Description: Enteral nutrition is usually provided using a whole protein formula. Peptide based formulas contain proteins that have been enzymatically hydrolysed to dipeptides and tripeptides. These hydrolysed proteins are often combined with a higher medium-chain triglyceride content to produce a […]
Use of Parenteral Nutrition due to intolerance of EN
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) may be used to achieve caloric and micro-/macronutrient goals when enteral nutrition (EN) is not tolerated or contraindicated [1]. Depending on the relative proportion of both feeding routes on total delivery of medical nutrition therapy (MNT), PN […]
Gastric pH
Gastric pH monitoring is a technique that measures the acidity of the stomach contents using a probe inserted through the nose or mouth into the stomach. Gastric pH monitoring can be used for diagnostic purposes in critically ill patients with […]
Fecal Elastase 1
Faecal elastase 1 is a pancreatic enzyme that is excreted in the faeces and can be used as a marker of pancreatic function. Low levels of faecal elastase 1 can indicate pancreatic insufficiency, which can lead to malabsorption and other […]
Composition of microbiome
Microbiome represents all microorganisms residing on the host (i.e., mouth, lungs, gut, skin) although the majority of bacterial species reside within the gut lumen. The gut microbiome is essential for the development of the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal immune system, the […]
Stool passage (frequency, aspect, volume) incl. Diarrhoea or Absence of stool
Diarrhoea A predefined (liquid stool >=3 times a day) number of liquid stools daily with volume > 250 g/day. Diarrhoea may be associated with intestinal infection or malabsorption as well as ischemia [1]. Feasibility/Equipment: Diarrhoea is a clinical sign, no […]
Pain
Abdominal pain is a key finding in patients with abdominal problems, specifically peritonitis [1]. Correct assessment of abdominal pain is difficult, particularly in intubated and unconscious patients [1]. Central analgesia (e.g. epidural analgesia) may mask this symptom [2]. The location […]
Abdominal Distension
Description: Abdominal distension, an increase in abdominal size upon inspection, may indicate increased abdominal volume and bowel distension [1]. Abdominal distension is a non-specific sign. It is impossible to measure in the obese patients and clinical relevance is dependent upon […]