Is a blended diet beneficial and safe for gastrostomy fed children?

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    To assess the benefits and risks of administering blended diet to children and young people who are gastrostomy fed in the community

  • IRAS ID

    200203

  • Contact name

    Sian Thomas

  • Contact email

    sian.thomas14@wales.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 2 months, 28 days

  • Research summary

    There is growing interest from families of enterally fed children in the UK regarding the use of blended food via a gastrostomy device as an alternative to commercially prepared feeds with some reported benefits from changing to this method of feeding including reduced gastro-oesophageal reflux, improved bowel function and an improvement in mood, hair and skin condition.
    This is relatively new practice in the UK, although it has been practised in the USA and parts of Europe for several years. There is little published evidence available to date regarding the benefits or risks of this practice, although anecdotal reports from families suggest a beneficial effect. However, there are also potential adverse effects such as an increased risk of infection, tube blockage and compromised nutritional intake.
    The British Dietetic Association does not currently promote or recommend the administration of a liquidised diet via gastrostomy, however they have developed a risk assessment tool to guide health care practitioners in relation to areas to consider when providing a duty of care to patients and carers who wish to pursue this method of feeding.
    We aim to undertake a study of gastrostomy fed children (0-18) in South Wales. All families who have chosen to administer a blended diet via a gastrostomy to their child/young person will be invited to participate via their Paediatrician/ Nurse Specialist/Community Children’s Nurse across Health Boards in South Wales (Cardiff & Vale, Aneurin Bevan, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg, Cwm Taf and Hywel Dda)
    - 20 children and young people who are gastrostomy fed, and are receiving at least 50% of their nutritional requirement as blended diet
    - 20 children fed commercial formulae via gastrostomy tube.
    - 20 siblings who eat and drink normally
    The study will take place in clinic and parents will be asked to complete a questionnaire and a stool sample will be requested from child.

  • REC name

    East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/EE/0454

  • Date of REC Opinion

    14 Oct 2016

  • REC opinion

    Unfavourable Opinion