Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in paediatric Crohn's disease patients contributes to both improved nutrition and growth

Aim: This paper describes the outcomes of gastrostomy feeding in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: Patients with CD who attended the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, and received gastrostomy feeding for at least two years between 2003-2010, were identified from the clinical database. The data recorded included the anthropometric data, CD phenotype, the surgical technique that was used, complications, medication, feed type, median feed, calories, volume and clinical outcomes. Results: The study identified 16 patients (14 male) who had a gastrostomy inserted using a pull technique at a median age of 12.6 years at. Of these two required laparoscopic placement. Short-term complications lasting less than one month were experienced by nine (56%) patients and one (6%) experienced long-term complications. Anthropometry significantly improved at follow up compared to baseline: at 12 months the body mass index z-score was 1.11 (p=0.005) and the weight z-score was 0.19 (p<0.05). At 24 months the height z-score was -1.03 (p=0.04). The daily median volume and calories from feeds increased significantly from baseline to post PEG insertion, from 400-738ml and 705 to 860kcal/day (p< =0.01). Conclusion: Gastrostomy feeding for paediatric patients with CD was associated with improved nutrition, weight gain and growth outcomes.