Nonradiographic assessment of enteral feeding tube position

Biologically transparent illumination is a safe, fast, and simple technique for detecting the correct position of the nasogastric tube in surgical patients under general anesthesia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using biologically transparent illumination to detect the correct position of the nasogastric tube in surgical patients. This prospective observational study enrolled 102 patients undergoing general surgeries. In all cases, a nasogastric tube equipped with a biologically transparent illumination catheter was inserted after general anesthesia. The identification of biologically transparent light in the epigastric area either with or without finger pressure indicated that the tube had been successfully inserted into the stomach. X-ray examination was performed to ascertain the tube position and was compared with the findings of the biologically transparent illumination technique. Biologically transparent light was detected in 72 of the 102 patients. In all of these 72 patients, the position of the nasogastric tube in the stomach was confirmed by X-ray examination. The light was not detected in the other 30 patients; X-ray examination showed that the nasogastric tube was positioned in the stomach in 21 of these 30 patients but not in the other 9. The sensitivity and specificity of the illumination were 77.4% and 100%, respectively. The results suggest that biologically transparent illumination is a useful and safe technique for detecting the correct position of the nasogastric tube in surgical patients under general anesthesia. When the BT light cannot be identified, X-ray examination is mandatory to confirm the position of the nasogastric tube.

Monitoring Feeding Tube Placement

The purpose of this literature review is to describe currently available bedside methods to determine feeding tube placement. Described first are methods used at the time of blind insertion to distinguish between gastric and respiratory placement and gastric and small-bowel placement. Discussed next are methods used after feedings are initiated to determine if the tube has remained in the desired position in the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the methods are research-based, whereas others are opinion-based. The level of accuracy of the methods discussed in the review varies widely. No sure non-radiographic method exists to differentiate between respiratory, esophageal, gastric, and small bowel placement of blindly inserted feeding tubes in the fed or unfed state. However, a combination of some of the simpler and more accurate methods may be used to guide feeding tube placement during insertion and help identify the point at which an abdominal radiograph is most likely to confirm the desired location. In addition, methods described in this review can help determine when a radiograph is needed to confirm that a feeding tube has remained in the correct position after the initiation of feedings. Minimizing the number of radiographs taken to assure correct tube placement is important, especially in young children and in the critical care setting where the need for radiographs for other reasons is common.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Three Different Techniques of Nasojejunal Feeding Tube Placement in Critically Ill Children

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to compare 3 different techniques used to place nasojejunal (NJ) feeding tubes in the critically ill or injured pediatric patients. This was a randomized, prospective trial in a university-affiliated 12-bed pediatric intensive care unit. Patients were critically ill children requiring placement of an NJ feeding tube. Patient age, weight, medications, use of mechanical ventilation, and patient tolerance were recorded. An abdominal radiograph obtained immediately after the placement determined correct placement. The final placement was recorded, as was the number of placement attempts.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: standard technique, standard technique facilitated with gastric insufflation, and standard technique facilitated with the use of preinsertion erythromycin. To ensure equal distribution, all patients were stratified by weight (<10 kg vs > or =10 kg) before randomization. All NJ tubes were placed by one of the investigators. If unsuccessful, a second attempt by the same investigator was allowed. Successful placement of the NJ tube was defined by confirmation of the tip of the tube in the first part of the duodenum or beyond by a pediatric radiologist blinded to the treatment groups.

RESULTS

Seventy-five pediatric patients were enrolled in the study; 94.6% (71/75) of tubes were passed successfully into the small bowel on the first or second attempt. Evaluation of the data revealed no significant association with a specific technique and successful placement (p = .1999).

CONCLUSIONS

When placed by a core group of experienced operators, the majority of NJ feeding tubes can be placed in critically ill or injured children on the first or second attempt, regardless of the technique used.

Complications in pediatric enteral and vascular access

Obtaining reliable enteral and vascular access constitutes a significant fraction of a pediatric surgeon׳s job. Multiple approaches are available. Given the complicated nature of this patient population multiple complications can also occur. This article discusses the various techniques and potential complications associated with short- and long-term enteral and vascular access.

Naso-enteric Tube Placement: A Review of Methods to Confirm Tip Location, Global Applicability and Requirements

BACKGROUND

The insertion of a tube through the nose and into the stomach or beyond is a common clinical procedure for feeding and decompression. The safety, accuracy and reliability of tube insertion and methods used to confirm the location of the naso-enteric tube (NET) tip have not been systematically reviewed. The aim of this study is to review and compare these methods and determine their global applicability by end-user engagement.

METHODS

A systematic literature review of four major databases was performed to identify all relevant studies. The methods for NET tip localization were then compared for their accuracy with reference to a gold standard method (radiography or endoscopy). The global applicability of the different methods was analysed using a house of quality matrix.

RESULTS

After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 76 articles were selected. Limitations were found to be associated with the 20 different methods described for NET tip localization. The method with the best combined sensitivity and specificity (where n > 1) was ultrasound/sonography, followed by external magnetic guidance, electromagnetic methods and then capnography/capnometry. The top three performance criteria that were considered most important for global applicability were cost per tube/disposable, success rate and cost for non-disposable components.

CONCLUSION

There is no ideal method for confirming NET tip localisation. While radiography (the gold standard used for comparison) and ultrasound were the most accurate methods, they are costly and not universally available. There remains the need to develop a low-cost, easy-use, accurate and reliable method for NET tip localization.

Rhubarb to Facilitate Placement of Nasojejunal Feeding Tubes in Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Prokinetic agents are sometimes needed to aid in the placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes in patients at risk of malnutrition. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of rhubarb as a new prokinetic agent to replace metoclopramide and erythromycin in the placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-four patients who required jejunal feeding tube insertion were included. They were divided into rhubarb (n = 34), metoclopramide (n = 31), and erythromycin groups (n = 29), depending on the use of rhubarb, metoclopramide, and erythromycin as the prokinetic agent. The jejunal feeding tube insertions were performed at the bedside. An abdominal x-ray was taken as the gold standard to determine the position of the tube. Cases in which insertion failed in either group were subjected to a second insertion attempt using rhubarb as the prokinetic agent.

RESULTS

The success rates in the rhubarb, metoclopramide, and erythromycin groups were 91.2%, 87.1%, and 89.7%, respectively. The difference in the success rates was not statistically significant (P = .916). The insertion times in the rhubarb, metoclopramide, and erythromycin groups were 16.0 ± 1.9 minutes, 18.0 ± 1.9 minutes, and 18.8 ± 2.2 minutes, respectively. The insertion time in the rhubarb group was significantly shorter than those in metoclopramide and erythromycin groups (P < .001). No side effects were noted in the rhubarb group.

CONCLUSIONS

Rhubarb could serve as an effective prokinetic agent to promote the insertion of nasojejunal feeding tubes.

Routine Screening Radiography for Retained Wire Following Arch Bar Removal Is Not Indicated

PURPOSE

To estimate the screening test value of routine radiography after arch bar wire removal by assessing the incidence of retained wires and the importance of their sequelae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective medical record review. Records of arch bar removal procedures were examined and divided into those screened with radiography after removal (screen group) and those that were not screened (comparison group). The incidence of retained wire was calculated for each group. Study variables included wire-related radiographic or clinical findings.

RESULTS

Records of 546 mandible fractures were reviewed; 95 met the study criteria. Most exclusions were due to lack of arch bars, missing postoperative radiographs, or insufficient postoperative documentation. Of the 55 records in the screen group, 1 wire was detected (2%); of the 40 records in the comparison group, 1 wire was detected (3%). The total incidence of retained wire findings was not statistically different between the 2 groups and there were no adverse wire-related sequelae reported by any of the 95 patients.

CONCLUSION

Because of the low incidence of retained wires and wire-related sequelae, routine imaging after wire removal is probably not an effective screening test for retained wire and should be limited to situations in which there is clinical suspicion of retained wire.

Verification of correct central venous catheter placement in the emergency department: comparison between ultrasonography and chest radiography

In 210 consecutive patients undergoing emergency central venous catheterization, we studied whether an ultrasonography examination performed at the bedside by an emergency physician can be an alternative method to chest X-ray study to verify the correct central venous catheter placement, and to identify mechanical complications. A prospective, blinded, observational study was performed, from January 2009 to December 2011, in the emergency department of a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Ultrasonography interpretation was completed during image acquisition; ultrasound scan was performed in 5 ± 3 min, whereas the time interval between chest radiograph request and its final interpretation was 65 ± 74 min p < 0.0001. We found a high concordance between the two diagnostic modalities in the identification of catheter position (Kappa = 82 %, p < 0.0001), and their ability to identify a possible wrong position showed a high correlation (Pearson's r = 0.76 %, p < 0.0001) with a sensitivity of 94 %, a specificity of 89 % for ultrasonography. Regarding the mechanical complications, three iatrogenic pneumothoraces occurred, all were correctly identified by ultrasonography and confirmed by chest radiography (sensitivity 100 %). Our study showed a high correlation between these two modalities to identify possible malpositioning of a catheter resulting from cannulation of central veins, and its complications. The less time required to perform ultrasonography allows earlier use of the catheter for the administration of acute therapies that can be life-saving for the critically ill patients.

The effectiveness of ultrasonography in verifying the placement of a nasogastric tube in patients with low consciousness at an emergency center

Background

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of using auscultation, pH measurements of gastric aspirates, and ultrasonography as physical examination methods to verify nasogastric tube(NGT) placement in emergency room patients with low consciousness who require NGT insertion.

Methods

The study included 47 patients who were all over 18 years of age. In all patients, tube placement was verified by chest X-rays. Auscultation, pH analysis of gastric aspirates, and ultrasonography were conducted on each patient in random order. The mean patient age was 57.62 ± 17.24 years, and 28 males (59.6%) and 19 females (40.4%) were included. The NGT was inserted by an emergency room resident. For pH testing, gastric aspirates were dropped onto litmus paper, and the resulting color of the paper was compared with a reference table. Ultrasonography was performed by an emergency medicine specialist, and the chest X-ray examination was interpreted by a different emergency medicine specialist who did not conduct the ultrasonography test. The results of the auscultation, gastric aspirate pH, and ultrasonography examinations were compared with the results of the chest x-ray examination.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 33.3%, respectively, for auscultation and 86.4% and 66.7%, respectively, for ultrasonography. Kappa values were the highest for auscultation at 0.484 compared to chest x-rays, followed by 0.299 for ultrasonography and 0.444 for pH analysis of the gastric aspirate. The ultrasonography has a positive predictive value of 97.4% and a negative predictive value of 25%.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography is useful for confirming the results of auscultation after NGT insertion among patients with low consciousness at an emergency center. When ultrasound findings suggest that the NGT placement is not gastric, additional chest X-ray should be performed.

A new technique for post-pyloric feeding tube placement by palpation in lean critically ill patients

Various techniques have been described for blind bedside placement of a post-pyloric feeding tube. However, there is no universal method and the technique depends on the local institutional resources and expertise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a simple new technique for the bedside placement of a post-pyloric feeding tube in an intensive care unit using palpation to confirm tube position. We studied 47 consecutive ventilated patients (mean body mass index 22.4 ± 4.2 kg/m(2)) requiring enteral tube feeding for nutritional support. We monitored the maximum intensity point of injected air 'bubbling' by palpation and estimated tube position. We monitored the movement of the maximum intensity point from the left upper quadrant to the right upper quadrant. If the maximum intensity point on the right upper quadrant diminished or weakened, we considered the tube had proceeded beyond the pylorus. By palpation, we could feel the bubbling of the injected air in all patients, but four patients were excluded because of failure to complete the protocol. The overall success rate including the four excluded cases was 85.1% (40/47) on the first attempt and 91.5% (43/47) when we included the second attempt. The median time for 40 successful tube placements on the first attempt was 10 (7 to 23) minutes. Our new palpation technique can successfully detect the position of a feeding tube in the stomach and help guide the tube to the correct location in the post-pyloric portion of the stomach in lean critically ill patients.

Endoscopic position control of nasoenteral feeding tubes by transnasal re-endoscopy: a prospective study in intensive care patients

OBJECTIVES

In critically ill patients, correct placement of enteral feeding tubes is usually controlled by X-ray. A bedside method without radiation exposure would be preferable. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and value of endoscopic position control for enteral feeding tubes by transnasal re-endoscopy.

METHODS

A total of 120 consecutive examinations in critically ill patients were analyzed. Immediately after transnasal endoscopic placement of a feeding tube, the correct position was determined by re-endoscopy. In cases of incorrect position, replacement was performed instantly until the correct position was achieved. Abdominal X-ray with contrast was performed thereafter and served as the gold standard.

RESULTS

In 95 patients (79%), endoscopic control showed correct position. In 25 patients, position was incorrect and endoscopic placement was repeated (one attempt in 22 patients, two attempts in 3 patients). Radiological control showed correct position in 118 patients (98%). In two cases, the feeding tube was displaced in the meantime. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of endoscopic position control was 100% (95% confidence interval, CI; 97-100%) and 98% (95% CI; 94-99%), respectively. The cost savings per case ranged from $281 to $302, depending on different cost assumptions.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic position control of enteral feeding tubes by re-endoscopy is feasible, very accurate, leads to a high rate of successful feeding tube placements, and has the potential of substantial cost-savings.

A simple aspiration test to determine the accuracy of oesophageal placement of fine-bore feeding tubes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether a simple aspiration test can be used to accurately confirm the correct placement of fine-bore feeding tubes in the oesophagus and prevent their inadvertent placement in the bronchial tree.

DESIGN

We conducted an ethically approved, randomised, blinded trial to assess the accuracy of a simple aspiration test to differentiate between oesophageal and tracheal placement.

SETTING

A tertiary referral cardiothoracic surgical unit.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

Twenty patients under-going elective cardiac surgery.

INTERVENTION

Once anesthetised, a fine-bore feeding tube was inserted into the oesophagus or trachea and a researcher, blinded to the position, then performed the test. This involved attempted aspiration of > or =10 ml of air before and after insufflation of 10 ml of air and comparison with capnography, a test that has been shown to be highly sensitive and specific.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

With this small number of patients, the test accurately differentiated between ten oesophageal and ten tracheal placements.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple aspiration test could be a useful adjunct to prevent inadvertent bronchial placement of fine-bore feeding tubes. Careful attention must be paid to the technique to ensure that no false positives occur.

Clinical trial design--effect of prone positioning on clinical outcomes in infants and children with acute respiratory distress syndrome

PURPOSE

This paper describes the methodology of a clinical trial of prone positioning in pediatric patients with acute lung injury (ALI). Nonrandomized studies suggest that prone positioning improves oxygenation in patients with ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome without the risk of serious iatrogenic injury. It is not known if these improvements in oxygenation result in improvements in clinical outcomes. A clinical trial was needed to answer this question.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pediatric prone study is a multicenter, randomized, noncrossover, controlled clinical trial. The trial is designed to test the hypothesis that at the end of 28 days, children with ALI treated with prone positioning will have more ventilator-free days than children treated with supine positioning. Secondary end points include the time to recovery of lung injury, organ failure-free days, functional outcome, adverse events, and mortality from all causes. Pediatric patients, 42 weeks postconceptual age to 18 years of age, are enrolled within 48 hours of meeting ALI criteria. Patients randomized to the prone group are positioned prone within 4 hours of randomization and remain prone for 20 hours each day during the acute phase of their illness for a maximum of 7 days. Both groups are managed according to ventilator protocol, extubation readiness testing, and sedation protocols and hemodynamic, nutrition, and skin care guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper describes the process, multidisciplinary input, and procedures used to support the design of the clinical trial, as well as the challenges faced by the clinical scientists during the conduct of the clinical trial.

Prone positioning can be safely performed in critically ill infants and children

OBJECTIVE

To describe the effects of prone positioning on airway management, mechanical ventilation, enteral nutrition, pain and sedation management, and staff utilization in infants and children with acute lung injury.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of data collected in a multiple-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial of supine vs. prone positioning.

SETTING

Seven pediatric intensive care units located in the United States.

PATIENTS

One hundred and two pediatric patients (51 prone and 51 supine) with acute lung injury.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients randomized to the supine group remained supine. Patients randomized to the prone group were positioned prone per protocol during the acute phase of their illness for a maximum of 7 days. Both groups were managed using ventilator and sedation protocols and nutrition and skin care guidelines.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Airway management and mechanical ventilatory variables before and after repositioning, enteral nutrition management, pain and sedation management, staff utilization, and adverse event data were collected for up to 28 days after enrollment. There were a total of 202 supine-prone-supine cycles. There were no differences in the incidence of endotracheal tube leak between the two groups (p = .30). Per protocol, 95% of patients remained connected to the ventilator during repositioning. The inadvertent extubation rate was 0.85 for the prone group and 1.03 for the supine group per 100 ventilator days (p = 1.00). There were no significant differences in the initiation of trophic (p = .24), advancing (p = .82), or full enteral feeds (p = .80) between the prone and supine groups; in the average pain (p = .81) and sedation (p = .18) scores during the acute phase; and in the amount of comfort medications received between the two groups (p = .91). There were no critical events during a turn procedure. While prone, two patients experienced an obstructed endotracheal tube. One patient, supported on high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, experienced persistent hypercapnea when prone and was withdrawn from the study. The occurrence of pressure ulcers was similar between the two groups (p = .71). Compared with the supine group, more staff (p </= .001) and more time were necessary to reposition patients in the prone group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that prone positioning can be safely performed in critically ill pediatric patients and that these patients can be safely managed while in the prone position for prolonged periods of time.

Pediatric enteral nutrition

Common to all pediatric patients receiving enteral nutrition is the inability to consume calories orally. This is often secondary to issues of inadequate weight gain, inadequate growth, prolonged feeding times, weight loss, a decrease in weight/age or weight/height ratios, or a persistent triceps skinfold thickness <5% for age. Enteral nutrition requires enteral access. In the neonatal period the nasoenteric route is usually used. In pediatric patients requiring long-term enteral access, surgically, endoscopically, or radiologically placed percutaneous feeding tubes are common. Jejunal feeding tubes are used in pediatric patients with gastric feeding intolerance or persistent gastroesophageal reflux. Low-profile enteral access devices are preferred by most pediatric patients because of their cosmetic appearance. For most children, a standard pediatric polypeptide enteral formula is well tolerated. There are specialized pediatric enteral formulas available for patients with decreased intestinal length, altered intestinal absorptive capacity, or altered pancreatic function. Weaning patients from tube feeding to oral nutrition is the ultimate nutrition goal. A multidisciplinary approach to patients with short bowel syndrome will maximize the use of enteral nutrition while preserving parenteral nutrition for patients with true enteral nutrition therapy failure.

Evaluation of a technique for blind placement of post-pyloric feeding tubes in intensive care: application in patients with gastric ileus

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a blind 'active' technique for the bedside placement of post-pyloric enteral feeding tubes in a critically ill population with proven gastric ileus.

DESIGN AND SETTING

An open study to evaluate the success rate and duration of the technique in cardiothoracic and general intensive care units of a tertiary referral hospital.

PATIENTS

20 consecutive, ventilated patients requiring enteral nutrition, where feeding had failed via the gastric route.

INTERVENTIONS

Previously described insertion technique-the Corpak 10-10-10 protocol-for post-pyloric enteral feeding tube placement, modified after 20 min if placement had not been achieved, by insufflation of air into the stomach to promote pyloric opening.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

A standard protocol and a set method to identify final tube position were used in each case. In 90% (18/20) of cases tubes were placed on the first attempt, with an additional tube being successfully placed on the second attempt. The median time for tube placement was 18 min (range 3-55 min). In 20% (4/20) insufflation of air was required to aid trans-pyloric passage.

CONCLUSIONS

The previously described technique, modified by insufflation of air into the stomach in prolonged attempts to achieve trans-pyloric passage, proved to be an effective and cost efficient method to place post-pyloric enteral feeding tubes. This technique, even in the presence of gastric ileus, could be incorporated by all critical care facilities, without the need for any additional equipment or costs. This approach avoids the costs of additional equipment, time-delays and necessity to transfer the patient from the ICU for the more traditional techniques of endoscopy and radiographic screening.

Sonography as an alternative to radiography for nasogastric feeding tube location

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate bedside sonographic confirmation of weighted-tip nasogastric feeding tube position, by comparison to radiography.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Single-center, double-blind prospective study in a 14-bed medical intensive care unit (ICU) in a 780-bed teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-three ICU patients undergoing nasogastric tube insertion for enteral feeding.

INTERVENTIONS

The tip of the nasogastric tube was located both by sonography and standard radiography.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The accuracy and procedure times of sonography and radiography for nasogastric tube tip location were compared during 35 procedures in 33 patients. The nasogastric tube tip was visualized by sonography in 34 of 35 procedures (sensitivity 97%) and by radiography in all procedures. The median length of the entire procedure was 24 min and 180 min with sonography and radiography, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Bedside sonography performed by nonradiologists is a sensitive method for confirming the position of weighted-tip feeding nasogastric feeding tubes. It is more rapid than conventional radiography and can easily be taught to ICU physicians. Conventional radiography could be reserved for cases in which sonography is inconclusive.

Clinical application of clip-assisted endoscopic method for nasoenteric feeding in patients with gastroparesis and gastroesophageal wounds

AIM: To report the clinical experiences in the application of clip-assisted endoscopic method for nasoenteric feeding in patients with gastroparesis and patients with gastroesophageal wounds, and to compare the efficacy of nasoenteric feeding in these two indications.

METHODS: From April 2002 to January 2004, 21 consecutive patients with gastroparesis or gastroesophageal wounds were enrolled and received nasoenteric feeding for nutritional support. A clip-assisted method was used to place the nasoenteric tubes. Outcomes in the two groups were compared with respect to the successful rate of enteral feeding, percentage of recommended energy intake (REI), and complication rates.

RESULTS: The gastroparesis group included 13 patients with major burns (n = 7), trauma (n = 2), congestive heart failure (n = 2) and post-surgery gastric stasis syndrome (n = 2). The esophageogastric wound group included eight patients with tracheoesophageal fistula (n = 2) and wound leakage following gastric surgery (n = 6). Two study groups were similar in feeding successful rates (84.6% vs 75.0%). There were also no differences in the percentage of REI between groups (79.4% vs 78.6%). Additionally, no complications occurred in any of the study groups.

CONCLUSION: Nasoenteric feeding is a useful method to provide nutritional support to most of the patients with gastroparesis who cannot tolerate nasogastric tube feeding and to the cases who need bypass feeding for esophageogastric wounds.

The pragmatics of feeding the pediatric patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents the ultimate pulmonary response to a wide range of injuries, from septicemia to trauma. Optimal nutrition is vital to enhancing oxygen delivery, supporting adequate cardiac contractility and respiratory musculature, eliminating fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and supporting the proinflammatory response. Research is providing a better understanding of nutrients that specifically address the complex physiologic changes in ARDS. This article highlights the pathophysiology of ARDS as it relates to nutrition, relevant nutritional assessment, and important enteral and parenteral considerations for the pediatric patient who has ARDS.

A novel method for insertion of post-pyloric feeding tubes at the bedside without endoscopic or fluoroscopic assistance: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To assess a novel method, adapted from already published literature, for bedside placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes using erythromycin, air insufflation of the stomach and continuous ECG guidance.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective study in a tertiary teaching hospital.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

40 consecutive patients who required enteral nutrition and mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h.

INTERVENTIONS

Erythromycin (200 mg) was administered intravenously 30 min prior to the insertion of the feeding tube. The post-pyloric feeding tube was then inserted into the stomach and 500 ml air insufflated. Stomach ECG was performed, and during further insertion of the tube the QRS complex was continuously monitored for a change in polarity, suggesting passage across the midline through the pylorus. At the end of the procedure aspirate was obtained from the feeding tube and checked for alkaline pH. Exact tube position was determined by abdominal radiography.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

In 88% of cases the feeding tubes were post-pyloric, with a median time to insertion of 15 min (range 7-75). No major complications were seen in 52 attempts. Change in QRS polarity had 94% sensitivity in predicting post-pyloric tip placement. Of the 32 alkaline pH aspirates 31 were post-pyloric.

CONCLUSIONS

This procedure is safe, effective and could be performed in a short time period within the confines of the intensive care unit without endoscopic assistance.

Accidental pneumothorax from a nasogastric tube in a patient with severe hemineglect: a case report

Nasogastric tubes are frequently used for nutrition of patients with neurologic diseases. We report an instance of inadvertant placement of a standard nasogastric tube into the left pleural space in a patient with right parietotemporal intracerebral hemorrhage and severe hemineglect on the left side. The 2 confirmatory maneuvers-aspiration of fluid and auscultating the abdomen on insufflating air-were false-positive. We conclude that only radiologic confirmation of the position of nasogastric tubes and the awareness of the associated dangers will help minimize the occurrence of such events in patients with disorders of perception or altered consciousness.

Nursing care of patients with nasogastric feeding tubes

Nasogastric tubes are commonly used for patients as a short-term method of providing continuous, pre-packed liquid feed. In order to explore how evidence-based practice is being incorporated into care, we conducted a survey investigating the views and practices of nutrition specialist nurses in acute trusts across the UK. A postal questionnaire comprising 35 questions considered the role of the nutrition specialist nurse, care of patients with nasogastric tubes, and training and education of nurses in the care of these patients. Results of this small study indicate differences in the education and practice of nursing care for patients with nasogastric tubes. Therefore, it is vital that evidence and good practice is disseminated both locally and nationally by benchmarking practice and by sharing knowledge and experiences in both journals and conferences. Nurses also need support in practising their skills to ensure they feel confident in caring for patients with nasogastric tubes.

Ultrasonic examination: an alternative to chest radiography after central venous catheter insertion?

We evaluated ultrasonic examination as a diagnostic tool for catheter misplacement and pneumothorax after central venous catheter insertion. Physicians in the intensive care unit (ICU) performed the ultrasonic examinations, and the results were compared with those of chest radiography. Eighty-five central venous catheters (70 subclavian and 15 internal jugular) were inserted into 81 patients; 10 misplacements and one pneumothorax occurred. Ultrasonic examination feasibility was 99.6%. The only pneumothorax and all misplacements except one were diagnosed by ultrasound. Taking into consideration misplacements and pneumothorax research, ultrasonic examination did not give any false positive results. The mean time of the entire ultrasonic examination was 6.8 +/- 3.5 min, whereas 80.3 +/- 66.7 min were needed for the radiography (p < 0.0001). This study has suggested that ultrasonic diagnosis of catheter misplacement and pneumothorax related to central venous catheterization is a rapid and accurate method that can be easily performed by ICU physicians.

Predicting the distance for nasojejunal tube insertion in children

ISSUES AND PURPOSE

As no consistent predictor of insertion tube distance has been determined for intestinal feeding tubes and fluoroscopic placement is very expensive, this study sought a reliable method of blind placement.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study measured the internal distance from the lip to the pylorus in 387 children undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and compared those measurements to the external distances measured from the nose around the ear to the 10th rib and lip around the ear to the 10th rib.

RESULTS

Regression equations using height fitted in four age groups were the best predictors of the internal pyloric distances.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Predicting this distance with height may help healthcare providers be more successful in blind placement of intestinal feeding tubes. A table of predicted nasointestinal tube insertion distances is included.

Bedside placement of postpyloric feeding tubes

Postpyloric placement of feeding tubes into the duodenum or jejunum is often recommended to support early feeding, improve tolerance of enteral nutrition, and decrease the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Achieving small bowel feeding tube placement can be a difficult, time-consuming, and costly process that may delay the initiation of enteral nutrition. Various bedside techniques, including air insufflation, pH assisted, and spontaneous passage with or without motility agents are available to facilitate transpyloric feeding tube passage. A discussion of these methods is presented in this article, including a hospital-based quality initiative project designed to facilitate early enteral nutrition.

Delivery of enteral nutrition

There is increasing evidence that enteral feeding is superior to parenteral nutrition with regard to maintaining gut structure and function. Selection of the enteral access route depends on the type and anticipated duration of nutrient delivery. At present, enteral feeding devices can be divided into two major categories: those entering the gastrointestinal tract through the oral or nasal cavity (oroenteric or nasoenteric tubes) and those entering through the abdominal wall including gastrostomy, duodenostomy, or jejunostomy tubes. This article provides a review of methods to insert and confirm gastric and intestinal feeding tube placement. Care of the patient with an enteric tube will be described.

Nutrition for the critically ill child: enteral and parenteral support

The requirements of growth and organ development create a challenge in nutrition management for the pediatric patient. The stress of critical illness further complicates the delivery of adequate nutrients. Enteral feeding has several advantages over parenteral nutrition (PN), which include preservation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and decreasing the occurrence of sepsis related to bacterial translocation. Although feeding through the gastrointestinal tract is the preferred route for nutritional management, there are specific instances when PN as adjunctive or sole therapy is necessary to meet nutritional needs. With meticulous attention to fluid, caloric, protein, and fat requirements along with monitoring the metabolic status of the patient, it is possible to provide full nutritional support for the critically ill child within 24 to 48 hours of hospital admission.

Validation of a blind transpyloric feeding tube placement technique in pediatric intensive care: rapid, simple, and highly successful

OBJECTIVE

Nasogastric feeding in intensive care is poorly tolerated as a result of gastroparesis. Transpyloric (TP) feeding has been limited by difficulty in tube placement. This study was to independently validate the success rate of a previously published bedside TP feeding tube (FT) placement technique.

DESIGN

Prospective interventional study.

SETTING

Tertiary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Children whose intensivist requested TP feeding, and who were without known fundoplication, pharyngeal trauma, or gastric ulceration.

INTERVENTIONS

After informed consent, an unweighted polyurethane feeding tube with a flexible wire stylet was inserted using a standard technique with metoclopramide, right lateral position, and air insufflation during advancement until <2 mL air could be aspirated after insufflation of 5-10 mL air. The tubes were inserted by one of the authors, whose training was only to observe one insertion, then perform one insertion with supervision.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patient demographics, procedural data, and success rate based on radiography were prospectively recorded. There were 71 insertions on 38 patients from February 1999 to October 1999. Patients were aged 56 +/- 69.8 months, weighed 17.8 +/- 18 kg, 69% were ventilated, and 56% received procedural sedation. Success rate for TP-FT placement was 63/71 insertions (88.7%) in an average of 7.43 +/- 6.85 mins (median, 5 mins; range, <1-45 mins); of 38 patients, 36 had a successful TP- FT (95%). Insertion was well tolerated. Of the successful TP-FTs, on day 1 (n = 63) the FT was in distal duodenum or jejunum in 51% and by days 3-5 (n = 51), this increased to 75%.

CONCLUSIONS

Bedside placement of a TP-FT with this technique is simple, rapid, well tolerated, and highly successful with little training. Immediate radiograph to confirm TP placement may not always be necessary. In our experience, this technique has obviated the need to search for another method to achieve a transpyloric feeding tube.

Placement of nasoenteral feeding tubes using magnetic guidance: retesting a new technique

OBJECTIVE

To study a new technique of intubating the small bowel using a newly developed nasoenteral feeding tube fitted with a magnet in its tip and guided for placement with an external magnet.

METHODS

The study was performed in medical and surgical wards of a university-affiliated Department of Veterans Affairs hospital on 42 patients referred by their attending physicians for tube placement. The newly designed feeding tube was inserted per nares into the stomach using traditional technique. As the tube was advanced, movement of the hand-held steering magnet was designed to guide the tip of the magnetic nasoenteral tube along the lesser curvature of the stomach, through the pyloric sphincter, and into the duodenum. Portable abdominal radiography confirmed the anatomic location of the tube tip.

RESULTS

Fifty-one intubations were performed on 42 subjects. In 45 intubations (88%), tubes passed into the duodenum. Twenty-seven (53%) met criteria for optimal placement in the second portion of the duodenum or distally. Six of 11 tubes (55%) that were not optimally placed were advanced to the distal duodenum on repositioning. Median procedure time for the initial intubations was 30 minutes (interquartile range 15-40). Median procedure time for last 10 intubations improved to 13 minutes (interquartile range 5-20). No complications were related to the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Enteral feeding tube placement using external magnetic guidance is a promising, novel technique which is deserving of further study.

Bedside placement of transpyloric feeding tubes in the pediatric intensive care unit using gastric insufflation

OBJECTIVE

To test the effectiveness of gastric insufflation as an adjunct to placement of feeding tubes in the small bowel.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, controlled study.

SETTING

Pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary children's hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 50 children requiring enteral nutrition via a nasoenteral feeding tube in the small bowel.

INTERVENTIONS

An unweighted nasoenteral feeding tube attached to a three-way stopcock and a 60 mL syringe was inserted through the nares into the stomach. After 10 mL/kg of air was injected, the tube was advanced a distance estimated to position the tip of the tube proximal to the pylorus. An additional 10 mL/kg of air was then injected, and the tube was advanced a distance needed to place the tube in the fourth part of the duodenum. In the control group, feeding tubes were inserted through the nares and into the stomach. The tube was then advanced a distance estimated to place the tube in the fourth part of the duodenum. No air was injected in the control group.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

When gastric insufflation was used, 23 of 25 feeding tubes were successfully placed in the small bowel on the first attempt compared with 11 of 25 in the control group (p = .001). All feeding tubes were successfully placed after two attempts in the gastric insufflation group compared with 18 of 25 in the control group (p < .001). The time between the first attempt at placement of a transpyloric feeding tube and the initiation of feeding was significantly shorter in the study group than in the control group. There were no complications in either group.

CONCLUSION

Gastric insufflation allows rapid placement of feeding tubes into the small bowel with fewer attempts compared with a standard insertion technique in children.