Enteral tube feeding selection at NICU discharge and resource utilization

Objective To evaluate resource utilization in infants discharged with different forms of feeding access. Study design Retrospective chart review of neonates discharged from 2012 to 2018. Data were collected from the medical record and relevant outcomes were compared. Results 300 patients were sampled. 196 (65%) were discharged on NG feeds, 95 (32%) via GT, and 9 gastrojejunal (GJ 3%). NG-fed infants discharged sooner (mean DOL: NG = 85.4 vs GT = 122.8, p < 0.001). More GT/GJ patients required emergency department (ED) visits for tube complications (GT = 61 vs GJ = 7 vs NG = 42, p < 0.001) and more frequently (mean visits: GT = 1.63 +/- 2.33 vs GJ = 4.22 +/- 4.44 vs NG = 0.48 +/- 1.40, p < 0.001). However, 44 (24%) of the patients discharged on NG later had a GT placed. Conclusions Many patients discharged from the NICU can be supported with NG feeds. This may shorten hospital stays and decrease ED visits but select patients will later merit surgical tube placement.