Complications that arise with nasogastric tubes after hospitalization in the pediatric population: A mixed methods systematic review

Abstract

Children use nasogastric tubes (NGTs) to ensure optimum nutrition and medication delivery when oral feeding fails or when they experience faltering growth. Although this method is less invasive, children may experience complications associated with NGTs. There is a gap in the literature regarding the types and prevention of complications of NGTs in the pediatric population at home. This review determines at-home complications associated with NGTs in the pediatric population (aged 0-18 years) and the type of education and support provided to caregivers. Databases MEDLINE, Embase using the Ovid interface, and CINAHL using the EBSCOhost interface were searched for relevant studies from January 1946 to November 2022. Twenty-four articles were found, of which 16 studies with 902 children with NGTs feeding were systematically reviewed. Two themes emerged: (1) prevalence and types of NGT complications and (2) preventable complications and education/management strategies for prevention. Seven studies reported main complications of vomiting, retching and gagging, nausea, aspiration, local granulation tissue, and inadvertent removal, with two studies reporting no complications. Most complications were managed at home, suggesting caregivers were able to address issues without seeking additional medical intervention. Key recommendations to mitigate complications included training caregivers in NGT management, troubleshooting common complications, and evaluating caregiver competency before discharge. This systematic review emphasized the need for structured training programs to improve caregiver competence and safety practices, highlighting key areas for clinical improvement, including caregiver education, reducing at-home complications, and standardizing care for children using NGTs.

Keywords: complications; enteral nutrition; nasogastric tube; pediatric.