A more physiological feeding process in ICU: Intermittent infusion with semi-solid nutrients (CONSORT-compliant)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to determine whether the application of semi-solid nutrients could increase the efficiency of the enteral nutrition (EN), which was measured daily by administered volume of nutrition/prescribed volume of nutrition. METHODS: A total of 28 subjects were finally enrolled in the study and randomized to receive either intermittent feeding (IF) or intermittent feeding with semi-solid nutrients (IS). Three major parameters concerning EN were evaluated in this study: the daily dosage prescribed by doctor, the actual dosage received by subjects, and the acute complications such as diarrhea, vomiting, regurgitation, bowel distension, and lung infection. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in NRS-2002, and acute gastrointestinal injury between both groups. The IS group (0.98 ± 0.06, P < .01) could receive higher percentage of daily prescribed calories compared to IF (0.73 ± 0.15). The total caloric intake during the first 3 days was higher in IS (2589.29 ± 844.02 vs. 1685.71 ± 388.00, P < .01). The incidence of feeding intolerance (FI) was lower in the IS group (2/14) compared with IF (8/14). However, semi-solid nutrients did not decrease the length of stay, lung infection, or 30-day mortality. Similarly, there was no difference in glycemic variability and stress hyperglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of critically ill subjects, the efficiency of the EN was increased by IS, which might be related to the improvement of FI (NCT03017079).