Underwent Gastrostomy Tube Placement Research Articles

A Standardized Post-gastrostomy Feeding Protocol for Pediatric Patients Reduces Time to Postoperative Goal Feeding Volume.

Gastrostomy creation is a common pediatric surgical procedure, but the time to initiation of feeds and to goal feeding volumes postoperatively varies greatly. Delays in reaching goal feeding volumes promote malnutrition and may prolong hospital length of stay. We hypothesized that implementing an accelerated, standardized post-gastrostomy feeding protocol would allow patients to reach goal feeding volumes sooner, without increasing postoperative complications. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children who underwent gastrostomy tube placement between 1/1/2022 and 11/30/2023. The feeding protocol was implemented on 11/16/2022, with patients separated into pre- and post-protocol cohorts. Abstracted data included comorbidities, time to initiation of enteral feeds, time to goal feeding volume, and postoperative complications. 322 patients were included: 166 pre-protocol and 156 post-protocol. The post-protocol cohort had a greater proportion of patients with gastrointestinal and/or cardiac comorbidities (P < .001). Through the protocol, postoperative enteral feeds were initiated significantly faster (5.4hrs [IQR 43-7.7] vs 7.0hrs [IQR 5.6-14.3]; P < .001). The post-protocol cohort also achieved goal feeding volumes sooner (12.8hrs [IQR 9.1-25.3] vs 26.3hrs [IQR 21.6-38.9]; P < .001). Postoperative complication rates did not differ between cohorts. Sub-analysis of children with complex cardiac conditions also demonstrated faster time to goal nutrition without an associated increase in postoperative events. These findings demonstrate that our accelerated post-gastrostomy feeding protocol was effective in achieving goal enteral nutrition earlier without increasing postoperative adverse outcomes. This protocol may be used by other centers to safely expedite time to goal enteral feeds in children postoperatively.

Advance care planning for patients undergoing gastrostomy tube procedures; prevalence, outcomes, and disparities

BackgroundAdvanced care planning (ACP) is the process of establishing goals for end-of-life care. We aimed to examine ACP's prevalence, associated factors, and impact in a cohort of patients undergoing gastrostomy tube procedures. MethodsAdult patients who underwent gastrostomy tube placement from 2016 to 2021 ​at a tertiary center were identified. Variables evaluated included age, sex, race, comorbidities, and median income of patient home zip code. Primary outcomes included the presence of ACP, length of stay (LOS), and 90-day mortality. Analysis was performed using independent T tests, Mann Whitney U-tests, and Chi Square analysis. ACP, LOS, and 90-day mortality were analyzed with multivariate analysis. Results877 patients underwent gastrostomy tube placement and 10.6 ​% had ACP. Black race was an isolated factor negatively associated with ACP (OR 0.423, p ​= ​0.013). There was no difference in the proportion of patients with or without ACP who died within 90 days of the procedure (17 ​% vs. 15 ​%, p ​= ​0.836). Average LOS was 6 days shorter for patients with ACP (p ​< ​0.001). ConclusionThis study highlights the significant underutilization and racial disparity in ACP, and found that ACP does not negatively impact outcomes or perioperative mortality for patients undergoing gastrostomy tube placement.

Spectrum of Disease in Hospitalized Newborns with Congenital Micrognathia: A Cohort of 3,236 Infants at North American Tertiary-Care Intensive Care Units

To describe the spectrum of disease and burden of care in infants with congenital micrognathia from a multicenter cohort hospitalized at tertiary care centers. The Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database was queried from 2010 through 2020 for infants diagnosed with micrognathia. Demographics, presence of genetic syndromes, and cleft status were summarized. Outcomes included death, length of hospitalization, neonatal surgery, and feeding and respiratory support at discharge. Analysis included 3,236 infants with congenital micrognathia. Cleft palate was identified in 1266 (39.1%). A genetic syndrome associated with micrognathia was diagnosed during the neonatal hospitalization in 256 (7.9%). Median (IQR) length of hospitalization was 35 (16, 63) days. Death during the hospitalization (n=228, 6.8%) was associated with absence of cleft palate (4.4%, P<.001) and maternal Black race (11.6%, P<.001). During the neonatal hospitalization, 1289 (39.7%) underwent surgery to correct airway obstruction and 1059 (32.7%) underwent gastrostomy tube placement. At the time of discharge, 1035 (40.3%) were exclusively feeding orally. There was significant variability between centers related to length of stay and presence of a feeding tube at discharge (P<.001 for both). Infants hospitalized with congenital micrognathia have a significant burden of disease, commonly receive surgical intervention, and most often require tube feedings at hospital discharge. We identified disparities based on race and among centers. Development of evidence-based guidelines could improve neonatal care.

Factors that impact dysphagia and discontinuance of oral intake in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy.

To evaluate the swallowing function in the advanced stages of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and clarify the factors that lead to adjustment of food consistency and discontinuation of oral intake. A total of 56 patients with PSP were recruited. Based on medical records, information about the basic attributes, clinical features (including axial rigidity and dementia), food intake, the results of a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), and the timing of nasogastric tube transition and gastrostomy were extracted. From the VFSS images, the presence or absence of aspiration and retrocollis were assessed. The average age at the onset, diagnosis, and the final follow-up examination were 67.6 ± 6.4 years, 71.6 ± 5.8 years, and 75.4 ± 5.6 years, respectively. The average duration of illness was 64.6 ± 42.8 months. Twenty-four individuals (42.9%) were continuing oral intake, while 32 were tube-fed, among whom 16 (50.0%) underwent gastrostomy tube placement. There were significant differences in the duration from the disease onset to tube feeding between the patients with and without cognitive decline at the time of the diagnosis (p < 0.01) and in the duration from the initial VFSS to tube feeding between the patients with and without aspiration on the initial VFSS (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in the duration from the diagnosis to tube feeding and from the initial VFSS to tube feeding between patients with and without axial rigidity at the time of the diagnosis (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). Additionally, there was a significant association between axial rigidity and retrocollis (p < 0.01). Cognitive decline, axial rigidity and retrocollis, which are associated with the deterioration of dysphagia in PSP, are the highest risk factors for the discontinuation of oral intake. The early identification of these factors associated with the progression of dysphagia can contribute to the improvement of patient care and management.

Prophylactic antireflux procedures are not necessary in neurologically impaired children undergoing gastrostomy placement

Fundoplication is frequently used in children with neurologic impairment even in the absence of reflux due to concerns for future gastric feeding intolerance, but supporting data are lacking. We aimed to determine the incidence of secondary antireflux procedures (fundoplicationor gastrojejunostomy (GJ)) post gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in children with and without neurologic impairment. Children under 18 undergoing a GT placement without fundoplication between 2010 and 2020 were identified utilizing the PearlDiver Mariner national patient claims database. Children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or a degenerative neurologic disease were identified and compared to children without these diagnoses. The incidence of delayed fundoplication or conversion to GJ were compared utilizing Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. A total of 14,965children underwent GT placement, of which 3712 (24.8%) had a diagnosis of neurologic impairment. The rate of concomitant fundoplication was significantly higher among children with a diagnosis of neurologic impairment as compared to those without (9.3% vs 6.4%, p < 0.001). While children with neurologic impairment had a significantly higher rate of fundoplication or GJ conversion at 5years compared to children without (12.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 11.4%-13.8%] vs 8.6% [95% CI 8.0%-9.2%], p < 0.001), the overall incidence remained low. Although children with neurologic impairment have a higher rate of requiring an antireflux procedure or GJ conversion than other children, the overall rate remains less than 15%. Fundoplication should not be utilized in children without clinical reflux on the basis of neurologic impairment alone.

Clinical presentations of erosive esophagitis found at endoscopy in neurologically impaired children: a historical study

Data is lacking as to the clinical presentation of erosive esophagitis (EE) in neurologically impaired children compared to non-neurologically impaired children (non-NIC). To determinate the clinical presentation, associations, management, and outcomes of EE in neurologically impaired children compared to children without neurologic impairment. Retrospective chart review of all esophagogastroduodenoscopies performed in pediatric patients at the University of Mississippi Medical Center from 1998 to 2020 with the diagnosis of EE. Fisher's exact test was used to compare results from neurologically impaired children group and non-NIC. A probability <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Forty-seven patients were diagnosed with EE and met study criteria. Twenty-six patients were neurologically impaired children, and 21 were non-neurologically impaired children. No significant difference was seen between age at diagnosis, sex, or hematologic markers of anemia. The most common indication for esophagogastroduodenoscopies in neurologically impaired children was hematemesis (65.4%), whereas abdominal pain (33.3%) was the most common in non-NIC. Neurologically impaired children were more likely to be treated with acid-blockade. Nine neurologically impaired children had gastrostomy tubes prior to diagnosis as opposed to 0 non-neurologically impaired children. After diagnosis, 8 neurologically impaired children underwent gastrostomy tube placement compared to 0 non-neurologically impaired children, and fundoplication was performed in 11 neurologically impaired children as compared to 1 non-NIC. The sensitivity of fecal occult blood test for detecting EE was higher for neurologically impaired children (91.7%) than for non-NIC (33.3%). EE in neurologically impaired children presents differently than in non-neurologically impaired children with blood loss being the most common presentation in neurologically impaired children. Neurologically impaired children are more likely to be treated with acid-blockade prior to diagnosis, likely due to heightened risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, they are more likely to undergo surgical management of EE than non-neurologically impaired children.

Caregiver health-related quality of life 1 year following pediatric gastrostomy tube placement

IntroductionChildren undergoing gastrostomy tube placement often have complex medical conditions that can increase caregiver burden and decrease caregiver health-related quality of life. Our goal was to identify changes in health-related quality of life over a 12-month period in the caregivers of these patients. MethodsWe performed a prospective cohort study of pediatric patients undergoing gastrostomy tube placement. Using the PedsQL 2.0 Family Impact Module, we surveyed the caregivers of these patients at baseline (prior to gastrostomy tube placement) and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months following gastrostomy tube placement. We administered the same survey, at baseline only, to a control group composed of caregivers of pediatric patients undergoing elective hernia repair. ResultsWe enrolled 130 patients undergoing gastrostomy tube placement and 35 patients undergoing hernia repair. At baseline, these caregivers had significantly lower total health-related quality of life compared to caregivers of children undergoing hernia repair (47.4 ± 16.1 vs 86.0 ± 15.6, P < .001). In the first year after gastrostomy tube placement, caregivers had significant increases in total health-related quality of life (P < .01) and the physical functioning (P < .05), communication (P < .05), worry (P < .05), and daily activities (P < .001) subdomains. A within-subjects analysis comparing scores at baseline and 12 months revealed a significant increase in the total health-related quality of life score over this 1-year period (60.7 ± 18.9 vs 47.4 ± 16.1, P < .01). The total health-related quality of life at 12 months, however, remained significantly lower compared to controls (60.7 ± 18.9 vs 86.0 ± 15.6, P < .001). ConclusionOur findings highlight the ongoing caregiver burden associated with children undergoing gastrostomy tube placement and provide evidence of the need for efforts directed at caregiver support post gastrostomy tube placement.

Reduction of Unnecessary Gastrostomy Tube Placement in Hospitalized Patients.

Many patients undergoing gastrostomy tube placement at one academic medical center were able to resume an oral diet prior to discharge or did not survive hospitalization. The objective of this study was to reduce placement of nonbeneficial gastrostomy tubes and to maintain or improve adherence to gastrostomy tube guidelines. In February 2017 the Acute Care Surgery service began an initiative in which gastrostomy tube placement was deferred until the patient was deemed medically stable for discharge. This study retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, January 2014-January 2017, prior to the intervention, and February 2017-December 2019, after the intervention. Primary outcomes included the proportion of patients undergoing PEG tube placement who resumed an oral diet or who died during the index hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included the timing of the PEG tube placement. PEGs were placed in 240 patients in the preintervention period and in 171 patients in the postintervention period. In the postintervention period, there was a lower percentage of patients resuming oral diet after PEG placement (17.1% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.0049), a lower duration between stroke diagnosis and PEG placement (mean of 21.0 days vs. 17,1 days, p = 0.0305), and a lower duration between PEG placement and hospital discharge (mean of 19.7 days vs. 13.6 days, p = 0.0035). Intentional delay in PEG placement until patients were medically stabilized and approaching discharge was associated with a reduction in unnecessary procedures and an overall reduction in the number of procedures, while maintaining alignment with clinical guidelines and avoiding delays in discharge attributable to the procedure.

Abstract WP132: National Trends In Utilization And Outcomes Of Acute Ischemic Stroke And Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients Undergoing Gastrostomy Tube Placement

Background and Purpose: Persistent dysphagia requiring gastrostomy tube placement continues to be a major issue for stroke patients. We performed analysis to evaluate trends in utilization of gastrostomy tube placement and associated rates of death among acute ischemic stroke (IS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients over a 10-year period. Methods: We obtained data for patients admitted to hospitals in United States from 2009 to 2018 with a primary diagnosis of IS or ICH using a large national database. We determined rate and pattern of utilization and associated in-hospital outcomes of gastrostomy tube placement among IS and ICH patients. Results: A total of 50551 (7.05%) and 136922 (2.45%) patients underwent gastrostomy tube placement among the 716777and 5567538patients admitted with ICH and IS, respectively. There was a 3.2-fold decrease in patients who gastrostomy tube placement among patients with IS (2.3% in 2009 vs 0.7% in 2018; P&lt;0.001), and by a 1.5-fold decrease for those with ICH (7.8% in 2009 vs 5.3% in 2018; P&lt;0.001). The rates of in-hospital mortality among patients undergoing gastrostomy tube placement remained unchanged throughout the 10 years for patients with IS (5.2% in 2009 vs 4.9% in 2018; p = 0.54) but decreased by fold for those with ICH (7.58% in 2009 vs 2.7% in 2010; p = 0.01). The length of hospitalization remained significantly higher in patients undergoing gastrostomy tube placement compared with those who did not for both patients with IS (16.2 ±15.7versus 3.6±4.3, p&lt;.0001) and those with ICH (24.4±22.1 versus 6.0±7.5, p&lt;.0001). The cost of hospitalization remained significantly higher in patients undergoing gastrostomy tube placement compared with those who did not for both patients with IS ($140563± 172413 versus $ 37950.2± 45101.6, p&lt;.0001) and those with ICH ($254519± 251973 versus $ 62133.3± 90833.9, p&lt;.0001). Conclusions: Between 2009 and 2018, there has been a significant reduction in the proportion of IS and ICH patients who underwent gastrostomy tube placement. However, the length and cost of hospitalization remained significantly higher among patients who underwent gastrostomy tube placement.

Pediatric Gastrostomy Tube Placement: Less Complications Associated with Laparoscopic Approach.

Background: There are few nationwide studies comparing outcomes of open, laparoscopic (LAP), and percutaneous endoscopic (PEG) gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014 was used to identify patients ≤18 years (excluding newborns) who underwent GT placement. Demographics, hospital characteristics, and outcomes were compared by the GT approach. Results: There were 3278 patients (41% female, age 3 ± 5 years) identified who underwent GT placement (40% open versus 32% PEG versus 28% LAP). Following an open approach, there were higher rates of GT-related complications (10% versus 4% LAP versus 3% PEG) and postoperative gastrointestinal issues (24% versus 12% LAP versus 9% PEG) on index hospitalization, both P < .001. Readmission within 30 days and 1 year were 18% and 43%, respectively. Overall readmission rates were not affected by the GT approach (44% open versus 44% LAP versus 43% PEG, P = .773). However, readmission for GT-related complications was the lowest following the LAP approach (<0.3% versus 2% open versus 2% PEG, P < .001). When those who also underwent fundoplication were excluded, conversion to gastrojejunostomy or jejunostomy (GJ/J) on readmission was higher following open and PEG approaches (4% open versus 2% PEG versus 0% LAP, P = .039). Conclusions: Compared with PEG gastrostomy and open gastrostomy, LAP GT placement appears to have lower index complications and reoperation rates, and at least comparable readmission outcomes. Despite these advantages, LAP GT placement remains underutilized.

A pilot study to determine the incidence, type, and severity of non-routine events in neonates undergoing gastrostomy tube placement

BackgroundNon-routine events (NRE) are defined as any suboptimal occurrences in a process being measured in the opinion of the reporter and comes from the field of human factors engineering. These typically occur well up-stream of an adverse event and NRE measurement has not been applied to the complex context of neonatal surgery. We sought to apply this novel safety event measurement methodology to neonates in the NICU undergoing gastrostomy tube placement. MethodsA prospective pilot study was conducted between November 2016 and August 2020 in the Level IV NICU and the pediatric operating rooms of an urban academic children's hospital to determine the incidence, severity, impact, and contributory factors of clinician-reported non-routine events (NREs, i.e., deviations from optimal care) and 30-day NSQIP occurrences in neonates receiving a G-tube. ResultsClinicians reported at least one NRE in 32 of 36 (89%) G-tube cases, averaging 3.0 (Standard deviation: 2.5) NRE reports per case. NSQIP-P review identified 7 cases (19%) with NSQIP-P occurrences and each of these cases had multiple reported NREs. One case in which NREs were not reported was without NSQIP-P occurrences. The odds ratio of having a NSQIP-P occurrence with the presence of an NRE was 0.695 (95% CI 0.06–17.04). ConclusionDespite being considered a "simple" operation, >80% of neonatal G-tube placement operations had at least one reported NRE by an operative team member. In this pilot study, NRE occurrence was not significantly associated with the subsequent reporting of an NSQIP-P occurrence. Understanding contributory factors of NREs that occur in neonatal surgery may promote surgical safety efforts and should be evaluated in larger and more diverse populations. Level of evidenceIV

Gastrostomy Tube Outcomes Among Surgical and Non-Surgical Services: A Retrospective Review.

Our objective was to evaluate differences in baseline characteristics, complications, and mortality among patients receiving a gastrostomy tube (GT) by surgical or non-surgical services. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients who underwent GT placement from 2014 to 2017 at a single institution. Using bivariate and multivariable analyses, we compared baseline characteristics, complications, and overall 30-day mortality of patients undergoing GT placement with surgical or non-surgical services. Of the 1339 adults who underwent GT placement, surgical and non-surgical services performed 45% (n = 609) and 55% (n = 730) procedures, respectively. Gastrostomy tube-related complications were similar (29.6% surgical vs 28.8% non-surgical, P = .76). Thirty-day mortality was higher among non-surgical services (23.7% vs 16.5%, P = .004). On multivariable analysis, this was not significant (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.83; 1.77). Surgical and non-surgical service placement of GTs had equivalent GT-related mortality and complication rates.

Gastrostomy Tube Placement in Neonates Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery: A Novel Assessment for Improving Utilization and Timing of Placement.

Neonates undergoing congenital heart defect repair require optimized nutritional support in the perioperative period. Utilization of a gastrostomy tube is not infrequent, yet optimal timing for placement is ill-defined. The objective of this study was to identify characteristics of patients whose postoperative course included gastrostomy tube placement to facilitate supplemental tube feeding following neonatal repair of congenital heart defects. A single-institution, retrospective chart review identified 64 consecutive neonates who underwent cardiac operations from 2012 to 2016. Perioperative variables were evaluated for significance in relation to gastrostomy tube placement. A total of 27 (42%) underwent gastrostomy tube placement. Diagnosis of a genetic syndrome was associated with the likelihood of placement of gastrostomy tube (P = .032), as were patients with single ventricle physiology (P = .0013) compared to those felt to be amenable to eventual biventricular repair. Aortic arch reconstruction (P = .029), as well as the need for delayed sternal closure (P = .05), was associated with increased frequency of gastrostomy tube placement. Postoperative outcomes including the number of days intubated (P = .0026) and the presence of significant dysphagia (P = .0034) were associated with gastrostomy placement. Additionally, genetic syndrome (P = .003), aortic arch reconstruction (P = .01), and postoperative intubation duration (P = .0024) correlated with increased length of stay, where increased length of stay was associated with gastrostomy tube placement (P = .0004). Patient characteristics that were associated with a high likelihood of eventual gastrostomy placement were identified in this study. Early recognition of such characteristics in future patients may allow for reduced time to gastrostomy tube placement, which in turn may improve perioperative growth and outcomes.

Free Tissue Transfer for Repair of Chronic Esophageal Perforations.

ObjectiveAnterior cervical discectomy and fusion have become a common intervention for cervical spine stabilization. However, complications can cause life-threatening morbidity. Among them, esophageal perforation is associated with severe morbidity, including dysphagia, malnutrition, and infection with the potential development of mediastinitis. Presentation is variable but often results in chronic morbidity. Herein we examine our experiences in the management of esophageal perforation with microvascular free tissue transfer.Study DesignRetrospective review from January 2013 to September 2020.SettingSingle academic tertiary care center.MethodsThis study comprised all patients (age, 41-73 years) undergoing free tissue transfer for the repair of chronic esophageal perforation secondary to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at an academic tertiary care center. Four patients underwent repair via vastus lateralis myofascial onlay grafting for defects ≤2 cm in greatest dimension, while 1 patient underwent a fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap repair of an 11 × 5–cm defect.ResultsDefect location ranged from hypopharynx to cervical esophagus. Mean operative time was 6.2 hours; the average length of stay for all patients was 6.6 days. Of 5 patients, 1 required additional hardware placement for spine stabilization. All patients underwent gastrostomy tube placement to bypass the surgical site during healing, and all eventually resumed an oral diet postoperatively. Recurrent fistula occurred in 1 of 5 patients. No flap failures were encountered in the study population.ConclusionVastus lateralis myofascial onlay grafting and fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap are robust, relatively low-morbidity interventions with a high success rate for definitive repair of chronic esophageal perforation. Repair should be undertaken in concert with a spine surgeon for management of the cervical spine.

Outcomes of gastrostomy placement with and without concomitant tracheostomy among ventilator dependent children

IntroductionSimultaneous gastrostomy tube (GT) and tracheostomy placement in young children offers potential benefit in limiting anesthetic exposure, but it is unknown whether combining these procedures introduces additional morbidity. This study compared outcomes after combined GT and tracheostomy placement versus GT placement alone among similar ventilator-dependent patients. MethodsVentilator-dependent children <2-years-old who underwent GT placement alone (MV-GT), simultaneous GT and tracheostomy placement (GT+T), and GT placement alone with a pre-existing tracheostomy (T-GT) were identified using 2012–2018 NSQIP-Pediatric Participant User Files. Multiple logistic regression models were used to compare outcomes while adjusting for other group differences. ResultsAmong 1100 children, 351 underwent MV-GT, 494 GT+T, and 255 T-GT. Major complications occurred in 23.6%, 17.0%, and 14.5% of the respective groups (p = 0.01). Major complications with GT+T were similar to T-GT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.19, 95%CI:0.78–1.83, p = 0.4) and lower than MV-GT (aOR=0.67, 95%CI:0.47–0.95, p = 0.02). Severe complications including mortality, cardiac arrest, and stroke were similar between the three groups (p = 0.8). ConclusionsChildren <2-years-old undergoing GT+T did not experience higher post-operative complications compared to children undergoing T-GT or MV-GT. Utilizing GT+T to limit anesthetic exposure may be reasonable within this high-risk population. Type of StudyTreatment Study Level of EvidenceLevel III

Trends and outcomes associated with gastrostomy tube placement in common neurodegenerative disorders

IntroductionDysphagia causing aspiration pneumonia is a common complication in the advanced stages of neurodegenerative disorders. Historically, physicians attempted to prevent this complication with gastrostomy tube (GT) placement. Its use is supported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), not supported in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and without disease-specific guidelines in Parkinson’s disease (PD). MethodThe rate of GT placement in these three populations over two decades, from 1990 to 2010, was calculated using a binomial regression model with the data extracted using diagnosis and procedural codes from a national database. The median length-of-stay (LOS) and discharge destinations were compared. ResultsThe rate of GT placement was 6.0% lower annually in AD, 3.4% in PD, and 0.2% in ALS (all p ≤ 0.007). The analysis of hospital LOS and discharge destination showed 3.2 to 5.5 days longer LOS with GT placement in all groups (all p ≤ 0.01), and three to four times lower odds of going home with GT placement in AD and PD groups (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14–0.55, and OR 0.22, CI 0.11–0.42 respectively), while unchanged in ALS group (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6–1.9). ConclusionDespite the downward trend of GT placement over two decades, thousands of AD and PD patients still underwent GT placement annually, and this was associated with longer LOS in all groups and increased likelihood of being discharged to a nursing facility in AD and PD. Further research is necessary to understand the effects of GT on physician practices and patient expectations in advanced AD and PD.

Comparing the Safety and Cost of Image-Guided Percutaneous Gastrostomy Tube Placement in the Outpatient Versus Overnight Observation Setting in a Single-Center Retrospective Study

Historically, patients undergoing image-guided percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement have been admitted overnight with feeds commencing 12-24 hours postprocedure. With new expedited feeding protocols starting 3-4 hours postprocedure, same-day discharge is now possible. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and cost of image-guided percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement as an outpatient procedure. In this retrospective study, 131 patients (age 63.9 ± 11.6; 34% female) underwent gastrostomy tube placement as an outpatient procedure with expedited feeding protocol versus 40 patients (age 61.3 ± 12.6; 38% female) who were hospitalized overnight with feeds starting at 12-24 hours, primarily based on operator preference. The two groups were compared regarding complications within 90 days of procedure. Using a subgroup of 33 consecutive patients, procedural costs (total combined insurer and patient payments for professional and hospital services) for outpatients vs. hospitalized patients were compared. Complication rates were similar (p = 0.64) for gastrostomy tubes placed on outpatients (0.17 complications/procedure: 4 bleeding, 2 aspiration pneumonia, 1 abdominal abscess, 4 significant pain, 6 cellulitis, 1 surgical consult, 4 malpositioned/fractured tubes) and hospitalized patients (0.20 complications/procedure: 1 aspiration pneumonia, 1 significant pain, 3 cellulitis, 1 surgical consult, 2 fractured tubes). Total combined insurer and patient payments were similar ($2193/outpatient vs $2701/hospitalized patient; p= 0.52). Outpatient image-guided percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement with an expedited feeding protocol is a safe and cost-comparable alternative to historic overnight hospitalization. Further prospective investigation with a larger sample is warranted.

Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Gastrostomy after Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a disabling form of stroke, and some patients will require nutritional interventions for dysphagia. We sought to determine if socioeconomic status indicators mediate whether minorities undergo gastrostomy tube placement. Materials and Methods: Patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage were enrolled in a single center, observational cohort study from 2010 to 2017. A socioeconomic index score was imputed using neighborhood characteristics by patients’ ZIP code, according to an established method utilizing 6 indicators of wealth/income, education, and occupation. Multivariable logistic regression models were generated and stratified by racial/ethnic groups to determine the association of socioeconomic status with gastrostomy tube placement. Results: Among 512 patients, 93 (18.2%) underwent gastrostomy tube placement. There were 245 Whites, 220 Blacks, and 47 Hispanic. Blacks underwent the highest percentage of gastrostomy placement (22.7%), and Whites had the lowest percentage (13.5%). Among patients with gastrostomy, Blacks and Hispanics had lowest median socioeconomic index (−2.1 [IQR: −3.0, .7]; .7 [IQR: −1.6, 2.9], respectively, P < .001). Increasing intracerebral hemorrhage score was correlated with higher odds of gastrostomy across all groups (P values ≤ .01) but only Hispanics had reduced adjusted odds of gastrostomy with increasing socioeconomic index (OR .56; 95% .33-.84; P = .01). Discussion: Racial/ethnic minorities had lower socioeconomic index and underwent more gastrostomy placement. Socioeconomic index was independently associated with gastrostomy only in Hispanics, in whom the odds of gastrostomy decreased with increasing socioeconomic index. Summary & Conclusion: Differences in utilization of gastrostomy were evident among minorities, and socioeconomic status may mediate this relationship among Hispanics.

Provider Networks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Associate with Length of Stay.

We strive to understand care coordination structures of multidisciplinary teams and to evaluate their effect on post-surgical length of stay (PSLOS) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Electronic health record (EHR) data were extracted for 18 neonates, who underwent gastrostomy tube placement surgery at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center NICU. Based on providers' interactions with the EHR (e.g. viewing, documenting, ordering), provider-provider relations were learned and used to build patient-specific provider networks representing the care coordination structure. We quantified the networks using standard network analysis metrics (e.g., in-degree, out-degree, betweenness centrality, and closeness centrality). Coordination structure effectiveness was measured as the association between the network metrics and PSLOS, as modeled by a proportional-odds, logistical regression model. The 18 provider networks exhibited various team compositions and various levels of structural complexity. Providers, whose patients had lower PSLOS, tended to disperse patient-related information to more colleagues within their network than those, who treated higher PSLOS patients (P = 0.0294). In the NICU, improved dissemination of information may be linked to reduced PSLOS. EHR data provides an efficient, accessible, and resource-friendly way to study care coordination using network analysis tools. This novel methodology offers an objective way to identify key performance and safety indicators of care coordination and to study dissemination of patient-related information within care provider networks and its effect on care. Findings should guide improvements in the EHR system design to facilitate effective clinical communications among providers.

Modeling Care Team Structures in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit through Network Analysis of EHR Audit Logs.

In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), predefined acuity-based team care models are restricted to core roles and neglect interactions with providers outside of the team, such as interactions that transpire via electronic health record (EHR) systems. These unaccounted interactions may be related to the efficiency of resource allocation, information flow, communication, and thus impact patient outcomes. This study applied network analysis methods to EHR audit logs to model the interactions of providers beyond their core roles to better understand the interaction network patterns of acuity-based teams and relationships of the network structures with postsurgical length of stay (PSLOS). The study used the EHR log data of surgical neonates from a large academic medical center. The study included 104 surgical neonates, for whom 9,206 unique actions were performed by 457 providers in their EHRs. We applied network analysis methods to model EHR provider interaction networks of acuity-based teams in NICU postoperative care. We partitioned each EHR network into three subnetworks based on interaction types: (1) interactions between known core providers who were documented in scheduling records (core subnetwork); (2) interactions between core and noncore providers (extended subnetwork); and (3) interactions between noncore providers (extended subnetwork). For each core subnetwork, we assessed its capability to replicate predefined core-provider relations as documented in scheduling records. We further compared each EHR network, as well as its subnetworks, using standard network measures to determine its differences in network topologies. We conducted a case study to learn provider interaction networks taking care of 15 neonates who underwent gastrostomy tube placement surgery from EHR log data and measure the effectiveness of the interaction networks on PSLOS by the proportional-odds model. The provider networks of four acuity-based teams (two high and two low acuity), along with their subnetworks, were discovered. We found that beyond capturing the predefined core-provider relations, EHR audit logs can also learn a large number of relations between core and noncore providers or among noncore providers. Providers in the core subnetwork exhibited a greater number of connections with each other than with providers in the extended subnetworks. Many more providers in the core subnetwork serve as a hub than those in the other types of subnetworks. We also found that high-acuity teams exhibited more complex network structures than low-acuity teams, with high-acuity team generating 6,416 interactions between 407 providers compared with 931 interactions between 124 providers, respectively. In addition, we discovered that high-acuity and low-acuity teams shared more than 33 and 25% of providers with each other, respectively, but exhibited different collaborative structures demonstrating that NICU providers shift across different acuity teams and exhibit different network characteristics. Results of case study show that providers, whose patients had lower PSLOS, tended to disperse patient-related information to more colleagues within their network than those who treated higher PSLOS patients (p = 0.03). Network analysis can be applied to EHR log data to model acuity-based NICU teams capturing interactions between providers within the predesigned core team as well as those outside of the core team. In the NICU, dissemination of information may be linked to reduced PSLOS. EHR log data provide an efficient, accessible, and research-friendly way to study provider interaction networks. Findings should guide improvements in the EHR system design to facilitate effective interactions between providers.