[Errors for delivery medications through gastrostomy devices: study of 109 children].
Gastrostomy is frequently used in clinical practice for drug administration. However modalities of drug administration via a gastrostomy device have been poorly studied and remain uncodified.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the mode of administration of drugs as well as errors associated with the use of a gastrostomy devices for drug delivery in children.


METHODS
Mode of administration of drugs was studied in 109 children (mean age 8.4+/-5.5 years, 72% neurologically impaired, 41% institutionalized children). A questionnaire was filled in by parents and/or caregivers. Errors of administration were classified as follows: galenic, due to preparation, physico-chemical interaction, lack of flushing the tube. Factors influencing the occurrence of errors were studied: living at home or in an institution, underlying disease, number of drugs administered via gastrostomy device.


RESULTS
Errors were frequently observed: galenic (47%), due to preparation (42%), physico-chemical interaction (51%), lack of flushing (10%). Errors occurred more frequently in institutionalized children compared to children living at home (78 versus 25%, P<0.0005). Galenic errors were more frequent in neurologically impaired children (57 versus 30%, P<0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
Many medications are administrated via gastrostomy tube in children. Errors are frequently observed and potentially dangerous.
Pélissier-Delour
L
L
Unité de gastroentérologie, d'hépatologie et de nutrition, hôpital Jeanne-de-Flandre, CHRU de Lille, université de Lille-II, 59037 Lille, France.
Michaud
L
L
Pourrat
M
M
Guimber
D
D
Neuville
S
S
Turck
D
D
Gottrand
F
F
D002648:Child; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D005602:France; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*