NONENERGETIC EFFECTS OF ENTERAL NUTRITION IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS

Objective: The aim of this review is to describe recently discussed no nenergetic effects of enteral nutrition. Data Sources: Results of curr ent animal and clinical studies are summarized and the place of entera l nutritional regimen in critically ill patients is discussed. Selecti on Criteria: The possible protective effect of early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients concerning stress ulcus prophylaxis, infec tions, and the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure is gaining parti cular attention in this review. Results: The reduction of intestinal b acterial translocation and the decline of catabolism during enteral su bstrate application seems to be proven by animal experiments. Conclusi on: The relevance of early enteral nutrition in critically ill patient s, however, needs to be investigated in further clinical studies.