EC Nutrition

Background and Aims: To monitor the effectiveness of a low energy partially hydrolysed enteral formula on weight management and feed tolerance in tube fed children with a neuro-disability.

Methods: Retrospective, multicentre study to monitor anthropometric and health economics outcomes in children who had switched to Peptamen^® Junior 0.6 (Nestlé Health Science).

Results: Dietitians collected data from 17 children, the median age of children who had switched to a low energy partially hydrolysed enteral formula was seven years old (IQR 3, 8). The most frequently recorded neuro-disability was cerebral palsy, 8 of 17 children (48%). The primary mode of nutrition delivery was via a gastrostomy (94%). After one month switching to a low energy partially hydrolysed formula both weight (kg) and BMI Z-scores stabilised. 80% of families reported an improvement in feeding intolerance symptoms and 81% reported children’s feeding regimen simplified after switching formula.

Conclusion: Children with a neuro-disability who have feeding intolerances may benefit from a low energy hydrolysed enteral formula to maximise tolerance and minimise excess weight gain; eliminates the need for additional electrolytes, multivitamins, and fluid boluses. Healthcare professional should be knowledgeable of the effectiveness and availability of low energy, nutritionally complete formulas for tube fed children with neuro-disabilities.

Keywords: Nutritional Support; Enteral Nutrition; Neuro-Disability; Low Energy Enteral Formula; Children

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