Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal complications and protein-calorie adequacy in critical patients using enteral nutrition therapy.
Methods: This was a retrospective study in the intensive care unit of the Hospital das Clinicas of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco involving analysis of nutritional records evaluating the most frequent gastrointestinal complications during the patients' hospitalization and protein-calorie supply requirements. It was considered offered, the volume and formula effectively received by the patient on the last hospitalization day. The SPSS version 13 software was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The sample consisted of 77 patients aged in average 54.7 ± 18.1 years who were predominantly female (54.5%). The diet offered was appropriate and all patients had some type of gastrointestinal complications, being high gastric residuals the most prevalent (39%), followed by constipation (36.4%).
Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of gastrointestinal complications, no mismatches were observed in protein-calorie intake. Multidisciplinary approaches to these complications should be standardized in order to provide their early resolution.