Enteral nutrition (EN) is a preferred way of feeding in critically ill patients unless obvious contraindications such as ileus or active gastrointestinal bleeding are present. Early enteral nutrition as compared to delayed EN or total parenteral nutrition decreases morbidity in postsurgical and trauma patients. The hepatosplanchnic region plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of sepsis an...

Background Trauma patients are characterised by alterations in the immune system, increased exposure to infectious complications, sepsis and potentially organ failure and death. Glutamine supplementation to parenteral nutrition has been proven to be associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, glutamine supplementation in patients receiving enteral nutrition and its best route are still...

Crohn's disease may be complicated by the development of penetrating (fistulizing) or structuring complications. The presentation of an intra-abdominal phlegmon or abscess with or without an associated fistula has traditionally required surgical intervention. This series of two cases illustrates a beneficial role of non-surgical management, with parenteral and then enteral nutrition playing cen...

Complications may arise during enteral feeding that are usually related to the diameter and rigidity of the tube or the delivery, composition, and sterility of the feed uses. By using a soft, fine bore tube to deliver a sterile feed of known composition, by continuous infusion rather than as a bolus, most of these complications can be avoided.

Clinical experience during the last decade has confirmed that enteral nutrition is an efficient and cost effective means of providing nutritional support to patients with normal or near normal gastrointestinal function.' Before and during this period the knowledge gained of the processes involved in the physiology of nutrient absorption has been applied to the formulation of enteral diets and i...

Parenteral nutrition, with protein as the cornerstone, is of utmost priority for preterm infants since enteral nutrition initially difficult, risking detrimental effect on their nitrogen balance, growth, gut maturity, and overall health. Its best method delivery still a mystery.

At present, there is limited evidence for the role of enteral nutrition as a primary therapy in cancer patients. Cachexia commonly occurs in patients with advanced cancer. A consensus view from a large number of studies suggests that cachexia cannot be fully reversed by vigorous enteral nutritional support. A review is included of the available data on the effects of enteral nutritional support...

The ESPEN guidelines on enteral nutrition are the first evidence-based European recommendations for enteral nutrition. They were established by European experts for a variety of disease groups. During guideline development it became evident that terms and definitions in clinical nutrition have been used inconsistently depending on medical disciplines as well as regional and personal preferences...

BACKGROUND Treatment for congenital chylothorax is based on adequate drainage of the pleural fluid and total parenteral nutrition followed by re-establishment of feeds using medium-chain-triglycerides based milk formulas which are expensive and not easily available. CASE CHARACTERISTICS Two newborns (one term and one preterm) with congenital chylothorax. INTERVENTION Skimmed milk preparatio...