Chronic jejunostomy feeding with a non-elemental formula in undernourished patients with cystic fibrosis

Ten patients with cystic fibrosis, moderate to severe lung disease (forced expiratory flow % predicted 26.0, 15.7 [SD]), and undernutrition resistant to oral supplementation have been treated for 10 to 36 months with night-time feeds of a non-elemental formula given via a jejunostomy. All patients gained some weight and showed a significant increase in weight for height (change % wt/ht 8.1, 6.0 [SD] and mid-arm muscle circumference (change MAMC % standard 6.2, 5.7 [SD]). Although the forced expiratory flow indicated progression of the small airways disease during the period of feeding, the forced vital capacity did not significantly decline. In nine patients improvement in % wt/ht was maintained. One patient tolerated the feeding poorly and died of severe pulmonary disease after 10 months. The non-elemental formula used cost less than half that of an elemental formula. The jejunostomy tubes were unobtrusive and secured with only a small transparent dressing, which facilitated replacement. No serious complications resulted from jejunostomy feeding.