Gastric versus small-bowel tube feeding in the intensive care unit: a prospective comparison of efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcomes of intensive care unit patients fed through a nasogastric vs. a nasal-small-bowel tube including the time from tube placement to feeding, time to reach goal rate, and adverse events.


METHODS
Sixty patients were prospectively randomized to receive gastric or small-bowel tube feedings. Nursing staff attempted to place a feeding tube in the desired position, and placement was confirmed radiographically after each bedside attempt. After two unsuccessful attempts, the feeding tube was placed under fluoroscopy. Feedings were started at 30 mL/hr and advanced to the patient's specific goal rate.


METHODS
Twenty-bed medical intensive care unit.


METHODS
Sixty medical patients admitted/transferred to the intensive care unit.


METHODS
Tube feeds were held for 2 hrs if any residual was >200 mL.


METHODS
Times were recorded at the initial tube insertion, onset of feeding, achievement of goal rate, and termination of feeding. Adverse outcomes included witnessed aspiration, vomiting, and clinical/radiographic evidence of aspiration. Patients were followed up for the duration of feeding, until leaving the intensive care unit, or for a maximum of 14 days.


RESULTS
Patients fed in the stomach received nutrition sooner from initial placement attempt (11.2 hrs vs. 27.0 hrs) and with fewer attempts (one vs. two) than those fed in the small bowel. Patients achieve goal rate sooner (28.8 hrs vs. 43.0 hrs) with gastric feeding compared with small-bowel feeding. There was no difference in aspiration events.


CONCLUSIONS
Gastric feeding demonstrates no increase in aspiration or other adverse outcomes compared with small-bowel feeding in the intensive care unit. Gastric feeding can be started and advanced to goal sooner with fewer placement attempts than small-bowel feeding.
Department of Gastroenterology, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Daniel A
DA
Neumann
Mark H
MH
DeLegge
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003422:Critical Care; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007421:Intestine, Small; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013270:Stomach