Gastric emptying measurement of liquid nutrients using the 13C-octanoate breath test in critically ill patients: A comparison with scintigraphy

Abstract

Purpose: Scintigraphy is considered the most accurate technique for the measurement of gastric emptying (GE) but, for patients in the intensive care unit, it is technically demanding, involves radiation and can interfere with care. The 13C-octanoate breath test (13C-OBT) is a simple, non-invasive technique that does not involve radiation exposure. Aim: To evaluate the performance of the 13C-OBT in the assessment of GE in critically ill patients. Methods: The GE was assessed in 33 mechanically ventilated patients (23 M; 54.3 ± 3.0 yrs; APACHE II: 22.0 ± 1.1). Following test meal administration (100 ml Ensure®), concurrent scintigraphic measurement and breath samples (13C-OBT) were collected o..