Increased episodes of aspiration on videofluoroscopic swallow study in children with nasogastric tube placement

Abstract

BackgroundGiven the limited evidence available, the impact of nasogastric (NG) tube placement on swallowing in children is not well understood. When a child needs to be fed enterally, the current standard is to initially place an NG tube and leave it in place for the first few months of supplemental or total enteral nutrition. It is important to understand if placement of NG tubes has a negative effect on a patient's swallow.

Tough Pill to Swallow: Postextubation Dysphagia and Nutrition Impact in the Intensive Care Unit

“…Many studies have evaluated the impact of the presence of oral or nasal feeding tubes on aspiration. Studies have evaluated different tube sizes 17,18 and different populations 17–22 . Findings have been equivocal.…”

“…Studies have evaluated different tube sizes 17,18 and different populations. [17][18][19][20][21][22] Findings have been equivocal. Most studies note increased oral and pharyngeal transit times with the presence of a nasal or oral tube, 17,19,20 though this may 19,21 or may not 18,20,22 impact aspiration risk.…”

“…[17][18][19][20][21][22] Findings have been equivocal. Most studies note increased oral and pharyngeal transit times with the presence of a nasal or oral tube, 17,19,20 though this may 19,21 or may not 18,20,22 impact aspiration risk. Based on these conflicting data, there are no recommendations regarding removing or maintaining feeding tubes during a swallow evaluation.…”