Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy improves nutritional status and reduces complications in patients with enteral nutrition support

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) on the nutritional status and complication rate in patients with enteral nutrition support. Methods Sixty five patients receiving PEG from January 2008 to December 2014 were enrolled in the study. The nutritional status was examined and the incidence of complications was documented before and after PEG. Results The serum albumin, body mass index (BMI) and arm muscle circumference were (29.2±3.2)g/L, (18.0±1.0)kg/m2, (21.1±1.9)cm and (32.9±3.0)g/L, (18.8±1.6)kg/m2, (23.0±3.0)cm before and 1 month after PEG, respectively (t=-6.798, -3.202 and -3.957, all P<0.05). Compared to those before PEG, the serum albumin, BMI and arm muscle circumference at 3 and 6 months after PEG were increased to (35.4±4.9)g/L, (19.7±1.4)kg/m2, (24.9±2.2)cm (t=-7.845, -7.202, -10.432, all P<0.05) and (37.9±3.7)g/L, (20.7±1.6)kg/m2, (26.9±3.7)cm (t=-14.046, -10.686, -9.827, all P<0.05), respectively. Compared to those with nasal feeding, the incidence of aspiration pneumonia was decreased from 62% (40/65) to 18% (10/57) and the incidence of reflux esophagitis was decreased from 51% (33/65) to 19% (11/57) 6 months after PEG, respectively (χ2=24.3 and 13.5, all P<0.01). Conclusion PEG can improve nutritional status and reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and reflux esophagitis for patients with enteral nutrition support. Key words: Gastroscopes; Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy; Nutritional status