The efficacy of a hunger-induced two-week tube-weaning program: a retrospective study.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of a multidisciplinary tube-weaning program.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled children with feeding tube dependency who had not responded to standard tube-weaning interventions. All participants underwent a structured two-week multidisciplinary tube weaning delivered in a day-hospital setting at the Children's Hospital Zagreb in the period from August 2016 to February 2023. The program was based on a hunger-induction approach and combined with mealtime therapy, sensory integration therapy, parental group therapy and individual support, nutritional counseling, and a workshop for parents. The outcomes were evaluated at the beginning of the program, the end of the program, 3-6 months after the program, and at the last follow-up.

Results: The study enrolled 30 patients (mean age 2.6±1.9 years; 60.0% girls). All patients had complex medical conditions and were tube-dependent for a mean of 29±22 months. The majority (70.0%) had a psychomotor delay. At the end of the program, 27 (90.0%) patients showed improved oral intake, and 10 (33.3%) were completely weaned off tube feeding. During follow-up (mean 40.5 months, n=24 children), 18 children (78.0%) were weaned off tube feeding.

Conclusions: A two-week program effectively improved oral intake and resulted in a high success rate for tube weaning in the long term.