Pleuropulmonary complications of enteral tube feedings. Two reports, review of the literature, and recommendations

Chest. 1985 Aug;88(2):230-3. doi: 10.1378/chest.88.2.230.

Abstract

Enteral tube feeding is an attractive alternative to intravenous alimentation for nutritional support. As previously used nasogastric tubes have been replaced with narrow-bore nasogastric tubes, the spectrum of complications seen with these devices has changed. We report a previously undescribed event associated with narrow-bore nasogastric tube feeding, review the literature, noting predisposing factors and complications, and suggest guidelines to avoid pitfalls of insertion and the ensuing adverse effects.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bronchi / injuries
  • Enteral Nutrition / adverse effects*
  • Enteral Nutrition / instrumentation
  • Enteral Nutrition / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / adverse effects
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / instrumentation
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Injury*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleura / injuries*
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology
  • Pneumothorax / etiology
  • Radiography