The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness
of a Home Nutrition Support (HNS) program in a
heterogeneous group of pediatric patients. Patients- methods:
The medical records of 44 pediatric patients median
29(range 2m to 11,5y), enrolled in the program of Home
Nutrition Support (HNS) immediately after hospital discharge,
were reviewed. Data recorded during the regular
follow-up (clinical profile, serial anthropometric measurements,
quantitative and qualitative adaptation of the nutrition
solutions during transitional periods) were assessed.
Results: The clinical conditions supported were: surgical(
19), non-surgical(25). HNS was delivered by oral intake(
36), by nasogastric tube(5) and through gastrostomy(
3). The duration of HNS ranged from 1.5-74 months
(mean 26m). Three patients died from causes not related
to HNS and 4 are expected to be HNS-dependent for life.
Complications were documented in 30% of patients. �he
average weight z-score at the beginning of the HNS program
was -1.4(-4.4 to 1.3). �t the completion of the HNS
program it was -0.5(-2.2 to 1.9). Weight and height velocity
were improved in 75% and 65% of cases, respectively.
There was a statistically significant difference in z-score
improvement between surgical and non-surgical patients
(p
(EN)
