Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement in COVID-19 Patients

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Intensive care units (ICUs) face significant strain from COVID-19 patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.
• Ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure (VDRF) is a growing concern in COVID-19 survivors.
• Enteral feeding is crucial for nutritional support in critically ill patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a multidisciplinary approach for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement in COVID-19 patients with VDRF.
• To evaluate the role of PEG placement in facilitating discharge planning for these patients.
• To assess the impact of PEG placement on ICU bed availability.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team approach was employed for PEG tube placement.
• Gastroenterology evaluations were conducted to determine the need for chronic enteral feeding.
• Concurrent tracheostomy and PEG placement were considered for eligible patients.

Main Results:

• PEG placement provides a route for continued enteral feeding, mitigating complications.
• The combined procedures may expedite discharge planning for patients with prolonged VDRF.
• Increased ICU bed availability is a potential outcome of earlier patient discharge.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary approach to PEG placement is effective for managing COVID-19 patients with VDRF.
• PEG tubes support nutritional needs, reduce hospital length of stay, and improve ICU resource allocation.
• This strategy aids in managing the long-term respiratory sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.