Enteral Feeding Intolerance: Updates in Definitions and Pathophysiology

Abstract

Enteral feeding intolerance (EFI) is a common feature in critically ill patients worldwide. However, there is no clear, widely agreed-upon definition available, with various studies rarely using the same definition. The term EFI is frequently used to describe vomiting or large gastric residual volumes associated with enteral feeding as a result of gastroparesis/delayed gastric emptying. However, the syndrome of EFI may represent the consequence of various pathophysiological mechanisms, and this heterogeneity may explain varying associations with outcomes. In clinical practice, a pragmatic definition may be useful. A pragmatic definition of EFI is that a clinician has decided to reduce the am..