Decision-making for gastrostomy after 70 years old: a prospective study about 26 patients.

Abstract

Management of undernutrition is based on young adults analysis. However, enteral nutrition is mainly discussed in the elderly. The aim of this study was to analyse factors related to laying gastrostomy, in geriatrics. A prospective, descriptive study, was conducted in the Loire department, from 2014 to 2016, in geriatric and palliative units. All patients over 70 years who had a theorical indication of gastrostomy were included. Decision-making process was analyzed from data affecting the reflection. Patients were followed for three months. Twenty-six patients were included with an average of 81 years old. They were frailty with a low mean serum albumin (29.2 g/L), an undernutrition (85%), an extended bedridden (73%), a medical history of aspiration pneumonia (46%) and with pressure ulcers (27%). The main diagnoses were strokes (38%) and dementia (23%). After a singular decision-making, only 15% received a gastrostomy. At three months, 69.2% of patients had died. Patients over 70 years old, with a vital prognosis at short term, are not good candidates for gastrostomy. In geriatrics, decision-making for gastrostomy laying is complex because managed by contradictory recommendations. It requires a global assessment to identify risk situations. The early detection of undernutrition is the key to successful management, for patients requiring gastrostomy.