). For 7 consecutive weeks subjects and their primary feeders attended a weekly clinic with 1 of 2 dietitians followed by 4 follow-up visits. The nutritional intervention provided structured schedules and routines to stimulate the hunger/satiety cycle. The behavioral intervention provided the same schedules and routines plus behavioral therapy (extinction). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of successes, defined as infants no longer requiring tube feeding at the third follow-up visit in each group (4½ months after start of trial). The decision to discontinue tube feeding was made by an independent observer who used criteria defined before the study commencement. Results: Fifteen (47%) of 32 subjects in the behavioral group versus none in the nutritional group were successes (P <.001). Conclusion: Behavior therapy is more efficacious in eliminating the need for tube feeding than nutritional counseling alone. (J Pediatr 2000;137:498-503)

Outcome for infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: The first year

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been associated with a high mortality rate. The purposes of this study were to determine the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on the survival of infants with CDH and to document the sequelae and 1-year neurodevelopmental outcome for CDH infants who required ECMO. Thirty neonates with CDH were admitted between May 7, 1990 and October 1, 1992. Twenty required ECMO and were enrolled in our neonatal follow-up program. Information about the infants' neonatal course was obtained from chart review, and the infants were seen at 3, 6, and 12 months of age for medical and neurodevelopmental follow-up. Primary diaphragmatic repair was performed in 13 infants. Five required Goretex graft reconstruction (GGR), and two did not have repair. Sixteen (80%) of the 20 infants who required ECMO survived. The overall survival rate increased from 31% (10 of 32) in the 5 years previous to the start of the ECMO program to 63% (19 of 30) since then ( P = .01). The most common sequelae noted by the time of discharge included gastroesophageal reflux (GER; 81%), the need for tube feeding (69%), and chronic lung disease (CLD; 62%). At 1 year of age, mean cognitive skills were average (87 ± 23) and motor skills were borderline (75 ± 24) according to the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Hypotonia was present in 10 of 13 patients. GER remained in 6 of 13 and CLD in 3 of 13. There were differences in the mean cognitive (65 ± 28 v 97 ± 13; P = .07) and motor skills (51 ± 3 v 85 ± 21; P = .01) between infants requiring (GGR) and those in whom primary reduction was possible. Furthermore, those with GGR required significantly prolonged durations of ECMO bypass, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, sedation, hospitalization, and tube feedings. These results suggest that ECMO improved survival for infants with CDH; however, sequelae were frequently seen. At 1 year of age, those with the largest diaphragmatic defects fared worse than those with smaller defects.

INTENSITY OF TREATMENT IN MALNUTRITION: The Ethical Considerations

Decisions about initiation and withdrawal of life-sustaining artificial nutrition and hydration are complex and sometimes are agonizing to make. Artificial feeding is considered by most medical ethicists to be a medical intervention about which decisions should be made based on the benefits, risks, and burdens of the treatment. State law varies, particularly with regard to the inclusion of artificial feeding in advance directives and in laws about its discontinuance. Conditions in which it is common for patients or families to consider refusal of artificial feeding include terminal cancer, advanced dementia, and persistent vegetative state. Alternative approaches to nutrition, such as offering favorite foods or treating underlying depression, may obviate the need for tube feeding. Competent patients may refuse any medical treatment, including life-sustaining treatment. An appropriate proxy decision maker may also refuse treatment on behalf of a mentally incapacitated patient.

Discontinuation of tube feeding in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type

The need for tube feeding was evaluated in six patients with clinical diagnosis of probable dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Four patients were fed by a nasogastric tube for a period of 10 to 42 days; two patients were fed by a gastrostomy tube for periods of one and eight years. In five of these patients, it was possible to discontinue artificial feeding and reestablish oralfeeding. The duration of survival after discontinuation of tube feeding rangedfrom four to 35 months. These results indicate that despite the progressive course of DAT, in most cases natural feeding by experienced nursing staff can replace tubefeeding.