Semi-Solid Nutrients for Prevention of Enteral Tube Feeding-Related Complications in Japanese Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the best available evidence on semi-solid nutrients for prevention of complications associated with enteral tube feeding (ETF). PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial, Ichushi-web, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases were searched for relevant articles. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs, and crossover trials comparing the effects of semi-solid nutrients with those of control interventions in patients on ETF were included in the review. The primary outcome was development of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Eight RCTs and five crossover trials involving 889 study participants in total were examined via meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that semi-solid nutrients significantly decreased the risk of GER (risk ratio 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21 to 0.73) and the GER index (mean difference −2.93; 95% CI −5.18 to −0.68). Dwell time in the stomach was significantly shortened (standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.50; 95% CI −0.99 to −0.02), as was care time defined as the time needed to prepare and administer the nutrient solution (SMD −8.02; 95% CI −10.94 to −5.10). Semi-solid nutrients significantly decrease the risk of GER and the dwell time in the stomach in adult patients.