Blenderized Tube Feeding and Enterostomy Tube Occlusions Among Adults with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Primary Lateral Sclerosis

Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
28 September 2021

Abstract

Adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) may develop swallowing difficulties and elect to receive an enterostomy feeding tube for nutrition support. Blenderized tube feeding (BTF) appeals to those interested in a homemade enteral nutrition option, but there are concerns of feeding tube occlusion and limited research on this potential risk. Therefore, our purpose was to determine the frequency of, and risk factors for, feeding tube occlusions among adults with ALS or PLS who use BTF. For this retrospective study, the electronic medical records of tube-fed adults with ALS or PLS who received outpatient care at a provincial ALS clinic during a two-year period were reviewed (n = 651). There were 97 tube-fed patients identified, of which 20 (21%) used BTF. Average duration of BTF use was 11.25 ± 7.5 months. Seven subjects (35%) used BTF exclusively, while 13 (65%) used a combination of BTF and commercial enteral formula. All received BTF by gastrostomy tube, sized 14 to 24 French. BTF administration methods and compliance with water flush recommendations varied. Despite the perceived risk of feeding tube occlusions with blenderized tube feeding, no occlusions were found to have occurred in this study.

Résumé

Les adultes atteints de sclérose latérale amyotrophique (SLA) et de sclérose latérale primaire (SLP) peuvent développer des difficultés de déglutition et choisir de recevoir un soutien nutritionnel sous forme de sonde d’entérostomie. L’alimentation par sonde avec nourriture en purée (ASNP) suscite l’intérêt des personnes qui aimeraient avoir une alimentation entérale faite maison, mais l’on craint d’éventuelles occlusions de la sonde, et peu de recherches ont été menées sur ce risque. Ainsi, notre objectif était de déterminer la fréquence et les facteurs de risque d’occlusions de la sonde d’alimentation chez les adultes atteints de SLA ou de SLP ayant recours à l’ASNP. Dans le cadre de cette étude rétrospective, les dossiers médicaux électroniques d’adultes alimentés par sonde et atteints de SLA ou de SLP qui ont reçu des soins en clinique externe dans une clinique provinciale de SLA durant une période de deux ans ont été examinés (n = 651). On a identifié 97 patients alimentés par sonde, dont 20 (21 %) ont eu recours à l’ASNP. La durée moyenne d’utilisation de l’ASNP était de 11,25 ± 7,5 mois. Sept sujets (35 %) avaient exclusivement recours à l’ASNP, tandis que 13 (65 %) utilisaient une combinaison d’ASNP et de préparations entérales commerciales. Tous recevaient l’ASNP par sonde de gastrostomie de format 14 à 24 Ch. Les méthodes d’administration de l’ASNP et le respect des recommandations en matière de rinçage à l’eau variaient. Malgré le risque perçu d’occlusion de la sonde par la nourriture en purée, aucune occlusion ne s’est produite dans le cadre de cette étude.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

cover image Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 82Number 4December 2021
Pages: 196 - 199
Editor: Naomi Cahill Ph.D RD

History

Version of record online: 28 September 2021

Key Words

  1. Enteral nutrition
  2. amytrophic lateral sclerosis
  3. primary lateral sclerosis
  4. gastrostomy
  5. dysphagia

Mots-clés

  1. alimentation entérale
  2. sclérose latérale amyotrophique
  3. sclérose latérale primaire
  4. gastrostomie
  5. dysphagie

Authors

Affiliations

Claire Kariya BSc, RD, CNSC
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Vancouver General Hospital, Department of Clinical Nutrition, Vancouver BC
University of British Columbia, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Dietetics, Vancouver BC
Lisa Vardi BSc, RD, CNSC
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, ALS Centre, Vancouver BC

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