Gastrointestinal dysmotility: clinical consequences and management of the critically ill patient

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2011 Dec;40(4):725-39. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2011.09.003.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal dysmotility is a common feature of critical illness, with a number of significant implications that include malnutrition secondary to reduced feed tolerance and absorption, reflux and aspiration resulting in reduced lung function and ventilator-associated pneumonia, bacterial overgrowth and possible translocation causing nosocomial sepsis. Prokinetic agent administration can improve gastric emptying and caloric delivery, but its effect on nutrient absorption and clinical outcomes is, as yet, unclear. Postpyloric delivery of nutrition has not yet been demonstrated to increase caloric intake or improve clinical outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Critical Illness
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / therapy*
  • Gastrointestinal Motility* / physiology
  • Humans