Feeding difficulties in children with esophageal atresia: A parent-reported multicenter study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Feeding difficulties (FDs) are frequently observed in children with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF).
• Limited knowledge exists regarding the prevalence and specific risk factors for FDs in this pediatric population.
• This study addresses the need for comprehensive data on FDs in EA/TEF patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and subtypes of pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) in children with EA/TEF.
• To identify clinical and perinatal factors associated with the development of PFDs in this cohort.
• To evaluate the adequacy of multidisciplinary follow-up care for children with EA/TEF and PFDs.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter study involving 75 children who underwent surgery for EA/TEF between 2005 and 2022.
• Parental completion of a structured questionnaire assessing feeding issues.
• Diagnosis and classification of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) using the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale and consensus criteria into feeding skills, nutritional, medical, and psychosocial subtypes.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of FDs was reported in 76% of the children, predominantly due to impaired feeding skills (42%).
• Lower gestational age, low birth weight, and delayed oral feeding were significantly associated with PFD.
• Less than half of the children received timely and appropriate multidisciplinary follow-up care.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric feeding disorders are highly prevalent in children with EA/TEF, with impaired feeding skills being the primary issue.
• Clinical and perinatal factors are linked to PFD development, highlighting the need for early intervention.
• Multidisciplinary follow-up is crucial for improving outcomes in children with EA/TEF and associated feeding challenges.