Nutritional Outcome in Home Gastrostomy-Fed Children with Chronic Diseases

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the anthropometric outcomes after gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in children with chronic diseases and the influence of primary diagnosis, age, and nutritional support. A longitudinal, multicenter, and prospective study was performed evaluating 65 children with GT feeding and chronic diseases (61.5% with neurological disease). Each child was evaluated three times (at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after GT placement) and the following data was collected: primary diagnosis, age at GT placement, anthropometry, and feeding regime. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze the main effects (intra and intergroup) and the interactions effects on weight gain and linear growth at 6 and 12 months after GT placement. All patients significantly improved their body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-score (p < 0.001) and height-for-age z-score (p < 0.05) after 6 and 12-month of follow-up. BMI gain increased significantly the first 6 months, followed by a plateau, while height followed a linear trend. Children with GT placement before 18 months old experienced an accelerated growth rate during the first 6 months post-GT. This technique showed the effectiveness of GT placement improving nutritional status and growth catch up regardless of their primary diagnosis and the type of nutritional support.