Is it Cellulitis Again? Erythema Concerning for Infection in Children With High-Risk Solid Tumors Who Have a Gastrostomy Tube

Background: Proper nutrition is known to hasten healing, reduce treatment-related morbidity, and improve outcomes. Children with high-risk solid tumors often have gastrostomy tubes (GTs) placed for supplemental nutrition during cancer therapy. Gastrostomy tubes, however, are not without risks, and many patients develop erythema concerning for infection at the stoma site. Gastrostomy complications are described in the literature, but knowledge regarding this topic is limited. Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, the authors reviewed 3 years of clinical data regarding pediatric patients with solid tumors who had GTs at a pediatric medical center. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the incidence of erythema concerning for infection, identify factors most likely to be associated with this complication, and understand how erythema impacts the completion of cancer therapy. Results: In a sample of 58 children with high-risk solid tumors who had GTs placed between 2018 and 2021, 53% developed erythema concerning for infection. More subjects who experienced episodes of GT erythema had neuroblastoma (48%), tubes placed after the start of cancer therapy (74%), and erythema during periods of neutropenia (71%). Only one subject experienced a treatment delay due to GT erythema. Discussion: Despite the rate of GT erythema among study subjects, most completed cancer therapy without delay related to this complication. Additionally, the incidence of stoma site erythema was notably less when tubes were placed prior to the start of cancer therapy. Therefore, the authors recommend GT placement prior to therapy start when possible and further attention be paid to this complication during cancer therapy.