Benefits of blenderized tube feeding in gastrointestinal problems for children with cerebral palsy: a scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) encompasses a group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture, significantly limiting the ability to perform daily activities. Gastrointestinal problems, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and constipation, are prevalent in children with CP, impacting their quality of life and nutritional status. Blenderized tube feeding (BTF) has emerged as a promising alternative to commercial formulas for addressing these challenges. Objective: To evaluate existing evidence on the benefits of BTF in managing gastrointestinal problems in children with CP, identifying knowledge gaps and opportunities for future research.  Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR methodology. Studies published between 2014 and 2024 in English and Spanish were included, focusing on children with CP who received BTF via gastrostomy tube. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case reports, systematic reviews, and grey literature were analyzed. Results were extracted and categorized based on their impact on gastrointestinal problems such as GERD, constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Results: Out of 182 identified articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria. BTF demonstrated significant benefits, including a lower incidence of GERD and constipation (p = 0.04), a 73% reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms, and better tolerance to feeding volumes. Additionally, caregivers reported improvements in their perception of the feeding process and enhanced psychosocial well-being for both patients and their families. Conclusions: BTF is an effective and accessible alternative for managing gastrointestinal problems in children with CP, offering notable psychosocial benefits. However, the lack of standardized guidelines and robust long-term evidence underscores the need for further research to ensure its safe and consistent implementation.