Randomized trial of initial trophic versus full-energy enteral nutrition in mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory failure.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Enteral nutrition is provided to mechanically ventilated patients who cannot eat normally, yet the amount of support needed is unknown. We conducted this randomized, open-label study to test the hypothesis that initial low-volume (i.e., trophic) enteral nutrition would decrease episodes of gastrointestinal intolerance/complications and improve outcomes as compared to initial full-energy enteral nutrition in patients with acute respiratory failure.

Design

Randomized, open-label study.

Patients

A total of 200 patients with acute respiratory failure expected to require mechanical ventilation for at least 72 hrs.

Interventions

Patients were randomized to receive either initial trophic (10 mL/hr) or full-energy enteral nutrition for the initial 6 days of v

SUBMITTER: Rice TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3102124 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature