Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Placement Time in People with Cystic Fibrosis

• Main Author: Gunnell, Sarah
• Format: Others
• Published: DigitalCommons@USU 2002
• Subjects: cystic fibrosis; PEG; placement time; percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy; Diseases; Other Medicine and Health Sciences
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/5485; https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6543&context=etd

A retrospective chart review was conducted on pediatric patients at the Intermountain Cystic Fibrosis Center who had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placed between 1993 and 1999. Height velocity improved significantly in the group of patients with a PEG placed; however, pulmonary function declined more significantly over time. Questionnaires regarding attitude toward PEG placement were sent to patients enrolled in accredited cystic fibrosis centers in the mountain west region and to their parents. The overall response rate was 54.25% for the PEG questionnaire and 24% for the non-PEG questionnaire. Ninety-six percent of the patients with a PEG reported that weight was a problem at time of placement, and 91% reported weight gain after PEG ill placement. Sixty-four percent of the patients with a PEG reported that they would have a PEG placed if they made the decision again. Of the patients without a PEG, 60.7% thought a PEG looked bad, and 59.2% would be embarrassed to have a PEG. Forty-nine percent of patients without a PEG expressed a lack of knowledge of the pros and cons of PEG placement and 35.4% had no opinion about their knowledge of PEGs. PEG placement can be beneficial in improving nutritional status. Optimal time for PEG placement may be earlier rather than after pulmonary function has declined. People with a PEG have felt positive toward placement, and those without a PEG seem to lack knowledge about the pros and cons of PEG placement.