Feeding tube use and complications in Prader-Willi syndrome: Data from the Global Prader-Willi Syndrome Registry

Abstract

Guidance on indications for, and types of, feeding tubes recommended in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is needed. A Global PWS Registry survey was developed to investigate nasogastric (NG) and gastrostomy (G) tube use and associated complications. Of 346 participants, 242 (69.9%) had NG-tubes, 17 (4.9%) had G-tubes, and 87 (25.1%) had both NG- and G-tubes. Primary indication for placement was "feeding difficulties and/or poor weight gain" for both NG- (90.2%) and G-tubes (71.2%), while "aspiration/breathing difficulties" was the procedural indication for 6.4% of NG-tubes and 23.1% of G-tubes. NG-tubes were generally removed by age 6 months (NG Only: 82.9%; NG/G: 98.8%), while G-tubes were often removed by age 2 years (G Only: 85.7%; NG/G: 70.5%). The severe complication rate from G-tubes was 31.7% and from NG-tubes was 1.2%. Overall, caregivers indicated the presence of an NG- or G-tube had a positive effect on quality of life. Feeding difficulties in PWS are largely managed by NG-tube alone. The severe complication rate from G-tubes was about 25 times higher than from NG-tubes; yet, G-tube placement rates have generally increased. G-tube placement puts individuals with PWS at risk for anesthesia and surgery-related complications and should be considered judiciously by a multidisciplinary team.

Keywords: Global Prader‐Willi Syndrome Registry; Prader‐Willi syndrome; complications; feeding difficulties; feeding tube; gastrostomy tube (G‐tube); nasogastric tube (NG‐tube).