Effects of enteral feeding on lung function in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Overview of the topic - Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is genetic disease that is characterized by the build-up of thick and sticky mucus in the lungs which can damage various organs of the body (Mayo clinic 2016). Quality of life of CF sufferers is affected as lung function declines with time and activities of daily living become more limited. Past studies has linked improved lung function with artificial feeding. The research question - In children with cystic fibrosis does artificial feeding have any effect on lung function? PEO elements - The population (P) studied were children with Cystic Fibrosis. The exposure (E) observed was artificial feeding. The desired outcome (O) was improved lung function. The inclusion and exclusion criteria applied - Studies on children suffering from Cystic Fibrosis (CF), who were on tube feeding and who were assessed for lung function/FEV₁ were included. Studies that explored the impact of nutrition on adults with CF or that explored the impact of nutrition on, children who required tube feeding but did not measure impact on lung function were excluded. Studies were limited to those published in the English journals, within the last 10 years. The outcome of the search - A correlation between GT feeding and improved lung function has been shown. Methods of appraisal used - The Critical Appraisal skills programme (CASP) tool for was used to critically appraise the literature. The main results from the evidence - There appears to be a positive relationship between enteral feeding improved lung function. The main conclusions - Since the studies retrieved were non experimental, and based on retrospective cohort studies, a causality cannot be affirmed and improvement of lung function with enteral feeding remains speculative. The implications and most important recommendations - Introducing Gastric feeding as early as possible in children suffering from CF appears to minimize effect of malnutrition when the child is developing.