Failure to thrive: The socioeconomics of pediatric gastrostomy complications

One of the most common procedures in the pediatric population is the placement of a gastrostomy tube. There are significant medical, emotional, and social implications for both patients and caregivers. We hypothesized that socioeconomic status had a significant impact on gastrostomy complications.

A retrospective chart review was performed. Patient and census data including median household income, unemployment rate, health insurance status, poverty level, and caregiver education level were merged. Statistical tests were conducted against a 2-sided alternative hypothesis with a 0.05 significance level. Outcomes examined were minor and major complications in association with socioeconomic variables.

Patients with mechanical complications were younger, weighed less, and had a 72% greater chance of having commercial insurance. Patients with Medicare/self-pay were three times more likely to have a minor complication. The average unemployment rate was 23% greater in families with a major complication. Individuals with a minor complication came from community tracts with a lower percentage of families below the poverty level.

An association between socioeconomic factors and gastrostomy complications was identified. Insurance status and employment status were more significant predictors than poverty level. Further work with variables for targeted interventions to provide specific family support will allow these children and families to thrive.

Level II prognosis study.