Feasibility of Implementing a Reduced Fasting Protocol for Critically Ill Trauma Patients Undergoing Operative and Nonoperative Procedures

Background: This prospective, observational cohort study was designed to determine the feasibility of implementing a reduced enteral fasting protocol in mechanically ventilated trauma patients undergoing selected operative and nonoperative procedures. Methods: Critically ill, mechanically ventilated trauma patients undergoing selected operative and nonoperative procedures received enteral nutrition up until the time of the procedure, if receiving small bowel feeds, or received enteral nutrition that was discontinued 45 minutes before the procedure, if receiving gastric feeds. Results: Measures of delivery of nutrition such as total enteral nutrition delivered and days required to reach nutrition goal were collected. Complications measured were death, incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infection, catheter-related bloodstream infection, wound infection, hypoglycemia, and emesis during procedures. No significant demographic differences were observed between the 2 groups. Patients in ...