• G Hofner, R Behrens, A Koch, H Singer, and M Hofbeck.
• Abteilung für Kardiologie, Klinik mit Poliklinik für Kinder und Jugendliche der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
• Pediatr Cardiol. 2000 Jul 1;21(4):341-6.

AbstractOne of the major problems of children with severe congenital heart disease (CHD) is their poor nutritional status. Among other consequences, it influences the surgical outcome. Retrospectively we present our experience with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in 15 children with CHD. This technique allows enteral nutritional support without the disadvantages related to long-term nasogastric tube feeding. Major complications were absent, and minor complications were rare both at PEG insertion, which was performed under deep sedation, and during feeding via PEG tube. In 4 of the 8 children who were followed for at least 6 months the age-matched body weight increased more than one standard deviation. In 2 other patients it increased more than 0.5 standard deviations. In 7 children the tube was removed after 2.5 to 42 months since enteral support was no longer necessary. Apart from initial reservations the parental acceptance of PEG was good. We conclude that the PEG is a safe and reliable technique to support enteral nutrition in children with severe CHD.

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