BEDSIDE PLACEMENT OF PH-GUIDED TRANSPYLORIC SMALL-BOWEL FEEDING TUBESIN CRITICALLY ILL INFANTS AND SMALL CHILDREN

Background and Methods: The small bowel of critically ill infants and small children was cannulated using a soft feeding tube with a pH sens or at the distal tip. By monitoring pH, the tubes were guided through the stomach into the small bowel. Results: Successful placements were performed in 36 of 37 (97%) attempts in 29 critically ill patients who se age was 7.9 +/- 6.3 months and weight was 5.9 +/- 2.6 kg. Continuou s jejunal feedings were administered for 3.7 +/- 3.1 weeks without dif ficulties or complications in all but one patient. Conclusion: pH-guid ed jejunal tube placement provides a safe, easy bedside alternative to fluoroscopic, endoscopic or surgical placement in critically ill infa nts and small children.