Continuous enteral feedings. An important adjunct to the management of complex congenital heart disease.

Eleven infants with complex congenital heart lesions were given continuous enteral infusions after failure to gain weight adequately despite use of hypercaloric formulas and nutritional supplementation. Formulas used before institution of enteral feedings were continued. Dietary and caloric intake and weight measurements were obtained at weekly or monthly intervals. Both mean daily caloric intake and mean daily weight gain were greater after initiation of continuous enteral feedings. Rate of weight gain improved in all 11 children after institution of enteral feedings. Continuous enteral feeding increases weight gain in babies with complex congenital heart disease, allowing earlier and safer surgical intervention.