Early enteral nutrition in critically-ill patients.

Abstract

Critically ill patients have a variety of complex pathologies and are in a multifarious state of catabolism supplanted by external and internal factors. Early enteral nutrition (EEN) is defined as the initiation of enteral feeding within 24-48 hours of hospitalization. Previous studies show the benefits of EEN include supporting the healing process through preservation of the gut mucosa, modulation of the immune response, and suppression of inflammation. However, recent studies suggest the advantages of EEN may not be as robust as previously believed. This review aims to discuss the outcomes of EEN when used in different critical care settings while managing complex disease states such as burns, sepsis, pancreatitis, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Evidence indicates that EEN has a positive impact on patient outcomes, hospital costs, length of intensive care unit stay, and preventing complications.