Gastrointestinal tolerance, healthcare resource utilization, and cost analysis of whey peptide-based enteral formula in pediatric post-acute care: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Peptide-based formulas (PBF) are characterized by partially hydrolyzed proteins and are often used in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) intolerance receiving enteral nutrition. More evidence is needed on the clinical and economic benefits of whey as a protein source for PBF in children with GI dysfunction. Using real-world data, this study aimed to compare clinical (i.e. GI intolerance occurrence and symptoms) and health economic outcomes (i.e. healthcare resource utilization [HCRU] and costs) in the 12 months before and after the initiation of 100% whey protein PBF (w-PBF) in children with GI dysfunction receiving EN in a post-acute care setting.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed US claims data on children with GI dysfunction receiving a PBF composed of 100 % whey protein in post-acute care. The overall population and subgroups with cerebral palsy (CP), gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), gastroparesis (GP), and short bowel syndrome (SBS) were assessed. Clinical (GI intolerance and symptoms) and economic (HCRU and costs) outcomes were compared at 12 months pre-index and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-index. The index date was defined as the date of the first claim for the w-PBF.

RESULTS

The study included 3,015 children. Compared with pre-index, significant reductions were observed in the proportion of patients experiencing any GI intolerance and abdominal distension up to 12 months post-index in the overall population and in children with CP, GERD, and SBS (all p < 0.05) and up to 6 months in children with GP (both p < 0.05). Nausea and vomiting were significantly reduced up to 12 months post-index in all patient groups (all p < 0.05). Fewer patients visited inpatient services for ≥6 months post-index in the study population and all disease subgroups (all p < 0.05). Healthcare costs savings were observed for up to 6 months post-index in all patient groups (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the clinical and economic benefits of w-PBF for enteral nutrition of children with GI dysfunction in post-acute care settings.