Safety of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tubes in Centenarian Patients

Abstract

Background/AimsPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a relatively safe procedure; however, no study has evaluated the safety of PEG tube placement in patients over the age of 100 years. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patient records for patients who underwent PEG tube placement. Thirty patients aged 100 years and older were identified and a random sample of 275 patients was selected for comparison. ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 80.6±16.2 years. No procedure-related deaths or major complications were identified; the overall inpatient mortality rate was 7.6%. Minor complications were noted in 4% (n=12) of the patients. Centenarian patients were predominantly female (80% [n=24] vs. 54% [n=147], p=0.006), with a mean age of 100.5±0.9 years. There was no significant difference in procedural success rates (93.3% vs. 97.4%, p=0.222) or inpatient mortality (6.7% [n=2] vs. 7.7% [n=21], p=1.000) between the two groups. However, a higher minor complication rate was noted in the older patients (13.3% [n=4] vs. 2.9% [n=8], p=0.022). ConclusionsSuccess rates, major complications and inpatient mortality associated with PEG tubes in patients aged over 100 years are comparable to those observed in relatively younger patients at our center; however minor complication rates are relatively higher. These findings lead us to believe that PEG tubes may be safely attempted in carefully selected patients in this subset of the population.

Safety and Complication of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy by Age Groups: A Retrospective Clinical Trial

“…In another study, significant correlations were found between serious complications requiring a PEG tube change and mortality rates (13). Unlike this publication, no significant correlations were found between complications rates and mortality rates in this study.…”

“…On the contrary, reduced PEG-related mortality rates have been reported from studies in patients experiencing dysphagia as a result of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or stroke (12). In a publication, Young et al reported lower 30-day mortality rates in patients who underwent a PEG tube placement procedure due to dysphagia associated with neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease and stroke (13). In our study, no death occured within 30 days after the procedure.…”

Analyzing functional status and its correlates in Chinese centenarians: A cross‐sectional study

“…Centenarians, however, have traditionally been excluded from intervention trials. The evidence-based practice for caring of this population has just begun to be established, showing different treatment responses and adverse event profiles (Sobani et al, 2018;Tapia Rico et al, 2018). Findings from this study support the heterogeneity in ADL independence and a multipronged approach to address ADL independence is critical.…”

Risk Factors Associated With Early Mortality After Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Patients at a Tertiary Care Center in Brazil: A Retrospective Single-Center Survival Study

“…Dong-jun Oh's (29) study of patients older than 65 years found no difference in mortality and procedure-related complications compared to those of younger patients. Sobani Zan and colleagues (35) studying patients over 100 years of age found no differences regarding the serious complications, success rate or patient mortality associated with PEG tubes and concluded that PEG tube can be administered with careful selection in patients older than 100 years.…”