Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy versus nasogastric tube feeding for patients with head and neck cancer: a systematic review

There are two main enteral feeding strategies—namely nasogastric (NG) tube feeding and percutaneous gastrostomy—used to improve the nutritional status of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). But up till now there has been no consistent evidence about which method of enteral feeding is the optimal method for this patient group. To compare the effectiveness of percutaneous gastrostomy and NGT feeding in patients with HNC, relevant literature was identified through Medline, Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane, Wiley and manual searches. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-experimental studies comparing percutaneous gastrostomy—including percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy (PFG) —with NG for HNC patients. Data extraction recorded characteristics of intervention, type of study and factors that contributed to the methodological quality of the individual studies. Data were then compared with respect to nutritional status, duration of feeding, complications, radiotherapy delays, disease-free survival and overall survival. Methodological quality of RCTs and non-experimental studies were assessed with separate standard grading scales. It became apparent from our studies that both feeding strategies have advantages and disadvantages.     

A prospective comparison of the use of nasogastric and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes for long-term enteral feeding in older people

OBJECTIVE: To compare the indications for and the outcome of long-term enteral feeding by nasogastric tube (NGT) with that of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. DESIGN: A prospective, multicenter cohort study. SETTING: Acute geriatric units and long-term care (LTC) hospitals in Jerusalem, Israel. PARTICIPANTS: 122 chronic patients aged 65 years and older for whom long-term enteral feeding was indicated as determined by the treating physician. Patients with acute medical conditions at the time of tube placement were excluded. MEASUREMENTS: We examined the indications for enteral feeding, nutritional status, outcome and complications in all subjects. Subjects were followed for a minimum period of six months. RESULTS: Although the PEG patients were older and had a higher incidence of dementia, there was an improved survival in those patients with PEG as compared to NGT (hazard ratio (HR)=0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-0.76; P=0.01). Also, the patients with PEG had a lower rate of aspiration (HR=0.48; 95% CI 0.26-0.89) and self-extubation (HR=0.17; 95% CI 0.05-0.58) than those with NGT. Apart from a significant improvement in the serum albumin level at the 4-week follow-up assessment in the patients with PEG compared to those with NGT (adjusted mean 3.35 compared to 3.08; F=4.982), nutritional status was otherwise similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: In long-term enteral feeding, in a selected group of non-acute patients, the use of PEG was associated with improved survival, was better tolerated by the patient and was associated with a lower incidence of aspiration. A randomized controlled study is needed to determine whether PEG is truly superior to NGT.     

PEJ和鼻肠管置管在晚期上消化道恶性肿瘤病人家庭肠内营养的应用

目的:探讨经皮内镜下胃造口空肠置管术(PEJ)和鼻肠管置管在晚期上消化道恶性肿瘤病人家庭肠内营养(HEN)的应用效果. 方法:回顾分析2009年1月至2013年1月,我科收治的未接受剖腹手术的105例病人,其中48例接受PEJ,57例鼻肠管置管晚期上消化道恶性肿瘤病人开展HEN情况,病人每2个月到我科或电话随访1次,直至出院后6个月或病人死亡.比较两种置管方式在HEN中的应用、并发症发生率和病死率等情况.结果:病人出院后6个月内,PEJ组EN支持率明显高于鼻肠管组(95.8％ vs 78.9％,P＜0.05).PEJ组的EN相关并发症发生率明显低于鼻肠管组(22.9％ vs 45.6％,P＜0.05).PEJ组的管道相关并发症发生率明显低于鼻肠管组(6.3％ vs 21.1％,P＜0.01).而出院后2、4和6个月时两组病人的功能状态评分和病死率均无显著性差异(P＞0.05). 结论:PEJ是晚期上消化道恶性肿瘤病人开展HEN的有效途径.     

Prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in treatment of head and neck cancer: a comprehensive review and call for evidence-based medicine

Background: Patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs) are at increased risk of experiencing malnutrition, which is associated with poor outcomes. Advances in the treatment of HNCs have resulted in improved outcomes that are associated with severe toxic oral side effects, placing patients at an even greater risk of malnutrition. Prophylactic placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes before treatment may be beneficial in patients with HNC, especially those undergoing more intense treatment regimens. PEG tube placement, however, is not without risks. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. Results: Systematic evidence assessing both the benefits and harm associated with prophylactic PEG tube placement in patients undergoing treatment for HNC is weak, and benefits and harm have not been established. Conclusions: More research is necessary to inform physician behavior on whether prophylactic PEG tube placement is warranted in the treatment of HNC.     

Home enteral tube feeding in children following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: perceptions of parents, paediatric dietitians and paediatric nurses

BACKGROUND: The perceptions of parents and professionals are important in deciding to feed children by gastrostomy, yet there are few published studies in this field. This study explored and compared the perceptions of parents to those of paediatric outreach nurses and paediatric dietitians. METHODS: A cross-sectional mixed-method study with purposive sampling was undertaken using structured interviews and questionnaires to explore perceptions of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement and feeding. Binomial regression was used to investigate differences in perceptions across the groups of participants. RESULTS: Parents, paediatric outreach nurses and dietitians shared similar perceptions regarding success of feeding, support for gastrostomy reinsertion and the acceptability of the child's quality of life. Much greater differences in perceptions were evident regarding the parents' involvement in the decision-making process for PEG placement and the adequacy of the support received from healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS: A high level of support for feeding was demonstrated together with strong perceptions across all groups that feeding was successful. It is important for healthcare professionals to consider the perceptions of the parents throughout decision making and provision of care following PEG placement because it is highly likely there will be differences in the perceptions between parents and healthcare professionals.     

A therapeutic approach to wean total parenteral nutrition in the management of short bowel syndrome: three cases using nocturnal enteral rehydration

Short bowel syndrome is characterized by severe dehydration and malnutrition and requires total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Prolonged TPN has serious complications. Caloric requirements can be met orally but oral fluid replacement is problematic. Noncompliance and an inability to discontinue TPN earlier increase the likelihood of complications. Discontinuation of parenteral support requires an assessment of gastrointestinal anatomy and absorption capacity. Fluids must be replaced independently of feedings because the osmotic gradients decrease fluid absorption. Nocturnal enteral rehydration is an intervention using oral rehydration solutions through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes at night. Patients given nocturnal enteral rehydration discontinued TPN earlier and had improved fluid absorption.     

The Role of Pretreatment Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Facilitating Therapy of Head and Neck Cancer and Optimizing the Body Mass Index of the Obese Patient

Background: Chemoradiation of head and neck cancer induces severe dysphagia and malnutrition, which may lead to interruptions in therapy and reduction in its efficacy. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feedings bypass the oropharynx, allowing administration of nutrients and medications into the stomach, thus preventing malnutrition, dehydration, and treatment interruption. Methods: Medical records of 161 patients treated for head and neck cancer who had PEGs placed prior to chemoradiation and 2 PEGs placed during chemoradiation were reviewed from the date of PEG placement throughout treatment and utilization. The objective was to determine the contribution of pretreatment PEGs to the therapy of patients with head and neck cancer and to optimize their body mass index. Results: Severe chemoradiation‐induced dysphagia developed in 160 patients (98%), necessitating PEG utilization for feeding and hydration. PEGs were used for a mean 251 ± 317 days. Significant complications related to PEG placement and utilization were infrequent. PEG feeding allowed chemoradiation to continue without interruption in 93% of patients. Individualized feeding regimens optimized body mass index in obese and overweight patients with a decline from 33.0 ± 3.4 to 28.4 ± 4.8 kg/m² (P < .001) and 27.3 ± 1.5 to 24.6 ± 2.7 kg/m² (P < .001), respectively. Radiation‐induced strictures developed in 12% of patients, requiring endoscopic dilatation. Conclusions: Enteral feeding through prechemoradiation‐placed PEGs is an effective and safe method for nutrition and hydration of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation. PEGs allowed chemoradiation to proceed with minimal interruptions despite severe dysphagia, which excluded oral intake for prolonged periods.     

Awareness and compliance with the australian dietary guidelines: A descriptive study of Melbourne residents

A detailed questionnaire, designed to assess awareness, understanding and compliance with the Australian dietary guidelines was administered by mail to a random sample of Melbourne residents in June 1984. Seven hundred and thirty people responded, representing a response rate of 76%.

Only one in ten respondents could name the three major causes of death of Australians in correct order; most considered excessive stress to be the major cause of vascular disease. Over-consumption of starch-carbohydrates, fat and salt, and lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet were seen as major nutritional problems. Lack of need to change and taste preferences were seen as principal barriers to dietary change. Ninety six percent of respondents had not heard of the term “Australian dietary guidelines”, although up to one third, mainly women and the tertiary educated, were currently attempting dietary activities recommended by the guidelines. It is concluded that, to date, the Australian dietary guidelines appear to have had a lesser effect on the population than traditional beliefs. Recommendations for nutrition education are indicated.     

经鼻胃管和经胃造瘘管实施肠内营养支持在ICU长期卧床患者中完成效率的比较

目的 比较经鼻胃管和经胃造瘘管实施肠内营养支持在ICU长期卧床患者中的完成效率.方法 以2008年1月至2009年9月在昆明市第一人民医院ICU收住的6名脑血管意外后遗症患者为研究对象,比较经鼻胃管和经胃造瘘管行肠内营养支持预期每日热卡供给完成率、每日营养液输注完成率、营养液反流情况和管道通畅情况.结果 经胃造瘘管行肠内营养支持治疗的预期每日热卡完成天数（P=0.002）和营养液总量输注完成天数（P=0.008）明显长于经鼻胃管行肠内营养,出现营养液反流天数（P=0.011）和营养管道堵塞天数（P=0.021）明显短于经鼻胃管行肠内营养.结论 对于长期卧床患者,经胃造瘘管行肠内营养支持治疗较经鼻胃管行肠内营养支持治疗更易完成营养支持目标.     

早期肠内营养支持对胃肠肿瘤术后患者肠黏膜通透性的影响

目的研究术后早期肠内营养支持对胃肠肿瘤患者肠黏膜通透性的影响。方法20例经病理证实为胃肠肿瘤的患者随机分为PN组和EN组。PN组术后行TPN支持,能量为105kJ·kg-1·d-1,氮入量0.2g·kg-1·d-1。EN组术后第1天起经鼻饲管(放置于Treitz韧带下或空肠输出袢下30cm)输注能全力,量由500ml/d递增至1500ml/d,速度由21ml/h递增至63ml/h。分别于术前1d及术后第8天分别给患者口服甘露醇5g和乳果糖10g,收集患者随后6h的全部尿液,测量6h尿中甘露醇排除率与乳果糖排除率之比值(lactulose/mannitolratio,L/M比值)。结果20例胃肠肿瘤患者术前L/M值为0.047±0.025,与正常人群的L/M值相比差异有极显著性(P<0.01)。术前PN组的L/M比值为0.050±0.030,EN组的L/M比值为0.044±0.023,两组间差异无显著性(P>0.05)。术后第8天分别经一段时期的EN和PN支持后,PN组的L/M比值为0.105±0.034,PN组的L/M比值为0.084±0.40,两组分别与术前相比差异有极显著性(P<0.01),两组间相比差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论术后早期短程应用能全力肠内营养支持对于胃肠肿瘤患者的肠黏膜通透性的影响与肠外营养支持相比差异无显著性。     

Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Pediatric Critically Ill Patient: Society of Critical Care Medicine and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

This document represents the first collaboration between 2 organizations—the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the Society of Critical Care Medicine—to describe best practices in nutrition therapy in critically ill children. The target of these guidelines is intended to be the pediatric critically ill patient (>1 month and <18 years) expected to require a length of stay >2–3 days in a PICU admitting medical, surgical, and cardiac patients. In total, 2032 citations were scanned for relevance. The PubMed/MEDLINE search resulted in 960 citations for clinical trials and 925 citations for cohort studies. The EMBASE search for clinical trials culled 1661 citations. In total, the search for clinical trials yielded 1107 citations, whereas the cohort search yielded 925. After careful review, 16 randomized controlled trials and 37 cohort studies appeared to answer 1 of the 8 preidentified question groups for this guideline. We used the GRADE criteria (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) to adjust the evidence grade based on assessment of the quality of study design and execution. These guidelines are not intended for neonates or adult patients. The guidelines reiterate the importance of nutrition assessment—particularly, the detection of malnourished patients who are most vulnerable and therefore may benefit from timely intervention. There is a need for renewed focus on accurate estimation of energy needs and attention to optimizing protein intake. Indirect calorimetry, where feasible, and cautious use of estimating equations and increased surveillance for unintended caloric underfeeding and overfeeding are recommended. Optimal protein intake and its correlation with clinical outcomes are areas of great interest. The optimal route and timing of nutrient delivery are areas of intense debate and investigations. Enteral nutrition remains the preferred route for nutrient delivery. Several strategies to optimize enteral nutrition during critical illness have emerged. The role of supplemental parenteral nutrition has been highlighted, and a delayed approach appears to be beneficial. Immunonutrition cannot be currently recommended. Overall, the pediatric critical care population is heterogeneous, and a nuanced approach to individualizing nutrition support with the aim of improving clinical outcomes is necessary.     

儿童青少年肥胖的医学营养治疗与HCH管理模式

肥胖已经成为严峻的全球性公共卫生问题。截至2014年,我国7岁以上学龄儿童青少年的超重率为12.2%,肥胖率为7.3%,共有3 496万人。2030年可达5 000万。儿童青少年肥胖的医学营养治疗,包括积极的高危人群筛查,肥胖儿童青少年的饮食、运动、生活方式综合干预等。上海儿童医学中心-上海潍坊社区服务中心医联体门诊采用“医院-社区-家庭(HCH)管理模式”对上海地区儿童青少年肥胖进行医学营养综合治疗,获得良好效果,值得进一步应用推广。     

Low Reported Adherence to the 2019 American Diabetes Association Nutrition Recommendations among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus,Indicating the Need for Improved Nutrition Education and Diet Care

Patient adherence to guidelines is important for improved outcomes and prognosis. Nevertheless, many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not comply with the recommendations regarding medication, physical activity, diet or self-care. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of adherence to the dietary recommendations issued by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) among patients with T2DM in Komotini, Greece. A total of 162 adults with T2DM (64.7 ± 10.6 years old), of which 41.4% were men, were recruited from the Sismanoglio Hospital and participated in the study. The level of adherence to individual recommendations issued by the ADA was assessed using yes/no questions. The overall adherence rate to the guidelines was low (41.2%). According to the multivariable analysis, age and medication therapy were identified as contributors to the compliance rate. No differences were noted in the total compliance rate between patients of different religious denominations (Muslims/Christians). Patients on oral antidiabetic agents (OAA) were more adherent compared with those on insulin therapy. A mere 3.7% of the participants had received nutrition education by a registered dietitian, 9.9% were following an individualized diet plan to improve glycemia, and 3.1% had set specific energy goals to reduce body weight. These findings are indicative of the need for the delivery of improved nutrition education.