Enteral nutrition and enteral tube feeding. Review of the evidence.
Improvements in delivery systems for enteral feeding, in formulas, and in the understanding of complications have made the technology for enteral feeding easy to apply. Adequate nutrients can be delivered, and individual tolerance for feeding is acceptable. The remaining question is when to apply the technology. Formula selection should be as simple as possible. Aspiration and other early complications are a serious risk and are not diminished by route of feeding. Long-term enteral feeding is associated with a high complication rate, with high mortality, and may not be effective.
Haddad
Rami Y
RY
Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, 1402 South Grand Boulevard M238, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA. haddadry@slu.edu
Thomas
David R
DR
D000368:Aged; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D009751:Nutritional Requirements
D004044:Dietary Proteins