Background and aims: Feed intolerance (FI) is common in cirrhosis patients in intensive care units (ICU). Prokinetics are the first line treatment for FI but their efficacy and safety in critically ill patient with cirrhosis is unknown. We evaluated the role of prokinetics in reversal of FI and clinical outcomes.
Methods: Consecutive patients admitted in ICU developing new-onset FI, were randomized to receive either intravenous metoclopramide (Gr.A, n = 28), erythromycin (Gr.B, n = 27) or placebo (Gr.C, n = 28). FI was defined with the presence of 3 of 5 variables- absence of bowel sounds, gastric residual volume ≥ 500 ml, vomiting, diarrhoea and bowel distension. Primary end-point was complete resolution of FI (≥ 3 variables resolved) within 24-h and secondary end-points included resolution within 72-h and survival at 7-days.
Results: Of the 1030 ICU patients, 201 (19.5%) developed FI and 83 patients were randomized. Baseline parameters between the groups were comparable. Complete resolution at 24-h was higher in Gr.A (7.14%) and B (22.2%) than C (0%, p = 0.017). Overall, 58 (69.9%) patients achieved resolution within 72 h, more with metoclopramide (n = 24, 85.7%) and erythromycin (n = 25, 92.6%) than with placebo (n = 9, 32.1%, p < 0.001). The 7-day survival was better in patients who achieved resolution within 72-h (65.5 vs. 36%, p = 0.011) than non-responders. High lactate (OR-3.32, CI-1.45-7.70, p = 0.005), shock at baseline (OR-6.34, CI-1.67-24.1, p = 0.007) and resolution of FI within 72 h (OR-0.11, CI, 0.03-0.51, p = 0.04) predicted 7-day mortality.
Conclusions: FI is common in critically-ill cirrhosis patients and non-resolution carries high mortality. Early recognition and treatment with prokinetics is recommended to improve short-term survival.
Gastrointestinal dysmotility is common in cirrhosis and higher incidence in critically ill patients. Promotility drugs are the first line of medication especially in ICU patients. In our study, we found that feed intolerance is present in nearly one in five critically ill cirrhosis and is associated with higher mortality. Patients who achieve resolution had an improved short-term survival. Prokinetic medications are safe in critically ill cirrhosis and help in early resolution of feed intolerance. Feed intolerance in critically ill cirrhosis should be recognized as an organ dysfunction and approaches for prevention and early diagnosis of feed intolerance could help in improving the outcomes in critical illness.
Keywords: Cirrhosis; Critically ill; Feed intolerance; Hepatic encephalopathy; Paralytic ileus; Prokinetics; Shock.
© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.