[Nutrition pumps in pediatrics: a comparative study]

Home enteral nutrition as the sole or as an additional way of feeding children is becoming increasingly popular. It can be used in the form of bolus-feeding, or as drip-feeding, either continuous (24 hours) or semicontinuous (nightly). For the latter method usually a feeding pump is used. In the Netherlands several feeding pumps are available, which were tested in this report. These feeding pumps (Compat, Enteroport, Flexiflo Companion, Flocare 500, Frenta Mat, Frenta-System II, Kangaroo 324, Nutromat Päd S, Nutromat S) were investigated for accuracy, available rate-settings, adequate alarming at interruption of the drip feeding, weight and ease of operation. All pumps were tested stationary, and suitable pumps weighing less than 1000 grams were subsequently tested ambulatory. The nine tested pumps were all fairly easy to operate. Three pumps were not suitable for pediatric use, either because the infusion rate was more than 30% out of range (Flexiflo Companion) or because of inadequate rate settings (Nutromat S and Frentasystem II; respectively 20 and 25 ml/hour minimally). Accuracy for the other pumps was always within 10% of the set rate. One pump, the Enteroport, has a rate setting which is suboptimal for pediatric use. In addition this pump does not alarm when the drip feeding is interrupted. The other pumps (Compat, Frenta Mat, Kangaroo 324, Flocare 500, and Nutramat Päd S) are all suitable for pediatric use, both with respect to the rate settings as to the adequate alarming when the drip feeding is interrupted. The Flocare 500 and the Nutromat Päd S, in addition to the Enteroport, have a weight below 1000 grams.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)