Weaning from a feeding tube in children with congenital heart disease: A review of the literature

Background: Feeding support via nasogastric or gastrostomy tube is a common feature of care for children with congenital heart disease; however, prolonged tube feeding can lead to tube dependency and related long-term impacts on development and health. Aim of Review: we reviewed the literature in order to characterize the state of the science on tube weaning programs in children with congenital heart disease. Key Scientific Concepts of Review: The available evidence on tube weaning for children with congenital heart disease indicates that weaning can be highly successful in this population. Components that are common to successful tube weaning efforts include a multidisciplinary team, hunger induction or provocation, positive mealtime and oral experiences, behavioral interventions, early tube weaning goals, caregiver education and involvement, and follow up intervention. More research is warranted to determine the optimal combination and extent of these components and to inform progress toward more consistent practice.