Abstract: Aim: In our previous publication, we proposed an algorithm for safely discharging infants from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on partial nasogastric feeds (NGF), thus avoiding gastrostomy tube placement (GTP) for infants who were unable to take full oral feeds. This follow up study post intervention, is to determine the number of patients discharged home on partial nasogastric (NG) feeds, the effectiveness of this intervention measured by reaching full oral feeds within 3 months of discharge and parent view on this intervention and outcome. We also investigated the success of this intervention based on the main discharge diagnosis. Study Design: Retrospective single-center study of infants discharged from the NICU from June 2019 to Dec 2020. Chart review was done to determine the rate of follow-up, time of achieve full oral feeds, and discontinuation of NG tube. We calculated NICU days saved by calculating the days from discharge to reaching full oral feeds at home. Results: Patient records were available for chart review regarding their outpatient follow-up in 96%. 82% of patients reached full feeds on an average of 35 days (range 1day to 10 weeks). 10% of patients required GTP due to the need for prolonged gavage feeding. 2 records were unavailable. Infants discharged home with NG tubes saved 587 NICU days. 88% of the parents contacted over phone responded positively in their choice of NG tube instead of GTP. Conclusion: Discharge from NICU on partial NG feeds for select infants is associated with reduced NICU stay without increased post-discharge complications or increased parent satisfaction.Abstract: Aim: In our previous publication, we proposed an algorithm for safely discharging infants from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on partial nasogastric feeds (NGF), thus avoiding gastrostomy tube placement (GTP) for infants who were unable to take full oral feeds. This follow up study post intervention, is to determine the number of patients ...Show More
Abstract: An estimated 694,550 United States service members were actively deployed to the Persian Gulf from 1990-1991. Many veterans who were deployed developed Persian Gulf War Syndrome along with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms after returning from the Persian Gulf. Our objective in this study was to determine the phenotypic expression of gastrointestinal symptom complexes in previously healthy veterans who had been stationed in the Persian Gulf. One hundred and four consecutive veterans (88 males, 16 females) who had previously been deployed in 1990-91 were evaluated for their bowel habits and gastrointestinal symptoms. A workup was completed to find identifiable causes of their symptoms and all veterans were asked to do a modified version of the Bowel Disease Questionnaire symptom survey. None of the veterans reported gastrointestinal symptoms before deployment. During deployment to the Persian Gulf: 22 veterans (21%) developed irritable bowel syndrome; 17 (16%) developed dyspepsia; 50 (48%) developed diarrhea; 11 (11%) developed bloating; and 4 (4%) developed constipation. The results of the current study suggest that the development of irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation is frequently seen in deployed Gulf War Veterans and the gastrointestinal symptoms commonly persist upon returning home. These novel findings are very important for currently deployed veterans who are serving in the Middle East and are at a high risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders.
Abstract: An estimated 694,550 United States service members were actively deployed to the Persian Gulf from 1990-1991. Many veterans who were deployed developed Persian Gulf War Syndrome along with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms after returning from the Persian Gulf. Our objective in this study was to determine the phenotypic expression of gastrointestin...Show More