Enteral nutrition in critically ill patients

Abstract

 Many ICU patients are incapable or intolerant of a food diet; therefore, a clinician's first nutritional decision is whether to tube-feed enterally, parenterally, or with a combination of both. Practice guidelines in Europe, Canada, and the US endorse enteral feeding for patients who are critically ill and hemodynamically stable . Enteral tube nutrition is indicated for patients who have a functioning GIT but cannot ingest enough nutrients orally because they are unable or unwilling to take oral feedings.  Enteral feeds can be delivered, via a variety of different tubes, to the stomach, duodenum or jejunum. The choice of enteral feeding route depends on several factors, such as the intended duration of nutrition support, the patient's condition, and any limitations to access.