Abstract

BackgroundNICU patients are commonly discharged home with nasogastric (NG) or gastrostomy (G-tube) feeding, but wide practice variation exists. The objective of this study was to evaluate feeding and growth outcomes and complications in NICU patients discharged home with NG or G-tube feeding.Study designRetrospective cohort study of infants discharged from a Level IV NICU with an NG or G-tube who had follow up to 1 year. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups.ResultsThe study sample included 264 infants: 140 with NG and 124 with G-tube. More infants in the G-tube group (65%) still required tube feedings 12 months post-discharge than infants in the NG group (24%). Infants in the G-tube group had more tube-related ER visits than infants in the NG group. Growth outcomes did not differ.ConclusionHome NG feeding may be a safe alternative to a surgically placed G-tube in select NICU patients.

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