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[Nasogastric tubes in geriatric patients]
J Stelian1, V Rosenfeld, A Leibovitz
1Geriatric Medical Center, Shmuel Harofeh Hospital.
Harefuah
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Nasogastric tubes (NGTs) support nutrition and aid diagnosis/therapy in elderly patients. Permanent NGT use was associated with chronic conditions and higher mortality, primarily from pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Nasogastric tubes (NGTs) are crucial for nutritional support and as diagnostic/therapeutic tools in geriatric care.
- Understanding the profile of elderly patients requiring NGTs is essential for optimizing care and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize geriatric patients needing nasogastric tubes (NGTs).
- To identify reasons for NGT use (temporary vs. permanent).
- To determine mortality rates and causes in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 25 women and 25 men requiring NGTs.
- Categorization into temporary (TNGT) and permanent (PNGT) use groups.
- Comparison of patient demographics, comorbidities, medication use, and mortality between groups.
Main Results:
- Permanent NGT use was linked to chronic neurologic disorders, incontinence, and higher medication counts.
- No significant laboratory differences were observed between temporary and permanent NGT groups.
- All 20 deaths (40%) occurred in the permanent NGT group, with pneumonia being the leading cause.
Conclusions:
- Permanent NGTs are typically indicated for elderly patients with chronic, progressive conditions affecting oral intake.
- Temporary NGTs serve primarily as diagnostic or therapeutic aids.
- Mortality is significantly higher in geriatric patients requiring permanent NGTs, highlighting the need for careful management and consideration of end-of-life care.