Bedside placement of pH-guided transpyloric small bowel feeding tubes in critically ill infants and small children.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: The small bowel of critically ill infants and small children was cannulated using a soft feeding tube with a pH sensor at the distal tip. By monitoring pH, the tubes were guided through the stomach into the small bowel. RESULTS: Successful placements were performed in 36 of 37 (97%) attempts in 29 critically ill patients whose age was 7.9 +/- 6.3 months and weight was 5.9 +/- 2.6 kg. Continuous jejunal feedings were administered for 3.7 +/- 3.1 weeks without difficulties or complications in all but one patient. CONCLUSION: pH-guided jejunal tube placement provides a safe, easy bedside alternative to fluoroscopic, endoscopic or surgical placement in critically ill infants and small children.