Abstract
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of the enteral tube measurement using the modified nose - ear - xiphoid (NEX) technique by disregarding the tube distal orifices for placement in newborns’ neonatal gastric cavity.
Methods:
A prospective study conducted in a neonatal unit of a teaching hospital in the city of São Paulo, based on the radiographic analysis of 60 radiographs of 28 newborns using enteral tubes measured by the modified technique, and who had thoracoabdominal radiography.
Results:
The correct placement index according to analysis by position was 68.3% and 71.7%, according to evaluators 1 and 2, respectively. In the analysis by vertebrae, 95% of tubes were properly placed in the gastric cavity. There was a statistically significant association between height and location of the enteral tube according to evaluator 2.
Conclusion:
The evaluated measurement technique presents a risk for inadequate enteral tube placement in newborns, and its application in clinical practice should not be encouraged.
Keywords
Infant; newborn; Probe; Enteral nutrition; Neonatal nursing
Source: Adapted from: Quandt D, Schraner T, Ulrich Bucher H, Arlettaz Mieth R. Malposition of feeding tubes in neonates: is it an issue? J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009; 48(5): 608-11.(
Source: Adapted from: Cohen MD, Ellett ML, Perkins SM, Lane KA. Accurate localization of the position of the tip of a naso/orogastric tube in children; where is the location of the gastroesophageal junction? Pediatr Radiol. 2011; 41(10):1266-71.(