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Early feeding after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is safe in children
S Werlin1, M Glicklich, R Cohen
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Insights
Early enteral feeding, starting 6 hours after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in children, is safe and effective. This approach reduces fasting times, improves nutritional support, and shortens hospital stays for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Nutrition
- Medical Device Procedures
Background:
- Traditional post-percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) care involves prolonged fasting (12-24 hours).
- Extended fasting can lead to inadequate nutritional support and longer hospitalizations in pediatric patients.
- Optimizing feeding protocols after PEG insertion is crucial for patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early enteral feeding initiation following PEG placement in children.
- To determine if starting feedings earlier than standard practice reduces hospitalization duration.
- To assess the impact of early feeding on nutritional support and complication rates.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 28 pediatric patients (aged 4 weeks to 20 years) undergoing PEG insertion were studied.
- Enteral feedings were initiated in 24 patients just 6 hours post-procedure.
- Nutritional support, feeding tolerance, and complication rates were monitored closely.
Main Results:
- All 24 children tolerated early feeding, receiving their full feeding volume within 24 hours.
- No complications directly related to early feeding were observed.
- Twelve of 13 outpatient pediatric cases were discharged in under 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Initiating enteral feedings 6 hours after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is safe in the pediatric population.
- Early feeding protocols can significantly decrease fasting periods and hospital stay duration.
- This strategy enhances nutritional support and does not increase complication risks.
Abstract:
Most patients are fasted for at least 12 to 24 hours following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. In order to decrease the period of fasting, inadequate nutritional support, and hospitalization time, we began enteral feedings in 24 of 28 consecutive children, aged 4 weeks to 20 years, who were referred for PEG, 6 hours following the procedure. All patients received their full volume of feedings within 24 hours. Twelve of 13 outpatients were discharged in less than 24 hours. There were no complications related to early feeding and no complications that required discontinuation of feedings. Early feeding following PEG insertion is safe in children.