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Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of disorders characterized by skin fragility. In recessive dystrophic forms (RDEB), patients are often malnourished, because while they have increased caloric and protein demands, dysphagia, microstomia, teeth dystrophy, or esophageal strictures impair eating. Use of gastrostomy tube feeding (GTF) for children with EB has been increasing since the 1990s, but little is known about outcomes.
To clarify this issue, researchers in France reviewed the cases of 24 children referred for management of severe generalized RDEB to a genetic skin disorder center over a 7-year period. GTs were placed when a child had growth retardation of at least 1 standard deviation in weight or height compared with best prior grow…