Early enteral nutrition in the critically ill patient: A retrospective study

Background and Aims. To describe the problems associated with early administration of Enteral Nutrition in addition to the causes of suspension and latency. Design. Retrospective study Results. We recruited 304 patients admitted in ICU, 60 patients were excluded because of death or transfer whereas 244 were able to receive enteral nutrition. One hundred and two (102) patients received Enteral Nutrition within 48 hours, 52 patients received Enteral Nutrition after 48 hours while 90 patients did not received enteral nutrition. Our study shows that 41.8% of patients started enteral nutrition within 48 hours from admission to the Intensive Care Unit and 99% of them received an enteral caloric goal within 48 hours from the start of enteral nutrition. In 21.3% of the patients enteral nutrition was started after 48 hours from admission. Conclusions. We emphasize the importance of starting enteral nutrition in patients with healthy bowel as soon as possible and the value of not giving up at the difficulty.