Gastrointestinal dysfunction during enteral nutrition delivery in intensive care unit (ICU) patients: Risk factors, natural history, and clinical implications. A post-hoc analysis of The Augmented versus Routine approach to Giving Energy Trial (TARGET)

Slow gastric emptying occurs frequently during critical illness and is roughly quantified at bedside by large gastric residual volumes (GRVs). A previously published trial (The Augmented versus Routine approach to Giving Energy Trial; TARGET) reported larger GRVs with energy-dense (1.5 kcal/mL) compared with standard (1.0 kcal/mL) enteral nutrition (EN), warranting further exploration.To assess the incidence, risk factors, duration, and timing of large GRVs (≥250 mL) and its relation to clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated adults.A post-hoc analysis of TARGET data in patients with ≥1 GRV recorded. Data are n (%) or median [IQR].Of 3876 included patients, 1777 (46%) had ≥1 GRV ≥250 mL, which was more common in males (50 compared with 39%; P0.001) and in patients receiving energy-dense compared with standard EN (52 compared with 40%; RR = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.19, 1.36); P0.001) in whom it also lasted longer (1 [0-2] compared with 0 [0-1] d; P0.001), with no difference in time of onset after EN initiation (day 1 [0-2] compared with 1 [0-2]; P = 0.970). Patients with GRV ≥250 mL were more likely to have the following: vasopressor administration (88 compared with 76%; RR = 1.15 [1.12, 1.19]; P0.001), positive blood cultures (16 compared with 8%; RR = 1.92 [1.60, 2.31]; P0.001), intravenous antimicrobials (88 compared with 81%; RR = 1.09 [1.06, 1.12]; P0.001), and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay (ICU-free days to day 28; 12.9 [0.0-21.0] compared with 20.0 [3.9-24.0]; P0.001), hospital stay (hospital-free days to day 28: 0.0 [0.0-12.0] compared with 7.0 [0.0-17.6] d; P0.001), ventilatory support (ventilator-free days to day 28: 16.0 [0.0-23.0] compared with 22.0 [8.0-25.0]; P0.001), and a higher 90-d mortality (29 compared with 23%; adjusted: RR = 1.17 [1.05, 1.30]; P = 0.003).Large GRVs were more common in males and those receiving energy-dense formulae, occurred early and were short-lived, and were associated with a number of negative clinical sequelae, including increased mortality, even when adjusted for illness severity. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02306746.