Parenteral versus Enteral Nutrition in Septic Patient Outcome, Morbidity and Mortality

Abstract

Background: The septic patient shows abnormal catabolism with its consequent symptoms these may leads to severe respiratory insufficiency, polyneuropathy and aggravate multiorgan failure also septic patient malnutrition results in impaired immunological function, impaired ventilator drive and weakened respiratory muscles leading to increase infectious morbidity and mortality rates. Recent reviews have documented evidence that nutritional support influences morbidity and mortality rates. Enteral nutrition support refers to the introduction of a nutritionally complete liquid formula directly into the stomach or small intestine via a narrow, often specifically designed, tube and it should be considered when an individual is not safe for oral intake or when oral intake is not adequate to meet their nutritional requirements.Parenteral nutrition refers to the intravenous infusion of specialized nutrition solution. This method of feeding may be required when the gastrointestinal tract is not functional or leaking, cannot be accessed, or the patient cannot be adequately nourished by oral or enteral means. Keywords: Sepsis, septic shock, nutrition, feeding, micro-organism.