Ask the expert

Diet for feeding issues with Reflux

Question

It has been difficult to increase feedings for my child due to severe gastroesophageal reflux. As a result, her weight gain has been minimal for the past 3 months. Her pediatrician prescribed Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil to supplement the breast milk and help her gain weight. Has MCT oil proven to be effective for infants with CdLS? I realize that extra calories do not necessarily help children with CdLS gain weight.

Answer of our experts

Yes, MCT oil should work and does promote weight gain. It is one of the many ways to increase calories in formula fed infants, but should work for breast fed babies as well. We sometimes also add extra formula powder to breast milk to make the calorie/ounce higher. Either way is fine.

CP/TK 7-13-10

Approved byClinical Advisory Board (CAB)

Answer is checked and valid for

Find other pages that share the same topic as this page Pain and Behaviour 10 Pain and Behaviour 15 Growth in Childhood 2 Growth in Childhood 15 Growth in Childhood 1 Feeding and Dental Difficulties 5 Feeding and Dental Difficulties 49 Feeding and Dental Difficulties 1 Self-injurious and aggressive behaviour 3 Self-injurious and aggressive behaviour 14 Self-injurious and aggressive behaviour 2 Mouth, nose and throat 14 Sensory processing 2 Reflux 3 Reflux 37 Reflux 1 Cognitive and behavioural characteristics in CdLS 2 Cognitive and behavioural characteristics in CdLS 9

Recommendation(s)

Feeding and Dental Difficulties

R12

In every CdLS individual with prolonged and marked feeding difficulties, the multidisciplinary assessment (from healthcare workers across many disciplines) should consider (temporary) placement of a gastrostomy (surgical opening through the abdomen into the stomach) as a supplement to oral feeding.

R13

In individuals with CdLS who have recurrent respiratory infections, reflux and/or aspiration (breathing foreign objects into airways) should be ruled out.

R14

The palate should be closely examined at diagnosis. In case of symptoms of a (submucous) cleft palate, referral for specialist assessment is indicated.

R15

Dental assessment and cleaning should take place regularly; a more thorough dental examination or treatment under anaesthesia may be necessary.

Recommendation(s)

Reflux

R32

Consider always gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in any individual with CdLS owing to its frequency and wide variability in presentation, which includes challenging behaviour.

R33

Modification of nutrition and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the first-line treatments of GORD. Anti-reflux medications need to be used to their maximum dosage. Surgical interventions for GORD should be limited to those individuals with CdLS in whom nutritional and medical treatments have been unsuccessful or airway safety is at risk.

R34

If GORD symptoms persist, endoscopy should be strongly considered whilst an individual with CdLS is still in paediatric care.

R35

Surveillance for Barrett’s Oesophagus needs to be discussed with and decided together with the family, balancing the potential gain in health and burden for the individual with CdLS.

Legal Disclaimer

Please take note that the Ask the Expert service is comprised of volunteer professionals in various areas of focus. Answers are not considered a medical, behavioral, or educational consultation. Ask the Expert is not a substitute for the care and attention your child’s personal physician, psychologist, educational consultant, or social worker can deliver.

Do you have a question you would like to ask?

Ask a Question

Do You urgently need help? Contact the CdLS Foundation USA, Our Staff!

Diet for feeding issues with Reflux

Question

Answer of our experts

Recommendation(s)

Recommendation(s)

Legal Disclaimer

Do you have a question you would like to ask?

The World Federation of CdLS Support

Latest news

Useful links

Partners for our communities