Peptamen Junior® is associated with reductions in GI intolerance symptoms, reductions in healthcare resource utilization and cost savings in patients with Cerebral Palsy
A retrospective, observational study of 607 pediatric patients with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in a post-acute care setting found that use of whey peptide-based formula (Peptamen Junior®) was associated with significant reductions in GI intolerance symptoms and significant reductions in healthcare resource utilization at 12 months, and significant reductions in adjusted healthcare costs at 6 months after formula change.
Clinical Outcomes
12 months after formula change
GI Intolerance Symptoms†
Abdominal Distention†
Flatulence†
Nausea and Vomiting†
Abdominal Pain†
Diarrhea*
Constipation†
HCRU** and Cost Savings
**Health Care Resource Utilization 12 Months After Formula Change
Cost Savings 6 Months After Formula Change
Inpatient Admissions*
Total Adjusted Costs†
*Results statistically significant (p<0.01) †Results statistically significant (p<0.001)
Gastrointestinal tolerance, healthcare resource utilization, and cost analysis of whey peptide-based enteral formula in pediatric post-acute care: a retrospective study
A Research Summary based on Sankararaman S, Lowen C*, Desai A*, et al. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2025; 70: 352–359.
Why Was This Study Done?
Peptide-based EN formulas have demonstrated benefits on gastrointestinal (GI) intolerance symptoms and reduced healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in acute and post-acute care settings. Children with such conditions as cerebral palsy (CP), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, and short bowel syndrome (SBS) are at risk for malnutrition, growth delays, and feeding difficulties. Use of EN formulas containing 100% whey protein, small peptides, and a high percentage of fat as medium chain triglycerides (MCT) may be a beneficial strategy to improve EN tolerance in these populations.
This study examined clinical outcomes (i.e., GI intolerance symptoms), healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with whey peptide-based formula (w-PBF) provision in children. A subgroup analysis was completed in patients with CP.
How Was This Study Performed?
Children (age 1–17 years) in a post-acute setting prescribed a w-PBF (Peptamen Junior® formulas, Nestlé HealthCare Nutrition, US) for at least 7 consecutive days who had previously received a different EN formula and had at least one claim at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transition to w-PBF were included in analysis. A subgroup analysis was completed for patients with a diagnosis of CP. GI intolerance symptoms, HCRU and costs were compared in the 12 months before and after changing to w-PBF.
Study Design
- Retrospective
- Observational
- De-Identified US medical and pharmacy claims data
- Period between January 2013 and July 2023
Patients
Study Results
At 12 months post-index, w-PBF in patients with CP was associated with significant reduction in GI intolerance symptoms, including abdominal distention, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and nausea and vomiting (p<0.05) and significant decrease in inpatient visits (p<0.05). A significant decrease in adjusted healthcare costs was noted at six months post formula switch (p<0.001).
Outcomes
Results are statistically significant (p<0.05 or less).
Symptom
Distention
Pain
Vomiting
12 Month Pre-Index
12 Month Post-Index
Visits
12 Month Pre-Index
12 Month Post-Index
Limitations and Future Directions
- Observed outcomes are based on retrospective design, and the use of real-world evidence/claims data can only demonstrate association.
- The 10-year study period included the COVID-19 pandemic which may have impacted access to and provision of healthcare to this population.
Use of w-PBF was associated with significant reductions in GI intolerance symptoms, including abdominal distention, diarrhea, and nausea and vomiting, HCRU and associated costs in pediatric patients with CP. These data support the use of w-PBF as a well-tolerated option for children with CP requiring EN in a post-acute care setting.