[Effectiveness of tube feeding in neurosurgical patients]

The results of the early use of gastrogavage in 24 neuroresuscitation patients are analysed. The dosage of the feeding and control over its efficacy was exercised by means of appraising energy expenditures and their structure with the use of indirect calorimetry as well as according to the nitrous balance data, biochemical criteria of the alimentary status, and the total lymphocyte count. It is shown that neuroresuscitation patients manifested appreciable changes in energy expenditures and their structure as well. It is fairly embarrassing to meet the energy requirements of such patients with the aid of the routine hospital diet. The early use of gastrogavage with the aid of dry, readily reducible mixtures of the Ensure type, that meet the neuroresuscitation patients' requirements, make intensive care more efficacious.