Clinical Research: Validation of Objective Criteria for Predicting Tolerance to Enteral Feeding in Medical Intensive Care Unit Patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if indicators of cardiopulmonary function identified critically ill patients who tolerate enteral feeding. Medical records of 149 patients (age, 24 to 100 years) admitted to the medical intensive care unit who had a pulmonary artery catheter placed and were started on enteral feeding were reviewed retrospectively. Of 118 patients with cardiac index < 2 L/min/m², mean arterial blood pressure < 70 mm Hg with α-sympathetic stimulation, and oxygen saturation < 95% on an F_IO ₂ of > 60% and with > 5 cm positive end-expiration pressure, 79 (67%) did not tolerate enteral feedings. Sensitivity was 17% and specificity was 78%. In conclusion, with the aforementioned cutoffs, cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation may identify critically ill patients likely to be intolerant of enteral feeding.

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