Feeding-tube placement was feasible and safe in people with advanced ALS
Original source
Radiologically inserted gastrostomy in advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: clinical outcomes. (opens in a new tab)Compass summarised this from the study's abstract.
Study details
- Study type
- Observational study
- Studied in
- Human
A retrospective study found that radiologically inserted gastrostomy, a feeding tube placed using imaging, was feasible in people with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Among 53 patients for whom the procedure was recommended, 45 had it, while eight died before it could be performed. Median survival after the procedure was 14.7 months, compared with 8 months among patients who did not have gastrostomy and later died.
Why this matters
The findings support discussing gastrostomy as part of multidisciplinary care and shared decision-making about nutrition and goals of care. They do not establish that the procedure itself extends survival, and they do not determine the best time to have it.
Limitations and context
This was a retrospective observational study based on medical records from 155 patients followed by one multidisciplinary palliative care team between 2018 and 2020. The groups were not randomly assigned, and differences in illness severity or other factors may have affected survival. Eight patients died before the recommended procedure, and the study authors said prospective research is needed to confirm benefits and clarify timing.