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Use of Enteral Nutrition for Gastrointestinal Bleeding Prophylaxis in the Critically Ill: Review of Current Literature

  • Gastroenterology, Critical Care, and Lifestyle Medicine (SA McClave, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the etiology of stress-related mucosal disease, current acid suppression therapy recommendations, and the role enteral nutrition may play in disease prevention.

Recent Findings

Recent literature indicates enteral nutrition may prevent complications of stress-related mucosal disease by increasing splanchnic blood flow, enhancing gastrointestinal motility, and promoting cellular immunity and integrity through local nutrient delivery.

Summary

Stress-related mucosal disease is a common complication of hospitalization in the critically ill which may lead to overt gastrointestinal bleeding and enhanced mortality. High-risk patients have historically been prescribed acid suppression therapy, though enteral nutrition may also have a role in disease mitigation.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, 7th Floor, South Tower, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Carolyn Newberry

  2. Department of General Surgery, University of Louisville, 323 East Chestnut Street, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA

    Jessica Schucht

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  1. Carolyn Newberry
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Correspondence to Carolyn Newberry.

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Carolyn Newberry and Jessica Schucht declare they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Gastroenterology, Critical Care, and Lifestyle Medicine

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Newberry, C., Schucht, J. Use of Enteral Nutrition for Gastrointestinal Bleeding Prophylaxis in the Critically Ill: Review of Current Literature. Curr Nutr Rep 7, 116–120 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-018-0232-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-018-0232-3

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