The transition from blenderized tube feeding to medical nutrition therapy in the adult patient with spastic dystonia

The popularity of blenderized tube feeding continues to increase due to patient and caregiver demand. However, the evidence for blenderized tube feeding is limited, particularly for its effectiveness and safety in long-term use. This case study, the transition process from blenderized tube feeding to medical nutrition therapy with commercial enteral formula in an adult patient with spastic dystonia. The patient was a 27-year-old male who was admitted to the neurology service. The patient, who had been on a long period of blenderized tube feeding, was malnourished when the nutritional status was assessed. The patient who was resistant to nutrition regimen changes was administered medical nutrition therapy, which included a commercial enteral formula with a gradual increase in dose, with a monitoring protocol for approximately three months. This case report discusses and applies the provision of individualized medical nutrition therapy in conjunction with appropriate decision-making by the nutrition support team for the nutritional management of an adult patient with a history of long-term blenderized tube feeding. Further research is needed to determine the indications, contraindications and treatment protocols for blenderized tube feeding.