Objective:

The aim of this study is to compare gastric residuel volumes (GRV) and gastrointestinal complications in patients which enteral nutrition is started and continued with formulas with and without fiber.

Material and Method:

Sixty patients which were mechanically ventilated, and expected to stay more than 10 days in ICU and fed enterally with nasogastric tube were enrolled to the study. Patients were randomised into two study groups. Without-fiber Group was fed with standart isoosmolar formula (Osmolite, Abbott, İllinoisi USA), Fiber Group was fed with standart isoosmolar fiber formula (Jevity, Zwolle, Holland). Patients who reached targetted maximum calorie value were monitored for 3 days. GRV’s were measured 3 times a day. Gastrointestinal complications which are abdominal distension, vomitting, regurgitation, aspiration, diarrhea episodes were registered.

Results:

For 3 days of follow up, there was no statistically significant difference comparing the GRV’s of the groups. Vomitting, regurgitation and distension were not different between groups. Diarrhea and aspiration were not observed in either groups. In 20 patients (66.66%) in Fiber group and in 17 patients (56.66%) in Without-Fiber Group at least one complication was observed. The difference between groups was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion:

As a conclusion, in patients which enteral nutrition is started and continued with an enteral formula with and without fiber, there was no statistically significant difference comparing GRV’s and gastrointestinal complications. (Journal of the Turkish Society Intensive Care 2012; 10: 46-51)

Keywords: Enteral nutrition, vomiting, respiratory aspiration, complication