Effect of Oral Drop Gastrolit (Zataria multiflora) on Gastric Residual Volume in Mechanically Ventilated Patients Hospitalized in the Intensive Care Units

Background: Proper nutritional support is one of the important caring aspects in patients who were hospitalized in ICU. Objective: This study was done to investigate Oral Drop Gastrolit effect on the gastric residual volume (GRV) in mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in ICU. Methods: In this clinical trial, 50 mechanically ventilated patients were recruited using convenience sampling method; and were randomly divided into two control (Placebo = water) and experimental groups (Gastrolit). Intervention group patients were given Gastrolit (20 drops) three times a day for 4 days. GRV was measured before the gavages. The mean GRV of patients were compared in the two groups for 4 days. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, Chi squared test, and Mann Whitney u test and Friedman test in the SPSS-16. Results: The results showed that most patients were male (60%), and their mean age ± SD were 63.06±19.6. GRV decreased in the intervention group but increased in the control group. The mean GRV in the intervention group on the second, third, and fourth day significantly lower than the control group (P<0.0001). Conclusion: It seems Gastrolit can decrease GRV in mechanically ventilated patients, so it can be used to improve gastric emptying and prevent delayed gastric emptying complications.