Oral feeding challenges in infants with chronic kidney disease: Assessment and intervention

摘要

Nutrition is a key component in the management of infants with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These infants often have poor appetites, small oral intakes, and difficulty meeting their nutritional requirements. The ability of dietitians, nurses, parents, and caregivers to ensure adequate nutritional intake can be complicated by a variety of oral feeding challenges. Without successful treatment, resulting malnutrition contributes to poor growth and potential for neurocognitive developmental delay. This article provides practical information for identifying and providing early intervention to alleviate common feeding challenges in infants with CKD. A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach focused on enhancing oral motor skills and encouraging positive eating experiences for infants helps to minimize stressful feeding experiences for parents. In addition, it supports successful transition from tube feeding to complete oral feeding following transplant.