Randomized comparison of nasojejunal and nasogastric feeding in critically ill patients

Abstract

Objective: Critically ill patients often develop large gastric residual volumes during nasogastric feeding as a result of poor gastroduodenal motility. Nasojejunal feeding may decrease the severity of this complication. The aim of this study was to determine whether nasojejunal feeding improved tolerance of enteral nutrition by reducing gastric residual volumes. Design: Randomized, prospective, clinical study. Setting: Intensive care unit of a university-affiliated hospital. Patients: Seventy-three intensive care unit patients expected to require nutritional support for at least 3 days. Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive enteral nutrition via a nasojejunal tube (placed endosc..