Predicting Enteral Nutrition Intolerance Using Gastrointestinal Blood Flow Measurements in Critically Ill Adults

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore the relationship between gastrointestinal blood flow and the occurrence of enteral nutrition intolerance ENI and its symptoms in critically ill patients. It focuses on building and comparing predictive models that include blood flow parameters to better understand and predict ENI. The study is observational and conducted at Ruijin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, using machine learning to evaluate the added value of blood flow measurements. The study involves bedside ultrasound exams at four key times when patients enter the ICU, and on Days 1, 4, and 7 of receiving enteral nutrition. These ultrasounds measure blood flow and vessel parameters in major abdominal vessels like the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, inferior vena cava, hepatic vein, and portal vein. Researchers will compare three predictive models one based on clinical signs, another on blood flow data, and a combined model. Participants will be closely monitored daily from Day 1 to Day 7 of enteral nutrition for signs of intolerance and gastrointestinal symptoms. The study also tracks feeding success, ICU length of stay, and 28-day survival. Ultrasound assessments and clinical data collection help measure the primary outcome of ENI incidence, with safety and progress followed throughout the ICU stay, up to 28 days after admission.

Predictive Value of Gastrointestinal Blood Flow for Enteral Nutrition Intolerance in Critically Ill Patients