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Endoscopy 2007; 39(4): 333-338
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-966198
Original article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Predicting outcomes and complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

F.  A.  F.  Figueiredo1, 2, 3 , M.  C.  da Costa2, 3 , A.  D.  Pelosi2, 3 , R.  N.  Martins2, 3 , L.  Machado2, 3 , E.  Francioni2, 3
  • 1Gastroenterology Department, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • 2Endoscopic Unit, Copa D’Ór Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • 3Endoscopic Unit, Quinta D’Ór Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

submitted 15 July 2006

accepted after revision 5 October 2006

Publication Date:
11 April 2007 (online)

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Commentaire de travail de F. A. F. FigueiredoR et al., pp. 333Endoscopy 2007; 39(04): 383-383
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1306925

Background and study aims: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the preferred route for long-term enteral feeding. Our aims were to prospectively evaluate the outcome (”PEG status“) and complications of PEG and to determine whether these can be predicted by patients’ baseline characteristics.

Patients and methods: We conducted a prospective study in two tertiary hospitals between August 2003 and January 2005, enrolling all patients who were undergoing PEG placement. We completed a questionnaire with details of demographic data, diagnosis, indication for PEG, Charlson’s co-morbidity index, Barthel’s index, laboratory tests, complications, and date and cause of death. Patients were followed at scheduled appointments. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results: 168 patients (48 % male, 52 % female; mean age ± standard deviation 74 ± 16 years) underwent PEG using the pull technique. The main indication was neurogenic dysphagia (156 patients, 92.9 %). Although most indications were appropriate, in half the cases these were established too late. There were no procedure-related deaths. Major complications occurred in four patients (2.4 %); minor complications occurred in 52 patients (31 %). No single variable could predict complications. Fifteen patients (9 %) had the PEG removed. No single variable was independently associated with PEG removal. The mortality was 6.5 % at 30 days, 17.3 % at 90 days and 33.9 % at 1 year. The C-reactive protein was the only predictive factor of early mortality (≤ 30 days), and Charlson’s co-morbidity index was the only predictive factor of late mortality (> 30 days).

Conclusions: PEG placement is an easy and safe procedure, although it is often requested too late. No single variable could predict complications or PEG removal. C-reactive protein was found to be predictive of early mortality and Charlson’s index was predictive of late mortality.

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F. A. F. Figueiredo, MD 

Gastroenterology Department

University of the State of Rio de Janeiro

Rua Humaitá 282 Bl II Ap 1703 Humaitá Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro 22261001

Brazil

Fax: +55-21-25271462

Email: faff@gbl.com.br

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