Comparison of nose jejunal tube and nasogastric tube in providing early enteral nutrition for patients with severe craniocerebral injury

Objective To compare the effectiveness of nose jejunal tube (NJT) and nasogastric tube (NGT) in providing early enteral nutrition for patients with severe craniocerebral injury. Methods Forty patients with severe craniocerebral injury and required early enteral nutrition were equally and randomly divided into NJT group and NGT group based on the tube type. The biochemical indicators, gastrointestinal tract tolerance, and complications were compared between these two groups. Results Serum albumin, blood glucose, and lymphocyte count were not significantly different between these two groups before and immediately after nutritional support (all P ＞0. 05). However, 14 days after nutritional support, the blood sugar level significantly decreased compared with the baseline levels in the NJT group (P =0. 0001). The incidences of reflux (P = 0. 001) and abdominal distension (P =0.011) were significantly lower in NJT group than in NGT group. Conclusion NJT is superior to NGT in providing early enteral nutrition for patients with severe craniocerebral injury.