Open AccessMoving From Tube to Oral Feeding in Medically Fragile Nonverbal Toddlers
Author(s) -
Davis Ann McGrath,
Bruce Amanda Schurle,
Mangiaracina Cathy,
Schulz Trina,
Hyman Paul
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.206
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1536-4801
pISSN - 0277-2116
DOI - 10.1097/mpg.0b013e31819b5db9
Subject(s) - medicine , gastrostomy tube , pediatrics , gastrostomy , feeding tube , surgery
The current article describes a 14‐week outpatient protocol for transitioning from gastrostomy tube to oral feeding in toddlers with medical complications. The team ensured that eating skills were mastered before treating patients for 8 weeks with continuous gastrojejunal drip tube feedings and low‐dose tricyclic antidepressant and/or gabapentin. We prescribed 6 weeks of megestrol for hunger provocation while withdrawing tube feedings. A chart review after treatment demonstrated 9 subjects were eating exclusively orally and 1 was eating 50% orally.