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Published on: May 2, 2017
[Gastrointestinal complications in critically ill patients]
J C Montejo González1, B Estébanez Montiel
1Medicina Intensiva, Unidad Polivalente, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España. jmontejo.hdoc@salud.madrid.org
Critically ill patients face gastrointestinal complications like bleeding and feeding intolerance. Early identification and management of these issues, including gastric motility disorders, improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital stay.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical nutrition
Context:
- Critically ill patients are susceptible to gastrointestinal (GI) complications during hospitalization.
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage and enteral nutrition-related issues are the most significant concerns.
Purpose:
- To review the incidence, management, and impact of GI complications in critically ill patients.
- To highlight the importance of proactive management strategies.
Summary:
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage is less common due to protective medications and increased enteral nutrition use.
- Increased gastric residual volume is a frequent enteral nutrition complication, often linked to impaired gastric motility.
- Prokinetic agents and, in some cases, transpyloric feeding can manage gastric issues.
Impact:
- GI complications negatively affect nutritional intake, leading to increased infectious complications, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality.
- Implementing identification protocols and effective management strategies for GI complications can improve clinical outcomes.
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