The utility of guaiac stool testing in the detection of gastrointestinal complications in infants with critical congenital heart disease. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muller, Melanie; Foster, Cortney; Lee, Jessica; Bauer, Caroline; Bor, Casey; Buck, Leahandra; Hicks, Faith; Day, Jenni; Bagdure, Dayanand; Holloway, Adrian; Chaves, Alicia
• Is Part Of: Cardiology in the young. Volume 29:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 655
• Page End: 659
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Necrotising enterocolitis, -- congenital heart disease, -- guaiac stools; Pediatric cardiology -- Periodicals; 618.9212
• DOI: 10.1017/S1047951119000659
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1047-9511

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Guaiac stool testing has been routinely used as a method to detect gastrointestinal complications in infants with critical congenital heart disease (CHD); however, the sensitivity and specificity have not been established. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed investigating the presence of heme-positive stools and subsequent gastrointestinal complications as well as time to goal caloric intake and radiograph exposure. Results: The presence of heme-positive stools was not a statistically significant factor in patients with critical CHD that experienced gastrointestinal complications. Additionally, patients with heme-positive stools did undergo more abdominal X-rays than those with heme-negative stools. Conclusions: The routine use of guaiac stool testing in infants with critical CHD is not a predictor of possible gastrointestinal complications and leads to more radiograph exposure for the patient. Close clinical monitoring can be used to evaluate feeding tolerance in infants with critical CHD.