‘YourTube’ the role of different diets in gastrostomy‐fed children: Baseline findings from a prospective cohort study

Abstract

AbstractAimTo assess the risks, benefits, and resource implications of home‐blended food for children with gastrostomy tubes compared with a formula diet.MethodThis prospective cohort study of children (aged 0–18 years) collected baseline data on gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional intake, anthropometric outcomes, parent and child quality of life, and resource use. A propensity score‐weighted generalized linear mixed model was used to compare children receiving a home‐blended versus formula diet.ResultsBaseline data were obtained for 180 children (2019–2021; 107 males, 73 females; mean age 9 years 7 months [SD  4 years 5 months]). Children receiving a home‐blended diet (n  = 104) had similar diagnoses and age but more lived in areas of lower deprivation and parental education was higher compared to the parents of children receiving a formula diet (n  = 76). Children receiving home‐blended diets had significantly better gastrointestinal scores than those receiving formula diets (B  = 13.8, p  < 0.001). The number of gut infections and tube blockages were similar between the two groups but with fewer stoma site infections in the group receiving home‐blended food. Children receiving a home‐blended diet had more fibre in their diet compared to children receiving a formula diet.InterpretationHome‐blended diets should be seen as a safe option for children who are gastrostomy‐fed unless clinically contraindicated. Equality of access to home‐blended diets for children with gastrostomy should be assessed by local clinical teams.