Am J Dis Child. 1986 Jul;140(7):699-701. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1986.02140210097034.

Gastroesophageal reflux secondary to gastrostomy tube placement.

American journal of diseases of children (1960)

S Berezin, S M Schwarz, M S Halata, L J Newman

PMID: 3087157 DOI: 10.1001/archpedi.1986.02140210097034

Abstract

We evaluated five children with severe psychomotor retardation who developed frequent vomiting and poor weight gain after surgical placement of a feeding gastrostomy tube. Prolonged pH probe testing before surgery did not reveal notable gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Treatment with 12-hour gastrostomy tube feeding resulted in a marked reduction in vomiting; after one year of continuous feeding, all patients had achieved significant weight gain (mean, 44.0%). Esophageal manometrics and 24-hour pH probe testing before and at the end of the 12-month continuous-feeding period demonstrated low pressures of the lower esophageal sphincter and significant GER in the five children studied. These results indicate that children may develop symptomatic GER after gastrostomy tube placement. In such patients continuous gastrostomy tube feeding may result in a cessation of vomiting and achievement of significant weight gain. Definitive antireflux surgery can then be performed with the patient in an improved nutritional state.

MeSH terms

• Adolescent
• Body Weight
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Enteral Nutrition / methods
• Esophagitis / etiology
• Follow-Up Studies
• Gastroesophageal Reflux / etiology
• Gastroesophageal Reflux / therapy
• Gastrostomy / adverse effects
• Gastrostomy / instrumentation
• Humans
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
• Postoperative Complications / etiology
• Pressure
• Psychomotor Disorders / complications
• Vomiting / etiology

Publication Types

• Journal Article
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Grant support

• AM-30891/AM/NIADDK NIH HHS/United States

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