A Review of the Tolerance and Adequacy of Enteral Nutrition Administered in the Prone Position in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

Objectives During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, more patients require enteral nutrition (EN) while mechanically ventilated in the prone position (PP). Prone positioning may improve oxygenation in patients receiving mechanical ventilation; however, it is unclear how it affects EN adequacy and tolerance. This review explored how EN delivered in the PP impacts EN tolerance (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distention, or aspiration pneumonia) and adequacy (meeting estimated energy and protein requirements) in critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation.