Outline of a New Treatment Modality for Children With Long-Term Feeding Tube Dependency

Introduction. Over the past 2 decades a dramatic increase of pediatric feeding via tube has been reported, which has resulted in a higher prevalence of feeding tube dependency (FTD). Several treatment programs for FTD have been established over the past 2 decades, but only a few with detailed outlines and definitions of terms have been published. This article will outline the home-based tube weaning program as well review existing evidence. Program Outline. The home-based treatment program is a new treatment modality that allows children to stay in a home environment during treatment. The underlying condition as well as the treatment in its 5 phases have been outlined: assessment, preparation, hunger induction, intensive treatment, and follow-up. Treatment Outcome. Three articles regarding the treatment outcomes of home-based FTD treatment were reviewed. The results of this review show that the success rate of the treatment program has been consistently 90% of the involved cases, with major improvements in eating behavior and without deceleration of growth. Conclusion. The home-based treatment program is a safe and promising new modality for FTD.