The retrospective cohort study aimed to describe the population of hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries having gastrostomies placed and their associated mortality rates.

The study concluded that gastrostomies are more frequently placed in blacks and older individuals. Mortality rates after placements are substantial and, compared to whites, blacks had slightly lower 30-day mortality rates but higher 1- and 3-year mortality rates.

The authors comment that the difference in rates between black and white patients is difficult to explain. “The difference could also be related to attitudes toward life-sustaining therapies, with black patients possibly more inclined to desire enteral feeding.”