Improved radiological assessment of neonatal feeding tubes

Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2013 Jan;98(1):F78-80. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2011-301158. Epub 2012 Feb 6.

Abstract

Background: In about one-fifth of radiographs performed in neonates, no exact gastric feeding tube position can be defined.

Objectives: To determine whether injection of air via feeding tube before taking radiographs improves radiological assessment of its position.

Methods: In the study group (n=153), air was injected via gastric feeding tube before taking a radiograph. The tube position on radiographs was compared with a blinded control group (n=381) with no injection of air.

Results: The definition of exact gastric tube position was possible in 95% of the study group compared with 78% in the control group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Injection of air before taking a radiograph significantly improves the definition of exact gastric feeding tube position in neonates.

MeSH terms

  • Air
  • Enteral Nutrition*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Medical Errors / prevention & control
  • Pneumoradiography*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Stomach / diagnostic imaging