Randomized prospective trial of early versus delayed feeding after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement

Abstract

Objective: By convention, most clinicians delay feeding through the gastrostomy tube until 24 h after placement. However, evidence is lacking to support the rationale for such a delay in PEG use. This randomized, prospective study was designed to assess the safety of early feeding after PEG placement.

Methods: One hundred-twelve patients referred for PEG were randomized to begin tube feedings at 4 h (group A) or at 24 h (group B) after placement. All patients received prophylactic antibiotics. Full-strength Isocal was administered with the following schedule: day 1, 100 ml every 4 h for six feedings; day 2, 200 ml every 4 h for six feedings. Immediately before each scheduled feeding, gastric residual volume was recorded and the next feeding was withheld if the residual volume was > 50 percent (gastric retention). Patients were evaluated on day 1, day 2, day 7, and day 30 for major and minor complications.

Results: The two groups were similar with regard to age, gender, baseline nutritional status, and indications for PEG placement. On the first day of feeding, 14 of 57 patients (25%) in group A, but only five of 55 patients (9%) in group B, had evidence of gastric retention, p = 0.029. The proportion of patients with high gastric residual volumes was not significantly different on day two. In group B, one death occurred because of aspiration of gastric contents on day 2. All other complications were minor and did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions: Early initiation of PEG feedings is safe, well tolerated, and reduces cost by decreasing hospital stay.