SEMİH SEZER, ŞİRİN AYTAÇ
European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology - 2025;7(1):6-10
Objective: We aimed to determine the risk factors that may be responsible for early mortality in patients planned for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Materials and Methods: This study was retrospectively designed, including patients over 65 years of age who underwent PEG between January 2014 and March 2019. Early mortality rates (within 30 days) following the PEG procedure were evaluated. Variables analyzed included demographic characteristics, blood samples, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Predictors of 30-day mortality were identified using logistic regression. Results: Of the 178 patients who underwent PEG placement, 93 were female (52.2%) and 85 were male (47.8%). Early mortality was observed in 115 patients, accounting for 64.6% of the cohort. Age was positively associated with early mortality [odds ratio (OR)=1.049 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.013-1.086), p=0.007]. A CCI greater than 7 was associated with a 6.147-fold increase in the risk of early mortality (95% CI=1.221- 30.951, p=0.028). Elevated C-reactive protein levels (>3.99 mg/L) increased the risk of early mortality by 3.991-fold (95% CI=1.614-9.968, p=0.003). Conversely, lower sodium levels (<130.5 mmol/L) and phosphorus levels (<2.25 mg/dL) were also associated with higher mortality risks [OR=3.610 (95% CI=1.524-8.548, p=0.004) and OR=2.976 (95% CI=1.075-8.240, p=0.036), respectively]. Conclusion: When planning a PEG procedure, especially for elderly patients, it is crucial to consider risk factors associated with early mortality.
