| 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:
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