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Mardestein, E.I., Simmons, R.L. and Ochoa, J.B. (2004) Patient safety: Effect of institutional protocols on adverse events related to feeding tube placement in the critically ill. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 199(1), 41-47.

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Blindly inserted nasogastric feeding tubes and thoracic complications in intensive care

  AUTHORS: Elpis Giantsou, Kevin J. Gunning

  KEYWORDS: Malpositioned Nasogastric Feeding Tube; Thoracic Complications and Mechanical Ventilation

  JOURNAL NAME: Health, Vol.2 No.10, October 26, 2010

  ABSTRACT: Purpose of review: This article reviews the thoracic complications from malpositioned blindly inserted nasogastric feeding tubes in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care and the methods to check the position and promote safe placement of the feeding tubes. Recent findings: Malpositioned feeding tubes are not included in risk management databases. The reported incidence is 1-3% and more than half occur in mechanically ventilated patients. Eighty three mechanically ventilated patients were reported with malpositioned nasogastric tubes and 66% of them developed serious thoracic complications. Pneumothoraces accounted for 80% of thoracic complications that were evenly distributed between tubes with and without stylet. Repeated misplacements appear to increase the risk. Non-radiological confirmation of the position of the tube has suboptimal performance. Protocols to place feeding tubes and new technology are promising candidates. Summary: Malpositioned nasogastric feeding tubes are underreported and associated with serious thoracic complications in mechanically ventilated patients. We need more data to answer whether we can afford to prevent them.