[Comparative study on influence of enteral and parenteral nutrition on organ function in critically ill patients]

To evaluate the protective effect of enteral nutrition on organ function in critically ill patients.

Forty-two critically ill patients were randomly divided into enteral nutrition group (n=14), total parenteral nutrition group (n=14), and control group (n=14). The partial pressure of oxygen in artery (PaO(2)), partial pressure of carbon dioxide in artery (PaCO(2)), white blood cell count (WBC) and the plasma contents of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and the percentage of gastrointestinal haemorrhage were determined one week after the nutritional support was initiated.

The WBC, the plasma contents of ALT, and the incidence of gastrointestinal haemorrhage were significantly higher in control group patients [(11.70+/-2.85)x10(9)/L, (59.69+/-20.32) U/L, 42.9%] than those in enteral nutrition group patients [(9.62+/-3.30)x10(9)/L, (40.68+/-22.11) U/L, 21.4%, P<0.05] and total parenteral nutrition group[(9.82+/-3.50)x10(9)/L, (40.98+/-21.87) U/L, P<0.05, 42.9%], However, PaO(2) in control group patients (62.78+/-4.95) mm Hg was markedly lower than those in enteral nutrition group and parenteral nutrition group patients [(80.85+/-14.03) mm Hg, (79.88+/-13.73) mm Hg, both P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in PaCO(2) and the plasma contents of BUN among the three groups 1 week after treatment were given (all P>0.05).

Early stage enteral nutrition could well surpass total parenteral nutrition. It is conducive to protecting gastrointestinal function, preventing bacterial translocation, alleviating systemic inflammatory response and subsequent multiple organ failure among critically ill patients.