What's new on defining diarrhea in tube-feeding studies?
Nurses who are involved in studies of tube feeding tolerance or who review the literature on this topic are confronted with a myriad of definitions and methods of reporting diarrhea. In a 1992 study, the authors reported that these definition differences influenced results. In a review of the current literature, they determined that little progress had been made toward standardizing definitions and reports of diarrhea in studies of tube feeding. A secondary analysis of stool characteristics of hospitalized patients using various definitions of diarrhea showed there was a positive association between stool frequency and consistency. Criteria for stool consistency in the definitions of diarrhea appeared to have a greater influence on diarrhea outcomes when stool frequency was low. The authors suggest recognition of a taxonomy of definitions of diarrhea in the absence of consensus, which will help guide the design of future investigations and facilitate the evaluation and utilization of research.
University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, USA.
Kelly J
KJ
Lebak
Donna Zimaro
DZ
Bliss
Kay
K
Savik
Kathleen M
KM
Patten-Marsh
D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors