Enteral Nutrition in the PICU Patient

Benefits of enteral nutrition in pediatric patients include:

  • Physiological presentation of nutrients
  • Trophic effects on the GI tract
  • Stimulation and maintenance of the gut mucosa
  • Reduced metabolic and infectious complications
  • Improved hepatic function versus parenteral nutrition
  • Simplified fluid and electrolyte management
  • More "complete" nutrition May reduce the incidence of pathogen entry or bacterial translocation into the peritoneal cavity or circulation
  • Less expensive
Provision of at least 10-15% of calorie needs via the enteral route as "trophic feedings" has been demonstrated to prevent or minimize gut atrophy and potential for translocation and increased infection risk.

To learn more about starting a PICU patient on enteral feedings select from the following: