26 Clogged Feeding Tubes: Why Does It Matter?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Many patients treated on a burn unit require tube feeding as their primary caloric source or as supplemental feeding due to their injuries. Burn patients specifically require higher caloric intake due to the hypermetabolic state of burn injuries. Inadequate nutritional support contributes to longer ICU stays and higher mortality. Clogged feeding tubes reduce nutrition provided due to temporary discontinuation of feeding. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for the incidence of tube clogging. Methods This was a single-center retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to an American Burn Association-verified Burn Unit between August 2017 and October 2019 who received tube feeds during their admission. Data collected included baseline demographics, clinical outcomes, and details about tube feed formulations, number of clogs, and details leading up to the clog. Baseline demographics were compared using descriptive statistics. Nominal data was compared using Chi-square test. Continuous data was analyzed using student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Results A total of 170 patients were included; admission diagnoses included burn (97), soft tissue infections (29), SJS/TEN (11), and others (33). At least one clogged feeding tube was experienced by 51 patients and some experienced up to seven separate clogs. SJS/TEN patients were less likely to experience a clog (9.2 vs 0%, p = 0.035) and frostbite patients were more likely to experience a clog (0 vs 5.9%, p = 0.026). Burn mechanism did not affect incidence of tube feed clog, but patients with larger total body surface area (TBSA) burned were more likely to have a clog (15.55 vs 25.03%, p = 0.004). It was a median of 12 days until the first clog occurred (IQR 7.8–17.3). Two tube feed formulas demonstrated an increased likelihood of clog: a renal formulation (16.8 vs 33.3%, p = 0.017) and a polymeric concentrated product (5.0 vs 17.6%, p = 0.008). Both products have a high viscosity. Patients who experienced a clog had a longer length of stay (21.5 vs 44.0 days, p = 0.001). Conclusions This study identified several risk factors associated with higher incidence of clogged feeding tube in the burn unit including tube feed formulation and viscosity, admission diagnosis, and larger TBSA in burn patients. This study also confirms that clogged feeding tubes, and the resultant insufficient nutritional support, may contribute to an increased length of stay.