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The effect of tube feeding on postprandial gastroesophageal reflux
1First Department of Surgery, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
Insights
Tube feeding significantly reduces postprandial reflux in infants. This method, whether intragastric or intraesophageal, led to fewer reflux events and less esophageal acid exposure compared to oral feeding.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux is common in infants.
- Feeding methods can influence reflux events.
- Understanding optimal feeding techniques is crucial for infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the impact of oral versus tube feeding on distal esophageal pH in infants.
- To quantify differences in reflux events between feeding methods.
Main Methods:
- Monitored distal esophageal pH for 6 hours in 13 asymptomatic infants.
- Administered 5% glucose solution via oral or tube feeding (intragastric/intraesophageal).
- Compared reflux extent 2 hours post-feeding between methods.
Main Results:
- Intragastric and intraesophageal tube feeding resulted in significantly fewer reflux events compared to oral feeding.
- Tube feeding led to a smaller percentage of time with esophageal pH below 4.
- The duration of the longest single reflux event was shorter with tube feeding.
Conclusions:
- Tube feeding significantly diminishes postprandial reflux in infants.
- Both intragastric and intraesophageal tube feeding are effective in reducing reflux.
- Feeding method is a critical factor in managing infant reflux.
Abstract:
Distal esophageal pH in supine position was monitored for 6 hours in 13 asymptomatic infants. During this period the patients received 15 to 20 mL/kg of 5% glucose solution twice every 3 hours. Each meal was fed orally or through a pH sensor tube. When the patient was fed through a tube, the meal was introduced into the stomach or into the distal esophagus. The extent of reflux during 2 hours after feeding was compared between oral and tube feeding. Comparing oral and intragastric tube feeding, intragastric tube feeding showed significantly fewer reflux events, a smaller percentage of time in the esophageal pH below 4, and a shorter duration of the longest single reflux event. Comparing oral and intraesophageal tube feeding, intraesophageal tube feeding showed the same pattern. The data indicated that tube feeding significantly diminishes the postprandial reflux.