J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 Oct 27. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.70240. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Blenderized tube feeding (BTF) is on the rise among children who require enteral nutrition. Data suggest that blended diets (BD) may improve upper gastro-intestinal (UGI) symptoms with potential to improve quality of life for patient and caregiver. This systematic review focuses on the effects of BD, including homemade BTF (HBTF) and commercial BTF (CBTF), on UGI symptoms in pediatric patients.
METHOD: The protocol was registered with PROSPERO CRD42022306237. From inception to September 2024, five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane trials, LILACS and clinicaltrials.gov) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT), cross-sectional studies and cohort studies reporting on UGI outcomes in children on BTF. No language restrictions were used. Quality assessment was done using the ROBINS-I tool. UGI symptoms were defined as a change from baseline in any of the following symptoms: retching, gagging and vomiting. Meta-analysis could not be conducted due to heterogeneity.
RESULTS: Seventeen studies, involving 1585 pediatric patients, met the inclusion criteria. The overall risk of bias was moderate. The publication year ranged from 2011 to 2024. All included studies reported improvement in UGI symptoms (n = 1585). Six studies reported on oral intake (n = 147), all of which consistently reported an increase. Eight studies reported an improvement in constipation after BTF (n = 535), while four studies identified an increase in constipation (n = 531). These outcomes did not differ between HBTF and CBTF.
CONCLUSION: Although high-quality evidence is lacking, current evidence suggests that BTF may improve UGI symptoms in children requiring enteral nutrition. Well-designed prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish the long-term safety and efficacy of BTF.
PMID:41144871 | DOI:10.1002/jpn3.70240
