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Decrease in gastric emptying time and episodes of regurgitation in children with spastic quadriplegia fed a
M D Fried1, V Khoshoo, D J Secker
1Division of Clinical Nutrition, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Whey-based formulas significantly improve gastric emptying and reduce vomiting episodes in patients with spastic quadriplegia compared to casein-based formulas. This suggests whey formulas enhance digestion and tolerance in gastrostomy-fed individuals.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Gastrostomy feeding is common in patients with spastic quadriplegia.
- Digestive issues, including delayed gastric emptying and emesis, can complicate nutritional management.
- Whey and casein proteins have different digestion and absorption profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare gastric emptying times of whey-based versus casein-based formulas.
- To assess the impact of formula type on emesis frequency in gastrostomy-fed patients.
- To determine if improved gastric emptying correlates with reduced emesis.
Main Methods:
- Nine patients with spastic quadriplegia receiving gastrostomy feeds were studied.
- Gastric emptying times were measured for three whey-based formulas and one casein-based formula.
- The frequency of emesis was recorded for each formula type.
Main Results:
- Gastric emptying times were significantly shorter for whey-based formulas compared to the casein-based formula (p < 0.001).
- Patients experienced significantly fewer episodes of emesis when fed whey-based formulas (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Whey-based formulas demonstrate faster gastric emptying than casein-based formulas in this patient group.
- Faster gastric emptying associated with whey formulas likely contributes to a significant reduction in emesis.
- Whey-based formulas may offer improved gastrointestinal tolerance for gastrostomy-fed patients with spastic quadriplegia.