Related Experiment Videos

Gastrostomy feeding in infants and children on peritoneal dialysis

Sarah E Ledermann1, Lewis Spitz, Jeane Moloney

  • 1Renal Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK. leders@gosh.nhs.uk

Insights

Enteral feeding via gastrostomy is crucial for children on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Gastrostomy placement before PD is safer than during PD, with open gastrostomy (OG) being a safe alternative to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) during PD.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Procedures

Background:

  • Enteral feeding is essential for growth in pediatric patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).
  • Gastrostomy feeding is a common method to ensure adequate nutrition in these children.
  • This study reviews the experience with gastrostomy feeding in children on PD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the outcomes and complications of gastrostomy feeding in children on peritoneal dialysis.
  • To compare the safety and efficacy of different gastrostomy procedures (PEG, N and G, OG) in relation to PD initiation.
  • To provide recommendations for gastrostomy placement in pediatric PD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 29 children on PD requiring gastrostomy feeding over 11 years.
  • Categorization into three groups based on the timing of gastrostomy placement relative to PD initiation.
  • Analysis of gastrostomy-related complications, peritonitis rates, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Children with gastrostomy placed before PD (Group 1) had lower peritonitis rates (0.6/patient year) compared to those with gastrostomy placed during PD (Group 2: 1.4/patient year).
  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement after PD initiation (Group 3) was associated with a higher incidence of peritonitis.
  • Open gastrostomy (OG) or Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy (N and G) procedures showed varied outcomes, with some complications like paraesophageal hernias and PEG track issues reported.

Conclusions:

  • Gastrostomy placement prior to initiating PD is recommended, especially if an anti-reflux procedure is needed.
  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement during PD is contraindicated due to increased peritonitis risk.
  • Open gastrostomy (OG) is a safe alternative for children requiring gastrostomy while on PD.

Related Concept Videos