Complications and benefits of enteral feeding in children with progressive neurological disease in a palliative care service: a retrospective study.

Abstract

Palliative care for children with neurological conditions is essential to improve their quality of life and that of their family, given their uncontrollable symptoms and associated disabilities. These conditions include genetic diseases, congenital brain malformations, neurodegenerative disorders, and acquired brain injury. Enteral feeding, given directly into the gastrointestinal tract, is often necessary. A retrospective study conducted between 2018 and 2023 at the Lumina Association - Bacau Palliative Care Center analyzed data from 604 children with progressive neurological disorders out of 952 patients. These children, with an average age of 9.03 years, required enteral feeding due to swallowing disorders (48%), congenital malformations (29%), and malnutrition (23%). Feeding was performed mainly through a nasogastric tube (97.52%) and in 2.48% of cases through a gastrostomy. During this period, 4.14% of patients died from the underlying disease. The study highlights the benefits and complications of enteral feeding in these children. Although enteral feeding has been shown to be effective in maintaining nutritional status and avoiding dehydration, challenges have been identified, including digestive complications and the risk of infections in the context of palliative care.