Risk Factors of Enternal Nutrition Intolerance in Septic Patients: A Case-control Study

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of enteral nutrition intolerance (ENI) in patients with sepsis and explore potential risk factors.

A case-control study was conducted in patients with sepsis who were receiving enteral nutrition (EN) at a tertiary hospital in China. The included patients were divided into the ENI group and the non-ENI group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for ENI.

A total of 859 patients were included in the study. Among them, 288 (33.53%) patients experienced symptoms of ENI, including diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and gastric retention. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation H (APACHE H) score, thoracocentesis, and usage of cardiotonic drugs (namely, inotropes) were independent predictors of the ENI.

The incidence of ENI is relatively high in patients with sepsis, especially in those who have higher APACHE H scores, have undergone thoracocentesis, and have received inotropes.