PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) is a long-term treatment for tube dependence. Based on adult research, paediatric guidelines urge prophylactic antibiotic therapy (ABT). To compare wound infection and other problems in children who had a PEG with and without ABT as a preventive measure was the purpose of this study. Retrospective study of children aged 0 to 18 years who had PEG placement. The incidence of wound infection and other problems in patients with and without ABT was compared. In all, 297 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients who received ABT according to the PEG protocol had a comparable wound infection rate, considerably less fever, leakage, and a shorter hospital stay, but greater overgranulation than those who did not. Patients who received any ABT, regardless of PEG procedure or clinical reason, had a comparable incidence of wound infection, fever, and leakage, a substantially shorter hospital stay, but greater overgranulation than those who did not.
Prophylactic ABT does not appear to minimise the occurrence of wound infection, although it may be useful in terms of fever, leakage, and hospitalisation length, but not overgranulation. To corroborate our findings, a randomised controlled study is required.
