Multivariate analysis of factors associated with the successful prediction of initial blind placement of a nasointestinal tube in the stomach based on X-ray imaging: a retrospective, single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are highly susceptible to malnutrition, and while enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube is the preferred method, there is a risk of inadvertent reflux and aspiration. Therefore, clinicians have turned to nasointestinal tubes (NET) for enteral nutrition as an alternative option. But the precise localization of NET presents an ongoing challenge. We proposed an innovative approach to provide a valuable reference for clinicians involved in NET placement. METHOD: Data were obtained retrospectively from the medical records of adult patients with a high risk of aspiration or gastric feeding intolerance who had a NET placed in the ICU of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital between October 1, 2017, and October 1, 2023. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS and R software. RESULT: There were 494 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The first-pass success rate was 81.4% (n = 402). The success of a patient's initial NET placement was found to be associated with Angle SPC and Distance CP, as determined by univariate analysis (25.6 ± 16.7° vs. 41.9 ± 18.0°, P < 0.001; 40.0 ± 26.2 mm vs. 62.0 ± 31.8 mm, P < 0.001, respectively). By conducting a multivariate regression analysis, we identified a significant association between pyloric types and the success rate of placing NET (OR 29.559, 95%CI 14.084-62.038, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Angle SPC, Distance CP, and the type of pylorus are independently associated with successful initial placement of NET. Besides, patients with the outside type of pylorus (OP-type) exhibit a higher rate of initial placement success.

Top Tips for Direct Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy (DPEJ) Tube Placement.

Direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (DPEJ) provides post-pyloric enteral access in patients unable to meet long-term nutritional needs per os in situations where gastric feeding is neither tolerated nor feasible. Specific conditions associated with feeding intolerance due to due to nausea, vomiting, or ileus include gastric outlet obstruction, gastroparesis, or complications of acute or chronic pancreatitis; infeasibility may be due to high aspiration risk or prior gastric surgery. Since performing DPEJ is not an ACGME requirement for GI fellows or early career gastroenterologists, not all trainees are taught this technique. Hence, provider expertise for teaching and performing this technique varies widely across centers. In this article, we provide top tips for successful performance of DPEJ.

Ultrasound-guided post-pyloric feeding tube insertion in peri-operative cardiac infants.

Delivery of enteral nutrition in critical infants post-paediatric cardiac surgery is sometimes hampered, necessitating direct feeding into the small intestine. This study is highlighting the role of ultrasound-guided post-pyloric feeding tube insertion performed by the paediatric cardiac ICU intensivist in critically ill infants. METHODS: We carried out a prospective pilot observational experimental study in peri-operative cardiac infants with feeding intolerance between 2019 and 2021. Feeding tube insertion depends on a combination of ultrasound and gastric insufflation with air-saline mixture. Insertion was confirmed by bedside abdominal X-ray. RESULTS: Out of 500 peri-operative cardiac infants, 15 needed post-pyloric feeding tube insertion in median 15 postoperative day. All were under 6 months of age with average weight of 3 ± 0.2 kg. Median Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery Categories was 4. Median insertion time was 15 minutes. No complications have been reported. First pass success rate was 87%, while a second successful insertion attempt was needed in 2 cases (13%). Target daily calorie intake was achieved within average of 3.5 ± 0.4 days. Mean post-pyloric feeding tube stay was 20 ± 3 days. Out of 15 infants, 3 patients died, 1 patient needed gastrostomy tube, and 11 patients were discharged home on oral feeds. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided post-pyloric feeding tube insertion using gastric insufflation with air-saline mixture in peri-operative cardiac infants with feeding intolerance is a useful and practical bedside tool, and it can be performed by a trained paediatric cardiac ICU intensivist. It may have potential positive effects on morbidity and outcome.

Ultrasonography-guided post-pyloric feeding tube insertion in medical intensive care unit patients.

In this study, we investigated placement rate, complication rate and time spent of successful post-pyloric enteral feeding (PPEF) tube insertion procedure guided by ultrasonography (USG). The patients who required enteral nutrition and who admitted to medical intensive care unit (MICU) of Gazi University Hospital were included to this single-center, prospective, cohort study. It was aimed to insert the enteral feeding tube into the proximal duodenum as the post-pyloric area by ultrasonography guidance. During the PPEF tube insertion procedure, the linear probe was used to display the proximal esophagus and the convex probe was used to display the post-pyloric area, antrum and pyloric channel. 33 patients were included in this study. The median age was 68 [IQR 52-79] years. There were 17 (51.5%) woman and 22 (66.7%) intubated patients. The enteral feeding tube was successfully passed into the post-pyloric area in 29 (87.9%) patients with this technique. The median time of successful feeding tube insertion was 14 [IQR 10-25] min. The median level of the enteral feeding tube was 74 [IQR 70-76] cm. in successful placement. There was no significant difference in insertion time according to gender (female vs male; 10 [IQR 8-20] min. vs 17 [IQR 12-25] min., p = 0.052) and endotracheal intubation status (intubated vs non-intubated; 14 [IQR 10-25] min. vs 12 [IQR 10-25] min., p = 0.985). Only one complication was seen during study (self-limiting epistaxis in one patient). PPEF tube insertion under USG guidance could ensure the initiation of enteral feeding safely and rapidly without exposure to radiation in ICU patients.

Early Initiation of Post-Pyloric Feeding in Patients with Major Burns: Experience in Taiwan Formosa Water Park Dust Explosion Disaster.

Early initiation of enteral nutrition improves clinical outcomes in critical patients with serious burns. Post-pyloric tube feeding is a valuable therapeutic option for severely burned patients with poor gastric emptying. How early post-pyloric feeding can be initiated to provide more benefits to patients has not yet been examined. A fire erupted at a recreational water park in New Taipei City, Taiwan, on June 27, 2015. The results of early initiation versus delayed post-pyloric feeding in severely burned patients in this mass-casualty incident were compared. Door-to-post-pyloric feeding time ≤ 24 h was considered as early post-pyloric feeding (EPF) and that > 24 h was considered as delayed post-pyloric feeding (DPF). Thirteen patients with severe burn injuries (> 40% of the total body surface area) were assigned to undergo either EPF (five patients) or DPF (eight patients). This study is a "fortuitously controlled" study, and the authors were able to formulate and test whether EPF is better than DPF by comparing the two groups. In patients in the EPF, the intake of calories increased rapidly and was maintained throughout the study period. In addition, rapid restoration of plasma magnesium concentrations as well as pronounced recovery of platelet count in the EPF group was observed. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the time from injury to the onset of post-pyloric feeding is crucial, and EPF allows for the administration of calculated caloric needs. Therefore, EPF can be successfully initiated with beneficial outcomes of nutritional reconstruction in severely burned patients.

Efficacy and safety of enteral nutrition in prone position among critically ill ventilated patients: a meta-analysis.

Introduction: Prone positioning in critical care units may reduce mortality in specific patients who have been admitted with severe conditions. Aim: The current meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of prone compared to supine position besides the safety and tolerability of different enteral feeding techniques in critically ill patients regarding mortality, pneumonia, aspiration, and vomiting. Material and methods: A systematic literature search found 25 relevant trials involving 1984 participants at the start of the study. Statistical analysis using the dichotomous analysis methods was used within the fixed model to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In comparison with the post-pyloric nutrition group, gastric feeding had no significant impact on the mortality rate (OR = 1; 95% CI: 0.76-1.32). While the findings showed a significantly higher incidence of pneumonia with gastric feeding compared with post-pyloric nutrition (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.43--2.57), there was no significant difference regarding pulmonary aspiration and vomiting (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 0.75-2.65 and OR = 0.92; 95% CI:, 0.66-1.27, respectively). Reflux gastric content was significantly higher with gastric nutrition (OR = 8.23; 95% CI: 2.43-27.89). Conclusions: From reduced gastrointestinal events to significantly higher vomiting rates, prone position during enteral feeding showed mixed effects. Post-pyloric feeding is more tolerated and safer compared with gastric feeding. The mortality rate is not significantly different between techniques.

Nutritional Support in Critically Ill Trauma Patients.

Enteral nutrition should be initiated within 24 to 48 hours of injury, starting at a trophic rate and increasing to goal rate after hemodynamic stability is achieved. The modified Nutritional Risk in the Critically Ill score can help identify patients who will benefit most from aggressive and early nutritional intervention. In the first week of critical illness, the patient should receive only 70% to 80% of estimated calories and protein should be targeted to 1.5 to 2 g/kg. Parenteral nutrition can be provided safely without increased adverse events. Peri-operative (and intra-operative) feeding has been shown to be safe in selected patients.

Mid-to-long-term outcomes with image-guided placement of de novo low-profile gastrojejunostomy tubes in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: De novo low-profile gastrojejunostomy (GJ) tubes are advantageous in children that require prolonged supplemental nutrition. However, few institutions place these devices at the time of initial feeding tube placement. We aim to build upon our previously published initial experience with this procedure to study mid-to-long-term outcomes of pediatric patients who have had de novo, image-guided, percutaneous low-profile GJ tube placement. METHODS: All de novo, image-guided, percutaneous, low-profile GJ tube placements at a single children's hospital were retrospectively reviewed between May 2014 and March 2021. Technical parameters, including fluoroscopy time, tube size, technical success, and complications were recorded. Clinical data, including age, indication, weight gain and transition to gastric/oral feeds were analyzed. RESULTS: 64 de novo low-profile GJ tubes were successfully placed in 65 patients (mean age: 4.6 years, median: 1, range: 0.2-19; mean pre-procedural weight: 16.8 kg, median: 8.2, range: 4.4-66.7). Average clinical follow-up 23.4 months (range: 0.1-75, median 10.4). Average weight gain was 6.1 kg. Average increase in weight percentile was 7.3%. 19 (19/64; 29.7%) patients had conversion from GJ to G tube. 11 (11/64; 17.2%) patients had their enteric tube removed completely. There were 7 minor complications (7/65; 10.7%), most common being excessive skin irritation (6/7) and 9 major complications (9/65; 13.8%), most common being tube dislodgment within the first 30 days (6/9). CONCLUSIONS: These results further support that de novo, image-guided, percutaneous, low-profile GJ tube placement is technically feasible and efficacious in children requiring post-pyloric nutritional supplementation with a favorable safety profile.

Challenges of Gastric Versus Post-pyloric Feeding in COVID-19 Disease.

Purpose of the Review: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented challenge to the critical care providers caring for those patients, including the delivery of nutrition. This review will address the challenges of gastric versus post gastric feeding in patients in COVID-19 disease. Recent Recommendations: Many societies, including American, British, and Australian recommend initiating of enteral feeding in COVID-19 patients as soon as 24 h of ICU admission or within 12 h after intubation. Consideration for post-pyloric feeding if there is evidence of intolerance to gastric feeding. Summary: The same principle for non-COVID-19 critically ill patients applies to COVID-19 patients when it comes to the route of nutritional delivery. Gastric feeding should be initiated as soon as 24 h of admission to the ICU, and post gastric feeding should be reserved to patients who demonstrate gastric feeding intolerance.

Stomach position evaluated using computed tomography is related to successful post-pyloric enteral feeding tube placement in critically ill patients: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Post-pyloric enteral feeding reduces respiratory complications and shortens the duration of mechanical ventilation. Blind placement of post-pyloric enteral feeding tubes (EFT) in patients with critical illnesses is often the first-line method because endoscopy or fluoroscopy cannot be easily performed at bedside; however, difficult placements regularly occur. We reported an association between the stomach position caudal to spinal level L1-L2, evaluated by abdominal radiographs after placement, and difficult placement; however, this method could not indicate difficulty before EFT placement. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between stomach position, estimated using computed tomography (CT) images taken before the blind placement of the post-pyloric EFT, and the difficulty of EFT placement. METHODS: Data from patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent post-pyloric EFT in our intensive care unit were obtained retrospectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between successful initial EFT placement and explanatory variables, including stomach position estimated by CT. Two cut-off values were used: caudal to L1-L2 based on a previous study and the best cut-off value calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Variable selection was performed backward stepwise using Akaike's Information Criterion. RESULTS: Of the total of 453 patients who were enrolled, the success rate of the initial EFT placement was 43.5%. The adjusted odds ratio for successful initial EFT placement of the stomach position caudal to L1-L2 was 0.61 (95% confidence interval: 0.41-1.07). Logistic regression analysis, including the stomach position caudal to L2-L3, calculated as the best cut-off value, indicated that stomach position was an independent factor for failure of initial EFT placement (adjusted odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval: 0.33-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Stomach position evaluated using CT images was associated with successful initial post-pyloric EFT placement. The best cut-off value of the greater curvature of the stomach to predict the success or failure of the first attempt was spinal level L2-L3. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000046986; February 28, 2022). https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000052151.

A Two-Stage Bedside Intubation Method to Improve Success Rate of Post-pyloric Placement of Spiral Nasoenteric Tubes in Critically Ill Patients: A Multi-Center, Prospective Study.

Backgrounds: Prokinetic agents could improve the success rate of post-pyloric placement of self-propelled spiral nasoenteric tubes (NETs), and bedside blind technique might apply as a rescue therapy subsequent to spontaneous transpyloric migration failure. The objective of this study was to investigated the validity and safety of these two bedside intubation methods as a sequential procedure for post-pyloric placement of spiral NETs in critically ill patients. Methods: The multicenter, prospective study was conducted in intensive care units of four tertiary hospitals (June 2020 to January 2021). Eligible patients received self-propelled spiral NET placements, promoted by prokinetic agents (Stage 1). An abdominal X-ray performed 24 h post-intubation confirmed the position of the tube tip. Patients with a failed transpyloric migration entered Stage 2, where beside blind intubation was conducted (reconfirmed by X-ray). The primary end point was the overall success rate of post-pyloric placement. Results: The overall success rate of post-pyloric placement of the spiral NET was 91.1% (73.4% in the third portion of the duodenum [D3] or beyond). The total adverse event rate was 21.0%, without any serious adverse events. In Stage 1, 55.6% of participants achieved transpyloric migration, of these, 44.4% migrated to D3 or beyond. The median time from decision to intubate to the initiation of enteral nutrition (EN) was 25 h. In Stage 2, 83.0% of patients had successful post-pyloric intubation (67.9% in D3 or beyond). The median time from decision to EN initiation after the two-stage process was 36 h. Conclusions: Prokinetic agents-assisted self-propelled intubation and remedial bedside blind technique as a sequential procedure for post-pyloric placement of spiral NETs were effective and safe, and this two-stage process did not affect the implementation of early EN in critically ill patients. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900026381. Registered on 6 October 2019.

Video-assisted placement of enteral feeding tubes using the Integrated Real-Time Imaging System (IRIS)-technology in critically ill patients.

INTRODUCTION: In critically ill patients, nasogastric (NG) and nasojejunal (NJ) feeding tube placements are standard procedures. However, about 1.9% of blind tube insertions are malpositioned in the tracheopulmonary system, whereas guided procedures may result in a significant delay in nutritional delivery. Guided methods, such as Cortrak and fluoroscopy, have success rates of 82.6-85% and 93% respectively. The current study aims to investigate the performance of video-assisted feeding tube placement in the post-pyloric position using Integrated Real Time Imaging System (IRIS-) technology. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in patients requiring enteral feeding was conducted in a mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU). The primary outcome was the post-pyloric placement of IRIS feeding tubes, as confirmed by X-ray. Secondary study objectives included gastric placement, ease of use and adverse events. RESULTS: Thirty-one feeding tubes were placed using IRIS-technology; one patient was excluded for analysis due to protocol violation. One procedure was terminated due to significant bleeding (epistaxis) and desaturation. Only eighteen (58%) feeding tubes were placed in post-pyloric position (including two past the ligament of Treitz). In subjects who needed post-pyloric placement due gastroparesis, IRIS was mostly unsuccessful (success rate of 25%). However, when gastric placement was the primary objective, 96.8% of tubes were correctly placed. During insertion, tracheal visualization occurred in 27% of cases, and the IRIS feeding tube was repositioned early in the procedure without causing patient harm. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time video-assisted post-pyloric feeding tube placement in critically ill ICU patients was only successful in 58% of cases and therefore currently cannot be recommended for this indication. However, a high success rate (96.8%) for gastric placement was achieved. IRIS tube placement detected tracheal misplacement immediately and had few adverse events.

Multivariate analysis of factors associated with first-pass success in blind placement of a post-pyloric feeding tube: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Trans-jejunal nutrition via a post-pyloric enteral feeding tube has a low risk of aspiration or reflux; however, placement of the tube using the blind method can be difficult. Assistive devices, such as fluoroscopy or endoscopy, are useful but may not be suitable for patients with hemodynamic instability or severe respiratory failure. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with first-pass success in the blind placement of post-pyloric enteral feeding tubes in critically ill patients. METHODS: Data were obtained retrospectively from the medical records of adult patients who had a post-pyloric enteral feeding tube placed in the intensive care unit between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between first-pass success and the independent variables. For logistic regression analysis, the following 13 variables were defined as independent variables: age, sex, height, fluid balance from baseline, use of sedatives, body position during the procedure, use of cardiac assist devices, use of prokinetic agents, presence or absence of intestinal peristalsis, postoperative cardiovascular surgery, use of renal replacement therapy, serum albumin levels, and position of the greater curvature of the stomach in relation to spinal levels L1 - L2. RESULTS: Data obtained from 442 patients were analyzed. The first-pass success rate was 42.8% (n = 189). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the position of the greater curvature of the stomach cephalad to L1 - L2 was only associated with successful placement (odds ratio for first-pass success, 0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.40 - 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients, the position of the greater curvature of the stomach caudal to L1 - L2 may be associated with a lower first-pass success rate of the blind method for post-pyloric enteral feeding tube placement. Further studies are needed to verify our results because the position of the stomach was estimated by radiographs after enteral feeding tube placement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000036549; April 20, 2019).

Intravenous Metoclopramide to Improve the Success Rate of Blind Bedside Post-pyloric Placement of Feeding Tube in Critically Ill Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Objective: Impaired gastric emptying is a common cause of delayed feeding in critically ill children. Post-pyloric feeding may help improve feeding intolerance and nutritional status and, hence, contribute to a better outcome. However, post-pyloric feeding tube insertion is usually delayed due to a technical difficulty. Therefore, prokinetic agents have been used to facilitate blind bedside post-pyloric feeding tube insertion. Metoclopramide is a potent prokinetic agent that has also been used to improve motility in adults and children admitted to intensive care units. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of intravenous metoclopramide in promoting the success rate of blind bedside post-pyloric feeding tube placement in critically ill children. Design: The design of this study is randomized, double blind, placebo controlled. Setting: The setting of the study is a single-center pediatric intensive care unit. Patients: Children aged 1 month-18 years admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with severe illness or feeding intolerance were enrolled in this study. Intervention: Patients were randomly selected to receive intravenous metoclopramide or 0.9% normal saline solution (the placebo) prior to the tube insertion. The study outcome was the success rate of post-pyloric feeding tube placement confirmed by an abdominal radiography 6-8 h after the insertion. Measurements and Main Results: We found that patients receiving metoclopramide had a higher success rate (37/42, 88%) of post-pyloric feeding tube placement than the placebo (28/40, 70%) (p = 0.04). Patients who received sedative drug or narcotic agent showed a tendency of higher success rate (p = 0.08). Conclusion: Intravenous metoclopramide improves the success rate of blind bedside post-pyloric placement of feeding tube in critically ill children. Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trial Registry TCTR20190821002. Registered 15th August 2019.

Efficacy and safety of a modified method for blind bedside placement of post-pyloric feeding tube: a prospective preliminary clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of a new modified method of bedside post-pyloric feeding tube catheterization with the Corpak protocol versus electromagnetic-guided catheterization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center, single-blinded, prospective clinical trial. Sixty-three patients were treated with a non-gravity type gastrointestinal feeding tube using different procedures: modified bedside post-pyloric feeding tube placement (M group), the conventional Corpak protocol (C group), and standard electromagnetic-guided tube placement (EM group). RESULTS: The success rate in the M group, C group, and EM group was 82.9% (34/41), 70.7% (29/41), and 88.2% (15/17), respectively, with significant differences among the groups. The time required to pass the pylorus was significantly shorter in the M group (26.9 minutes) than in the C group (31.9 minutes) and EM group (42.1 minutes). The proportion of pylorus-passing operations completed within 30 minutes was significantly higher in the M group than in the C group and EM group. No severe complications occurred. CONCLUSION: This modified method of bedside post-pyloric feeding tube catheterization significantly shortened the time required to pass the pylorus with no severe adverse reactions. This method is effective and safe for enteral nutrition catheterization of patients with dysphagia and a high risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Electromagnetic-guided versus endoscopic placement of post-pyloric feeding tubes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence supporting the utility of electromagnetic (EM)-guided method as the preferred technique for post-pyloric feeding tube placement is limited. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the performance of EM-guided versus endoscopic placement. METHODS: We searched several databases for all randomised controlled trials evaluating the EM-guided vs. endoscopic placement of post-pyloric feeding tubes up to 28 July 2020. Primary outcome was procedure success rate. Secondary outcomes included reinsertion rate, number of attempts, placement-related complications, tube-related complications, insertion time, total procedure time, patient discomfort, recommendation scores, length of hospital stay, mortality, and total costs. RESULTS: Four trials involving 536 patients were qualified for the final analysis. There was no difference between the two groups in procedure success rate (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.91-1.03), reinsertion rate (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.59-1.20), number of attempts (WMD - 0.23; 95% CI - 0.99-0.53), placement-related complications (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.41-1.49), tube-related complications (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.82-1.44), total procedure time (WMD - 18.09 min; 95% CI - 38.66-2.47), length of hospital stay (WMD 1.57 days; 95% CI - 0.33-3.47), ICU mortality (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.50-1.29), in-hospital mortality (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.59-1.28), and total costs (SMD - 1.80; 95% CI - 3.96-0.36). The EM group was associated with longer insertion time (WMD 4.3 min; 95% CI 0.2-8.39), higher patient discomfort level (WMD 1.28; 95% CI 0.46-2.1), and higher recommendation scores (WMD 1.67; 95% CI 0.24-3.10). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was found between the two groups in efficacy, safety, and costs. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ( CRD42020172427 ).

Simo decoction versus domperidone suspension for post-pyloric spiral nasoenteric tube placement: A multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Leveraging prokinetics to facilitate trans-pyloric migration is a conventional strategy. However, due to restrictions on the use of domperidone suspension, oral prokinetics is relatively modest. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of simo decoction as an alternative to domperidone suspension in facilitating post-pyloric placement of spiral nasoenteric tubes. METHODS: A prospective, open-label, parallel, and non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was performed involving critically ill adults in 6 university hospitals in China between September 2017 and May 2019. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either simo decoction 20 ml q8h, or domperidone suspension 20 mg/20 ml q6h for 24 h. The primary outcome was procedure success defined as post-pyloric placement (spiral nasoenteric tubes reached the first portion of the duodenum or beyond confirmed by abdominal X-ray 24 h after tube insertion). RESULTS: Of 268 patients assessed for eligibility, 224 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the simo decoction group or the domperidone suspension group (n = 112 per group). The success rate of post-pyloric placement was 41.1% (46/112) in the simo decoction group, as compared with 47.3% (53/112) in the domperidone suspension group (a risk difference of -6.3%, 95% CI, -19.2% to 6.7%, adjusted risk difference -3.7%, 95% CI -16.3% to 9.0%), in the intention-to-treat analysis, crossing the prespecified margin of -10% for non-inferiority. There were no differences between groups in the success rates of post-D1 (reaching the second portion of the duodenum or beyond), post-D2 (reaching the third portion of the duodenum or beyond), post-D3 (reaching the fourth portion of the duodenum or beyond) and proximal jejunum placement, the incidences of any adverse events, length of ICU stay or mortality in ICU. CONCLUSIONS: Non-inferiority of simo decoction to domperidone suspension was not confirmed in facilitating post-pyloric placement of spiral nasoenteric tubes. Registration: The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry at http://www.chictr.org.cn (registration number ChiCTR-INR-17011311).

Erythromycin versus metoclopramide for post-pyloric spiral nasoenteric tube placement: a randomized non-inferiority trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether erythromycin is non-inferior to metoclopramide in facilitating post-pyloric placement of self-propelled spiral nasoenteric tubes (NETs) in critically ill patients. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, open-label, parallel, and non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing erythromycin with metoclopramide in facilitating post-pyloric placement of spiral NETs in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) of eight tertiary hospitals in China. The primary outcome was procedure success defined as post-pyloric placement (spiral NETs reached the first portion of the duodenum or beyond confirmed by abdominal radiography 24 h after tube insertion). RESULTS: A total of 5688 patients were admitted to the ICUs. Of these, in 355 patients there was a plan to insert a nasoenteric feeding tube, of whom 332 were randomized, with 167 patients assigned to the erythromycin group and 165 patients assigned to the metoclopramide group. The success rate of post-pyloric placement was 57.5% (96/167) in the erythromycin group, as compared with 50.3% (83/165) in the metoclopramide group (a difference of 7.2%, 95% CI - 3.5% to 17.9%), in the intention-to-treat analysis, not including the prespecified margin of - 10% for non-inferiority. The success rates of post-D1 (reaching the second portion of the duodenum or beyond), post-D2 (reaching the third portion of the duodenum or beyond), post-D3 (reaching the fourth portion of the duodenum or beyond), and proximal jejunum placement and the incidence of any adverse events were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Erythromycin is non-inferior to metoclopramide in facilitating post-pyloric placement of spiral NETs in critically ill patients. The success rates of post-D1, post-D2, post-D3, and proximal jejunum placement were not significantly different.

The Placement of Post-pyloric Feeding Tubes Using DRX-Revolution Mobile X-Ray System in an ICU. A Case Series.

Enteral nutrition is crucial for ensuring that critically ill patients have a proper intake of food, water, and medicine. Methods to ensure this requirement should be initiated as early as possible. The use of PPF has several advantages compared to the use of a nasogastric feeding tube. In the present paper, the cases of three critically ill patients with a nonfunctional gastrointestinal system on admission to ICU, are detailed. Enteral feeding through a nasogastric tube by prokinetic agent therapy had been unsuccessful. The bedside placement of a post-pyloric feeding tube by the DRX-Revolution X-ray system is described.

Clinical management of post-pyloric enteral feeding in children.

Post-pyloric feeding (PF) allows the administration of enteral nutrition beyond the pylorus, either into the duodenum or, ideally, into the jejunum. The main indications of PF are: upper gastrointestinal tract obstructions, pancreatic rest (e.g., acute pancreatitis), gastric dysmotility (e.g., critically ill patients and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction) or severe gastroesophageal reflux with risk of aspiration (e.g., neurological disability). Physiological and clinical evidence derives from adults, but can also be pertinent to children. This review will discuss the practical management and potential clinical applications of PF in pediatric patients. Some key studies pertaining to the physiological changes during PF will also be considered because they support the strategy of PF management.