Dietary management and feeding considerations of pediatric aerodigestive and upper gastrointestinal motility disorders: A position paper by the NASPGHAN Neurogastroenterology and Motility Committee

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric aerodigestive and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) motility disorders are common and may be associated with compromised nutritional status and decreased quality of life. Traditional dietary recommendations for aerodigestive and UGI motility disorders have been rudimentary and largely based upon experience and common sense rather than scientific evidence. METHODS: This position paper on the role of dietary therapy in pediatric aerodigestive and UGI motility disorders was developed by an expert group from the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Neurogastroenterology and Motility Committee that performed an evidence-based search of the literature on pediatric aerodigestive and UGI motility disorders. The literature was summarized and expert recommendations developed. The authorship met to discuss the evidence and statements. A consensus of at least 70% was required to approve a recommendation. Areas requiring further research were identified. RESULTS: The literature on nutrition in pediatric aerodigestive and UGI motility disorders is limited. These patients benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration involving dietitians for ongoing assessment for growth and nutritional deficiencies as a result of their condition. CONCLUSION: This position paper provides the first set of expert recommendations on dietary considerations for pediatric patients with aerodigestive and UGI motility disorders. Further research is needed to bridge the gaps in knowledge as identified in this paper.