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. 2017 Aug 18:5:55.
doi: 10.1186/s40560-017-0249-5. eCollection 2017.

A simple and fast ultrasonographic method of detecting enteral feeding tube placement in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients

Wagner Luis Nedel  1 , Mariana Nunes Ferreira Jost  1 , João Wilney Franco Filho  1
Affiliations

A simple and fast ultrasonographic method of detecting enteral feeding tube placement in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients

Wagner Luis Nedel et al. J Intensive Care. .

Abstract

Abdominal X-rays, the diagnostic method for enteral feeding tube (EFT) positioning, are a source of irradiation for the patients and carry a potential risk of adverse effects. Data related to ultrasound (US)-guided EFT placement are scarce. We evaluated 41 patients with 41 EFT insertions with guidewire in place that was maintained until US examination. US detected 38 patients with proper positioning and 3 with inadequate positioning, with a sensitivity of 97% (95% CI 84.9-99.8%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI 19.7-100%). The assessment of EFT position through abdominal US is practical and safe, associated with satisfactory diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords: Enteral feeding; Enteral nutrition; Mechanical ventilation; Nasogastric feeding tube; Ultrasound.

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Conflict of interest statement

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This study, as well the informed consent, was approved by local ethics committee (Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa – Grupo Hospitalar Conceição) by the number at Plataforma Brasil 50323915.8.0000.5530.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Gastric area and guidewire positioning
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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