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Percutaneous gastrostomy tubes in children with Pierre Robin sequence: efficacy, maintenance and complications
Hyder Al-Attar1, Arvind K Shergill, Nicole E Brown
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Image-Guided Therapy, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, Canada, M5G 1X8.
Insights
Gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) offer a safe and effective nutritional solution for children with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). This study confirms their efficacy in supporting growth until oral feeding is adequate.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) presents significant oropharyngeal challenges, leading to respiratory and feeding difficulties in children.
- Gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) are crucial for providing essential nutrition in affected infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous G-tube insertion in pediatric patients diagnosed with PRS.
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes and nutritional support provided by G-tubes in this specific population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 37 children with PRS who underwent G-tube insertion between 1996 and 2009.
- Data analysis focused on three periods: pre-insertion, during insertion, and post-removal of the G-tube.
Main Results:
- All 37 G-tubes were successfully placed, with only minor technical issues reported.
- Eight minor complications and two major dislodgements occurred post-procedure.
- At removal, 76% of children had maintained or improved their weight percentiles, indicating successful nutritional support.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous G-tube insertion is a safe and effective method for nutritional support in children with Pierre Robin sequence.
- G-tubes facilitate adequate nutrition, enabling children to achieve sufficient oral feeding capabilities.
Background:
Children with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) have significant oropharyngeal abnormalities, with respiratory and feeding difficulties. Gastrostomy tubes (G-tube) provide a means for nutrition.
Objective:
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous G-tube insertion in children with PRS.
Materials And Methods:
Of 120 children with PRS (1996-2009), 40 were referred for G-tube insertion; clinical details were reviewed in 37/40 children (18M, 19F) at three time periods: (1) pre-G-tube insertion, (2) at G-tube insertion, (3) at G-tube removal.
Results:
Pre-G-tube: 32/37 were term infants; 5 were preterm; 16/37 children were ≤ 10th weight percentile. At G-tube insertion, mean age was 66 days, mean weight 4.4 kg (1.1-7.0 kg); 19 dropped ≥10 weight percentiles; 12 tolerated nil by mouth; 2/37 were intubated for the procedure. All G-tubes were successfully placed, with five minor technical issues. Early postprocedure, there were eight minor complications and two dislodgements (classified as major). At G-tube removal mean G-tube dwell time was 2 years, with an average of 3.6 maintenance procedures per child, approximately 3 tube changes/1,000 tube days. At G-tube removal, 76% had maintained or increased weight centiles.
Conclusion:
G-tubes in PRS provide a safe method for nutrition until children feed adequately by mouth.
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