Symptoms of problematic feeding in children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) compared to healthy peers

In this study, I compared symptoms of problematic feeding in children with congenital heart disease (CHD; n = 94) compared to healthy children without medical conditions (n=999) who were between 6 months and 7 years of age and eating solid foods by mouth. Children with CHD had significantly more symptoms of problematic feeding than healthy children on the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool total score, more physiologic symptoms, problematic mealtime behaviors, selective/restrictive eating, and oral processing dysfunction. Children with CHD are at risk for problematic feeding and should be monitored for feeding difficulties throughout childhood.

Authors: Britt Pados

Publication information: Cardiology in the Young. 2019; 29(2): 152-161. doi: 10.1017/S1047951118001981

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Changes in symptoms of problematic eating over six months in infants and young children

In this study, we followed 58 children who were between the ages of 6 months and 7 years old and who were being seen in an outpatient feeding clinic. We found that the scores on the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PediEAT) decreased over the 6 months that these children were followed, with the greatest change being in the Physiologic Symptoms subscale. Child characteristics that were associated with more symptoms of problematic feeding included older child age, constipation, and speech–language delay, developmental delay, food allergy, and/or genetic disorder.

Authors: Jinhee Park, Cara McComish, Britt Pados, Hayley Estrem, & Suzanne Thoyre

Publication information: Infants and Young Children. 2018; 31(4): 297-309. doi: 10.1097/IYC.0000000000000128

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Effects of milk flow on the physiologic and behavioral responses to feeding in an infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

In this case study of an infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, we explore the impact of flow rate on the physiological and behavioural responses to feeding. In this infant, oral feeding, whether with a slow-flow or a standard-flow nipple, was distressing. During slow-flow feeding, she experienced more coughing events, whereas during standard-flow she experienced more gagging. Clinically significant changes in heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate were seen during all feedings. Heart rate was higher during standard-flow and respiratory rate was higher during slow-flow. Further research is needed to examine the responses of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome to oral feeding and to identify additional supportive feeding strategies.

Authors: Britt Pados, Suzanne Thoyre, Hayley Estrem, Jinhee Park, George Knafl, & Brant Nix

Publication information: Cardiology in the Young. 2017; 27(1): 139-153. doi: 10.1017/S1047951116000251

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The blue baby blues: A rare case of cyanosis in the newborn

In this paper, we describe the case of a full-term infant who presented at birth with cardiorespiratory failure of unknown origin. At approximately 10 hours of life, the infant was transported to our children’s hospital given failure to respond to respiratory support. A full history and clinical presentation are provided along with case study questions and answers to guide clinical learning.

Authors: Britt Pados & Ann Philip

Publication information: Journal of Pediatric Healthcare. 2008; 22(3): 190-195. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2008.01.003

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