Nocturnal hyperalimentation via a gastrostomy tube in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Objective. To assess the efficacy of nocturnal hyperalimentation via a low-profile gastrostomy tube for in the improvement of nutritional status and lung function in children with severe cystic fibrosis (CF). Patients and methods. We used nocturnal hyperalimentation with a nutrient solution via a low-profile gastrostomy tube installed under endoscopic control to improve nutritional status of 16 CF children with severe protein-calorie malnutrition aged between 5.5 and 17.5 years. The mean duration of nocturnal hyperalimentation was 1.3 years (range: 7 months–54 months). The nutritional status was evaluated using the WHOAntho Plus software; pulmonary function was evaluated by assessing forced expiratory volume in 1 minute (FEV1) and the number of bronchopulmonary exacerbations per year. Results. All children demonstrated an improvement in their weight and height. After the first 12 months, the mean body weight gain was 5 kg; during the second and third years, children gained 4 kg and nearly 2 kg, respectively. The mean increase in height was 7 cm in the first year, 10 cm in the second year, and 4 cm in the third year. All patients except one had an increase in FEV1 and fewer exacerbations. Complications after gastrostomy were rare and easily addressed. Conclusion. Nocturnal hyperalimentation via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube is an effective and safe method of improving nutritional status in children with CF, which delays the progression of bronchopulmonary lesions and lung function reduction, improves the prognosis and quality of life. Key words: cystic fibrosis, children, nutritional status, lung function, enteral nutrition, low-profile gastrostomy tube, nocturnal hyperalimentation