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Selected Publication:
Beckenbach, H.
Developmental impact of a standardized tube weaning program (EAT: Early Autonomy Training; Graz Model for weaning tube dependency in infancy)
[ Dissertation ] Medical University of Graz; 2011. pp. 113
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Fazekas Christian
- Holasek Sandra Johanna
- Scheer Peter
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- Abstract:
- Objective: The use of short-term tube feeding has greatly improved the prognosis of medically fragile children suffering from a wide range of pediatric conditions. Recent systematic reviews have shown heterogeneous and the impact of tube feeding on the general development has never been shown. Method: The Pediatric Division of the Medical University Graz has developed a highly effective and standardized tube-weaning program. To deliver reliable data based on the outcome of the general development and the areas of social, self-help, motor and communication skills 51 patients were assessed between 2009 and 2010 within a waiting group design with the Kent Inventory of Developmental Skills the Child Development Inventory. Results: N = 51 exclusively tube fed children (31 male) aged 28,95 (+/-16,36) months with different underlying medical conditions were measured at three times with an interval of 2 months (T1, T2, T3). T1 to T2 served as a control group, T2 to T3 was defined as the experimental group that was evaluated after treatment had been completed. N = 48 children (94,12%) were completely weaned and had made the transition to exclusive oral feeding. The control group gained 0,92 (+/-1,04) months of general development within 2 month, the experimental group gained 2,89 (+/+1,86) months after treatment. The most impressive fact was the change and progress on the motor subscale: The control group lost 0,12 (+/-7,96) whereas the experimental group gained 3,09 (+/-2,33) months development. Weight and length was stable or progressed, socioeconomic aspects and underlying medical condition had no effect. Conclusion: The treatment showed to be highly effective on the development of the formerly exclusively tube fed children of which most of them were sustaining themselves orally at T3. The experimental group made an impressive developmental catch-up and the developmental deficits of the children within the control group could be reduced with even a little catch-up. It is possible that developmental deficits are unintended and neglected side effects of long-term tube feeding in tube dependent children.