Sandra Morton-Nance describes what can happen when patients with learning disabilities experience electrolyte imbalance after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

The number of people with learning disabilities being treated in acute hospitals appears to be rising. Many of these patients are nutritionally compromised and have respiratory problems, which are among the leading causes of death in this patient group. This article aims to raise awareness of the need for enteral nutrition among people with learning disabilities, who often have additional life-limiting conditions.