Risk Factors for Aspiration Pneumonia after Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy

Predictors and inpatient outcomes of aspiration pneumonia in patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube: An analysis of national inpatient sample

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are commonly inserted to provide a route for enteral feeding in patients who are unlikely to have adequate oral intake for prolonged periods of time. This study aims to determine the incidence of aspiration pneumonia among PEG tube patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of NIS database records (October 2015 to December 2020) for patients with PEG. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed using ICD-10-CM/PCS codes.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 2,053,560 weighted hospitalizations involving patients with PEG tube. Those with aspiration pneumonia were older (mean age 67.01 vs. 63.85, p < 0.01) and were predominantly male. At baseline, the aspiration pneumonia group had higher rates of dementia (AOR 1.22, 95 % CI: 1.19-1.24), malnutrition (AOR 1.13, 95 % CI: 1.11-1.15), cerebrovascular disease (AOR 1.29, 95 % CI 1.25-1.33), cardiac arrhythmias (AOR 1.05, 95 % CI 1.03-1.08), congestive heart failure (AOR 1.20, 95 % CI 1.17-1.24), COPD (AOR 1.18, 95 % CI 1.15-1.20), paralysis (AOR 1.06, 95 % CI 1.03-1.09), alcohol abuse (AOR 1.12, 95 % CI 1.07-1.17), and psychoses (AOR 1.07, 95 % CI 1.02-1.13). Those with aspiration pneumonia exhibited increased mortality (p < 0.01, AOR 1.59, 95 % CI 1.54-1.65), higher incidence of severe sepsis (AOR 2.03, 95 % CI 1.98-2.07) and longer hospital stays, and accrued greater hospital charges (p < 0.01). Notably, while GERD is typically considered a risk factor for AP, our findings indicated that GERD was associated with a decreased risk of AP in this patient population.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a PEG tube who develop aspiration pneumonia experience increased mortality rates, extended hospitalizations, a higher frequency of septic shock, and augmented healthcare consumption. Notably, old male, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, and COPD play a pivotal role in predicting these outcomes.

Differences in the incidence of postoperative pneumonia after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy between liquid and semi-solid nutrient administration

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This historical control study examined the differences in the incidence of postoperative pneumonia between patients administered liquid and semi-solid nutrients after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

The medical records of adult patients who underwent PEG between March 1999 and March 2014 were investigated. The patients were administered either liquid or semi-solid nutrient and examined for gastroesophageal reflux via radiography after PEG. The study period was divided into periods I (liquid nutrient to all patients), II (semi-solid nutrient to patients with reflux and liquid nutrient to those without), and III (semi-solid nutrient to all patients). The patient characteristics and incidence of postoperative pneumonia were stratified by the periods. To assess the relationship between postoperative pneumonia and the periods, a logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Of 370 patients enrolled, 149 were in period I, 64 in period II, and 157 in period III. Postoperative pneumonia was more frequently observed in period I (20.8%) than in periods II (7.8%) and III (10.2%). The odds ratios were higher in period I (period I vs. II: 3.10 [95% confidence intervals: 1.15-8.38]; period I vs. III: 2.32 [1.21-4.44]). The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux did not greatly differ between periods II (25.0%) and III (35.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of postoperative pneumonia after PEG was lower in the patients administered semi-solid nutrient than in those administered liquid nutrient, suggesting that semi-solid nutrient administration to patients with PEG tubes is preferable to prevent postoperative pneumonia. Furthermore, it may be favored especially in those with gastroesophageal reflux.

Different clinical predictors of aspiration pneumonia in dysphagic stroke patients related to stroke lesion: A STROBE-complaint retrospective study

Although stroke is one of the most common causes of dysphagia, no studies have investigated the radionuclide salivagram as a predictor of aspiration pneumonia in patients with stroke. In addition, few researches on the risk factors of aspiration pneumonia in patients with subacute and chronic stroke undergoing rehabilitation in the rehabilitation unit have been rarely conducted. In this study, therefore, we investigated whether a radionuclide salivagram could predict aspiration pneumonia, and tried to find other clinical factors that may be helpful in predicting aspiration pneumonia in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation in the rehabilitation department.From March 2013 and January 2018, a retrospective review of the medical records of 1182 subacute and chronic stroke patients who were admitted to rehabilitation department (South Korea) was carried out. We included 117 stroke patients with swallowing difficulties who were admitted to our rehabilitation department and satisfied our criteria retrospectively. Stroke lesion, the degree of paralysis, sex, age, onset duration, feeding methods, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), the presence of aspiration in VFSS or salivagram, the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), and the total score of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were investigated by reviewing medical records.To evaluate the predictor of aspiration pneumonia for patients with stroke, multivariate logistic regression analysis with forward stepwise was performed. In the results of this study, only MMSE was significant as a clinical predictor, but not aspiration in VFSS or salivagram in multivariate analysis of supratentorial stroke patients (OR, 0.895) (95% CI, 0.830-964). In multivariate analysis of infratentorial stroke patients, combined results of salivagram and VFSS (aspiration in a salivagram or VFSS) (OR, 0.956) (95% CI, 0.919-995), and total MBI scores were significant as clinical predictors (OR, 24.882) (95% CI, 1.298-477.143).In conclusion, MMSE can be a clinical predictor of the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia in patients with supratentorial stroke. In contrast, total MBI score and combined results of a salivagram and VFSS can be clinical predictors of the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia in patients with infratentorial stroke.

Breaking the Chain of Infection in Older Adults: A Review of Risk Factors and Strategies for Preventing Device-Related Infections

Device-related infections (DRIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. Indwelling devices (urinary catheters, percutaneous feeding tubes, and central venous catheters) are frequently used in this vulnerable population. Indwelling devices provide a portal of entry for pathogenic organisms to invade a susceptible host and cause infection and are an important target for infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship efforts. Within the "Chain of Infection" that leads to DRIs in older adults, multiple opportunities exist to implement interventions that "break the links" and reduce colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms, reduce infections, and improve antimicrobial use.

Adverse events associated with percutaneous enteral access

Placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or jejunostomy is a safe procedure with low periprocedural mortality, but overall mortality rates are high because of underlying disease conditions. These procedures are also associated with postprocedure complications. The clinically significant adverse events related to the procedures include infection (at tube site and peritonitis), bleeding, and aspiration. More rare associated events include buried bumpers, injury to adjacent viscera with subsequent fistula formation, and tumor seeding. There is a lack of guidelines about these procedures other than those concerning the use of antibiotics and the management of antithrombotics and anticoagulation before the procedure.

Aspiration pneumonia: a review of modern trends

PURPOSE

The purpose was to describe aspiration pneumonia in the context of other lung infections and aspiration syndromes and to distinguish between the main scenarios commonly implied when the terms aspiration or aspiration pneumonia are used. Finally, we aim to summarize current evidence surrounding the diagnosis, microbiology, treatment, risks, and prevention of aspiration pneumonia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medline was searched from inception to November 2013. All descriptive or experimental studies that added to the understanding of aspiration pneumonia were reviewed. All studies that provided insight into the clinical aspiration syndromes, historical context, diagnosis, microbiology, risk factors, prevention, and treatment were summarized within the text.

RESULTS

Despite the original teaching, aspiration pneumonia is difficult to distinguish from other pneumonia syndromes. The microbiology of pneumonia after a macroaspiration has changed over the last 60 years from an anaerobic infection to one of aerobic and nosocomial bacteria. Successful antibiotic therapy has been achieved with several antibiotics. Various risks for aspiration have been described leading to several proposed preventative measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Aspiration pneumonia is a disease with a distinct pathophysiology. In the modern era, aspiration pneumonia is rarely solely an anaerobic infection. Antibiotic treatment is largely dependent on the clinical scenario. Several measures may help prevent aspiration pneumonia.

Diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment of myositis: recent advances

Dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), necrotizing myopathy (NM) and inclusion body myositis (IBM) are four distinct subtypes of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies - in short myositis. Recent studies have shed some light on the unique pathogenesis of each entity. Some of the clinical features are distinct, but muscle biopsy is indispensable for making a reliable diagnosis. The use of magnetic resonance imaging of skeletal muscles and detection of myositis-specific autoantibodies have become useful additions to our diagnostic repertoire. Only few controlled trials are available to substantiate current treatment approaches for myositis and hopes are high that novel modalities will become available within the next few years. In this review we provide an up-to-date overview of the pathogenesis and diagnostic approach of myositis. We aim to present a guide towards therapeutic and general management.

Special considerations for endoscopists on PEG indications in older patients

Undernutrition in frail elderly people is a pathological condition that needs to be recognized and addressed early. Neurological dysphagia is among the most frequent causes of this condition in the elderly but should be considered a terminal event in Alzheimer-type dementias. Tube feeding is an important resource for facilitating metabolic recovery in cachectic patients and is particularly successful in "bridging" and stabilizing therapies prior to major treatment able to cure the patient. Clinical management of tube feeding in "incurable" conditions is complex and becomes part of the palliative care and comfort provided in the terminal stages of illness. Non-specialized physicians are often unfamiliar with the theory and practice of end-of-life interventions, and the resulting decisions are in many cases actually contrary to patient comfort. These problems deserve to be more carefully addressed when the patient is unable to cooperate or express his/her preferences and needs. The success of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has led to increasingly frequent referrals for placement in critically ill elderly patients. Endoscopists therefore become a key figure in stimulating rational, correct treatment of these patients.

Conceptual model for reducing infections and antimicrobial resistance in skilled nursing facilities: focusing on residents with indwelling devices

Infections in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are common and result in frequent hospital transfers, functional decline, and death. Colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) - including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli (R-GNB) - is also increasingly prevalent in SNFs. Antimicrobial resistance among common bacteria can adversely affect clinical outcomes and increase health care costs. Recognizing a need for action, legislators, policy-makers, and consumer groups are advocating for surveillance cultures to identify asymptomatic patients with MDROs, particularly MRSA in hospitals and SNFs. Implementing this policy for all SNF residents may be costly, impractical, and ineffective. Such a policy may result in a large increase in the number of SNF residents placed in isolation precautions with the potential for reduced attention by health care workers, isolation, and functional decline. Detection of colonization and subsequent attempts to eradicate selected MDROs can also lead to more strains with drug resistance. We propose an alternative strategy that uses a focused multicomponent bundle approach that targets residents at a higher risk of colonization and infection with MDROs, specifically those who have an indwelling device. If this strategy is effective, similar strategies can be studied and implemented for other high-risk groups.

Clinical results of observation of the upper gastrointestinal tract by transgastrostomic endoscopy using an ultrathin endoscope

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy through the oral cavity of patients who have undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) causes some distress and puts these patients at risk of aspiration pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate results for the upper gastrointestinal tract by transgastrostomic endoscopy using an ultrathin endoscope.

METHODS

The study subjects were 43 patients, who underwent exchange of a PEG button or tube, 20-French or more in diameter. After PEG buttons or tubes were extracted from the gastrostomy tract, an ultrathin endoscope was inserted through the gastrostomy tract. The stomach and the duodenal bulb were observed and the esophagus was observed in retrograde passage. A new PEG button or tube was then inserted. The rate of successful insertion into the esophagus and duodenal bulb, the observation of the gastrostomy site in retroversion in the stomach, and the endoscopic findings were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine examinations were carried out. The esophagus could be observed in 95 (96.0%), the duodenum in 92 (92.9%) and the gastrostomy site in the stomach in all. Gastric polyps were detected in four patients, gastric erosions in two, reflux esophagitis in two, polypoid lesion at the gastrostomy tract in two, gastric ulcer scar in one, duodenal ulcer scar in one, early gastric cancer in one and recurrent esophageal cancer in one. Neither discomfort nor complications occurred during transgastrostomic endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Observation of the upper gastrointestinal tract by transgastrostomic endoscopy using an ultrathin endoscope during a gastrostomy button or tube replacement may be useful and safe.

Biological observation during the daytime of elderly patients with advanced dementia cared for with and without artificial nutrition by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

AIM

To clarify the activity of demented patients cared for with and without artificial nutrition in a care facility, sequential biological observation was applied using electroencephalograms (EEG), electromyograms (EMG) and electro-oculograms (EOG).

METHODS

Awake and sleep patterns and spontaneous swallowing were measured during the daytime in 13 patients with advanced dementia who could orally intake meals (OR patients), and 13 patients with advanced dementia, who received artificial nutrition by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG patients).

RESULTS

The awake/sleep pattern fluctuated during daytime in OR and PEG patients, but a fully awake state was relatively preserved around meal times in OR patients. The number of spontaneous swallowing was small in PEG patients (0.1 ± 0.3/h), and the value correlated with the Barthel Index in OR patients.

CONCLUSION

Continuous recording of biological activity in demented patients could be informative in providing an overview of their activities. The present results disclosed that meal times were the limited periods keeping OR patients awake consistently, while there was no opportunity for such periods for PEG patients. The number of spontaneous swallowing was especially small in PEG patients, although low Mini-Mental State Examination and Barthel Index scores and poor awake state during daytime were considerable in those patients.

Unsedated transnasal small-caliber esophagogastroduodenoscopy in elderly and bedridden patients

AIM: To evaluate the safety of unsedated transnasal small-caliber esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for elderly and critically ill bedridden patients.

METHODS: One prospective randomized comparative study and one crossover comparative study between transnasal small-caliber EGD and transoral conventional EGD was done (Study 1). For the comparative study, we enrolled 240 elderly patients aged > 65 years old. For the crossover analysis, we enrolled 30 bedridden patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) (Study 2). We evaluated cardiopulmonary effects by measuring arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and calculating the rate-pressure product (RPP) (pulse rate × systolic blood pressure/100) at baseline, 2 and 5 min after endoscopic intubation in Study 1. To assess the risk for endoscopy-related aspiration pneumonia during EGD, we also measured blood leukocyte counts and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels before and 3 d after EGD in Study 2.

RESULTS: In Study 1, we observed significant decreases in SpO₂ during conventional transoral EGD, but not during transnasal small-caliber EGD (0.24% vs -0.24% after 2 min, and 0.18% vs -0.29% after 5 min, P = 0.034, P = 0.044). Significant differences of the RPP were not found between conventional transoral and transnasal small-caliber EGD. In Study 2, crossover analysis showed statistically significant increases of the RPP at 2 min after intubation and the end of endoscopy (26.8 and 34.6 vs 3.1 and 15.2, P = 0.044, P = 0.046), and decreases of SpO₂ (-0.8% vs -0.1%, P = 0.042) during EGD with transoral conventional in comparison with transnasal small-caliber endoscopy. Thus, for bedridden patients with PEG feeding, who were examined in the supine position, transoral conventional EGD more severely suppressed cardiopulmonary function than transnasal small-caliber EGD. There were also significant increases in the markers of inflammation, blood leukocyte counts and serum CRP values, in bedridden patients after transoral conventional EGD, but not after transnasal small-caliber EGD performed with the patient in the supine position. Leukocyte count increased from 6053 ± 1975/L to 6900 ± 3392/L (P = 0.0008) and CRP values increased from 0.93 ± 0.24 to 2.49 ± 0.91 mg/dL (P = 0.0005) at 3 d after transoral conventional EGD. Aspiration pneumonia, possibly caused by the endoscopic examination, was found subsequently in two of 30 patients after transoral conventional EGD.

CONCLUSION: Transnasal small-caliber EGD is a safer method than transoral conventional EGD in critically ill, bedridden patients who are undergoing PEG feeding.

Inhibition of gastroesophageal reflux by semi-solid nutrients in patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

BACKGROUND

Aspiration is one of the major complications after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The administration of semi-solid nutrients by means of gastrostomy tube has recently been reported to be effective in preventing aspiration pneumonia. The effects of semi-solid nutrients on gastroesophageal reflux, intragastric distribution, and gastric emptying were evaluated.

METHODS

Semi-solid nutrients were prepared by liquid nutrients mixed with agar at the concentration of 0.5%. The distribution of the administered radiolabeled liquid and semi-solid nutrients was monitored by a scintillation camera for 15 post-PEG patients. The percentage of esophageal reflux, the distribution of the proximal and distal stomach, and the gastric emptying time were evaluated.

RESULTS

The percentage of gastroesophageal reflux was significantly decreased in semi-solid nutrients (0.82 +/- 1.27%) compared with liquid nutrients (3.75 +/- 4.25%), whereas the gastric emptying time was not different. The distribution of semi-solid nutrients was not different from liquid nutrients in the early phase, whereas higher retention of liquid nutrients in the proximal stomach was observed in the late phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroesophageal reflux was significantly inhibited by semi-solid nutrients. One of the mechanisms of the inhibition is considered to be an improvement in the transition from the proximal to distal stomach in semi-solid nutrients.

Investigation and prediction of enteral nutrition problems after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

AIM: To investigate and predict enteral nutrition problems after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data for 252 out of 285 patients who underwent PEG at our hospital from 1999 to 2008. Enteral nutrition problems after PEG were defined as: (1) patients who required ≥ 1 mo after surgery to switch to complete enteral nutrition, or who required additional parenteral alimentation continuously; or (2) patients who abandoned switching to enteral nutrition using the gastrostoma and employed other nutritional methods. We attempted to identify the predictors of problem cases by using a logistic regression analysis that examined the patients’ backgrounds and the specific causes that led to their problems.

RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 75 years, and in general, their body weight was low and their overall condition was markedly poor. Blood testing revealed that patients tended to be anemic and malnourished. A total of 44 patients (17.5%) were diagnosed as having enteral nutrition problems after PEG. Major causes of the problems included pneumonia, acute enterocolitis (often Clostridium difficile-related), paralytic ileus and biliary tract infection. A multivariate analysis identified the following independent predictors for problem cases: (1) enteral nutrition before gastrectomy (a risk reduction factor); (2) presence of esophageal hiatal hernia; (3) past history of paralytic ileus; and (4) presence of chronic renal dysfunction.

CONCLUSION: Enteral nutrition problems after PEG occurred at a comparatively high rate. Patient background analysis elucidated four predictive factors for the problem cases.

Dysphagia in inclusion body myositis: clinical features, management, and clinical outcome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical features, treatment strategies, and outcome of dysphagia in patients with inclusion body myositis.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of all 26 patients (20 women, 6 men, mean age of 72.2 yrs) with inclusion body myositis-associated dysphagia seen in 1997-2001 at our institution.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (92%) had a dysphagia evaluation. Cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction was noted in all nine patients who had barium swallow studies. Eighteen patients (69%) underwent one or more interventional procedures: cricopharyngeal myotomy (10), pharyngoesophageal dilation (6), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (6), and botulinum injection of the upper esophageal sphincter (2). Dysphagia tended to worsen with time. Symptomatic improvement was noted with cricopharyngeal myotomy (63%) and pharyngoesophageal dilation (33%). The Mendelsohn maneuver seemed helpful in maintaining oral intake in the three patients in whom it was recommended. Thirteen patients died during follow-up at a mean age of 81 yrs. The cause of death was identified in eight and in all cases was because of the respiratory complications of aspiration.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysphagia is a progressive condition in patients with inclusion body myositis and often leads to death from aspiration pneumonia. Treatment targeting cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction, such as the Mendelsohn maneuver, will benefit from further investigation.