Continuous enteral feedings. An important adjunct to the management of complex congenital heart disease
J. A. Vanderhoof, P. J. Hofschire, M. A. Baluff, J. E. Guest, N. D. Murray, W. W. Pinsky, J. D. Kugler and D. L. Antonson
Eleven infants with complex congenital heart lesions were given continuous
enteral infusions after failure to gain weight adequately despite use of
hypercaloric formulas and nutritional supplementation. Formulas used before
institution of enteral feedings were continued. Dietary and caloric intake
and weight measurements were obtained at weekly or monthly intervals. Both
mean daily caloric intake and mean daily weight gain were greater after
initiation of continuous enteral feedings. Rate of weight gain improved in
all 11 children after institution of enteral feedings. Continuous enteral
feeding increases weight gain in babies with complex congenital heart
disease, allowing earlier and safer surgical intervention.
