Feeding and nutritional challenges in infants with single ventricle physiology

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Establishment and Confirmation of a Postnatal Right Ventricular Volume Overload Mouse Model
06:04

Establishment and Confirmation of a Postnatal Right Ventricular Volume Overload Mouse Model

Published on: June 9, 2023

Joshua S Wolovits1, Andrea Torzone

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. joshua.wolovits@utsouthwestern.edu

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|May 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Adequate enteral nutrition is crucial for infants with single ventricle physiology, but feeding complications hinder growth. Developing evidence-based feeding guidelines is essential to improve outcomes and survival rates for these high-risk infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Neonatology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Infants with univentricular hearts require optimal enteral nutrition for recovery and survival.
  • Feeding complications are common in this population, often impeding adequate nutritional delivery.
  • Current management strategies for enteral nutrition vary widely, lacking standardization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent data on feeding practices, growth patterns, and outcomes in infants post-palliation for univentricular hearts.
  • To explore effective management strategies for safe and efficient enteral nutrition delivery.
  • To highlight the need for evidence-based feeding guidelines in this vulnerable group.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of recent literature on enteral nutrition in infants with single ventricle physiology.
  • Analysis of growth patterns, feeding complications, and mortality rates.
  • Exploration of current feeding practices and management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Infants with single ventricle physiology exhibit persistent growth failure up to 14 months post-palliation.
  • Increased daily caloric intake can mitigate growth failure, which is linked to higher mortality.
  • Standardizing feeding practices shows promise in improving nutrition delivery and reducing complications, yet international guidelines are lacking.

Conclusions:

  • Optimizing enteral nutrition is critical for improving outcomes in infants with single ventricle physiology.
  • The absence of evidence-based feeding guidelines presents a significant challenge.
  • Developing and implementing standardized, evidence-based feeding guidelines is crucial for better patient outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Non-Nutritive Suck Parameters Measurements Using a Custom Pressure Transducer System06:19

Non-Nutritive Suck Parameters Measurements Using a Custom Pressure Transducer System

Published on: April 19, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding01:15

Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding

Enteral nutrition encompasses various methods of delivering nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, bypassing traditional oral intake. It is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot eat by mouth but have a functioning digestive system. Key methods include nasointestinal feeding, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy, each suited to different clinical scenarios based on the patient's needs and condition.
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding01:26

Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding

Enteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine through a tube. This method is appropriate for patients who cannot eat but still have a functioning digestive system. It is also beneficial for individuals with swallowing difficulties, anorexia, malabsorption, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition01:27

Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns01:29

Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns

Microorganisms exhibit diverse oxygen requirements and growth patterns driven by their metabolic strategies and environmental adaptations. Oxygen, while essential for many organisms, can also be toxic under certain conditions, shaping how microorganisms grow and survive.Oxygen Requirements of MicroorganismsMicroorganisms are classified based on their ability to use or tolerate oxygen:● Obligate aerobes like Mycobacterium tuberculosis need oxygen for energy production, as it serves as the...
Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management01:27

Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management

A comprehensive nursing assessment is essential for patients with valvular heart disease, which involves any dysfunction of the heart valves that could impact blood flow and overall heart function.Subjective Data Collection:Chief Complaint and Present Illness: Start with the patient's primary concerns, focusing on the onset, duration, and progression of cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations.Past Medical History: Collect detailed information on any previous...