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

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

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.