Key result
Preventive strategies can limit morbidity and mortality from gastrointestinal complications in critically ill patients.
Why the study?
Common pathophysiologic changes and supportive interventions in critically ill patients increase the risk of gastrointestinal complications, which are often diagnosed late, leading to high morbidity and mortality.
This review highlights the pathophysiology of GI dysfunction in critically ill patients and emphasizes the importance of early evaluation and preventive strategies to limit morbidity and mortality.
Supports early risk stratification and prevention in ICU; leaves open optimal strategies for prospective validation.
Common pathophysiologic changes associated with critical illness directly contribute to the development of gastrointestinal (GI) complications. In addition, supportive interventions such as mechanical ventilation and vasopressors increase the risk of GI complications. Early, specific signs of GI complications are rarely present; therefore, because of late or missed diagnosis, morbidity and mortality related to these complications can be high. This article aims to review the pathophysiology of GI dysfunction and describe an approach to evaluate the abdomen in the critically ill patient. Risk can be limited by understanding individual patient characteristics, thoughtfully evaluating the risk-benefit profile of all interventions, and implementing preventive strategies.
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Beth Martin (2007) conducted a review in Gastrointestinal complications in critical illness. Understanding patient characteristics and implementing preventive strategies can limit the high morbidity and mortality associated with gastrointestinal complications in critically ill patients.
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