Tube-Fed vs Orally-Fed Children with Early Childhood Feeding Disorders

BACKGROUND Children with feeding disorders may require tube feeding when oral intake is insufficient. This study compared the clinical management and parental experiences of tube-fed children versus orally-fed children with feeding disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 22 children under 3 years old diagnosed with feeding disorders, treated at the Early Childhood Eating and Sleeping Disorders Clinic, between July 2018 and December 2020. Eleven tube-fed children were matched with 11 orally-fed children based on age and sex. Data were collected from medical records, parental questionnaires, and clinical documentation. Parental mood, stress levels, and perceived social support were assessed via validated self-report measures. RESULTS Significantly different aspects of coping were found in the parental group of tube-fed children. The need for occupational therapy and psychological consultation only occurred in the tube-fed group. The tube-fed group had more visits at the clinic. These parents were less satisfied with their child's development and generally felt less successful in coping with the difficulties. They felt they had been less supported by their social environment than parents in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The management of tube-fed children primarily focuses on the child. However, these cases are more efficiently managed with multidisciplinary teamwork and with the active involvement of parents.