Improved radiological assessment of neonatal feeding tubes. Issue 1 (6th February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quandt, Daniel; Brøns, Egil; Schiffer, Philipp Meyer; Schraner, Thomas; Bucher, Hans Ulrich; Mieth, Romaine Arlettaz
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 98:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: F78
• Page End: F80
• Publication Date: 2012-02-06
• Subjects: Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920105
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2011-301158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-2998

Abstract

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.