Open AccessContinuous Feedings Are Not Associated With Lower Rates of Gastroesophageal Reflux When Compared With Bolus Feedings
Author(s) -
Mahoney Lisa B.,
Liu Enju,
Rosen Rachel
Publication year - 2019
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.0000000000002464
Subject(s) - medicine , reflux , bolus (digestion) , gastrostomy , enteral administration , parenteral nutrition , gastroenterology , pediatrics , anesthesia , surgery , disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is common in children with gastrostomy tubes. Clinicians often transition to continuous feedings in an attempt to reduce reflux burden, though there is limited data to support this practice. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 24‐hour multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH studies in 18 children with gastrostomy tubes receiving exclusive enteral nutrition with a combination of daytime bolus and overnight continuous feedings. There were no significant differences in the rate of reflux (reflux events per hour) between no feeding, bolus feeding, and continuous feeding periods overall or stratified by prior fundoplications ( P > 0.40). After adjusting for age, BMI, feeding rate, and feeding volume in multivariate analysis, there were no significant differences in the risk of reflux between different feeding periods. These results suggest that continuous feedings may not offer a significant advantage in reducing reflux burden.