[Continuous enteral feeding in children. Technic and indications in 170 cases from 1969 to 1975].

170 children with severe undernutrition of whom 153 were babies, received continuous gastrointestinal infusion from a minimum of 3 weeks to a maximum of 18 months. Eighteen died as a result of the primary disease: results were considered very satisfactory in 148 children whilst 4 were still dependent on the technique 24 months later. In 65% of cases it was necessary to precede this intestinal infusion by intravenous feeding through a caval catheter. The authors discuss the choice of site of the infusion and the composition of the infusate according to the nature of the underlying intestinal disorder. The general and gastrointestinal indications both medical and surgical, are discussed in detail.