Esophageal obstruction by solidification of the enteral feed: a complication to be prevented

Intensive Care Med. 1997 Jul;23(7):790-2. doi: 10.1007/s001340050412.

Abstract

We report three cases of esophageal obstruction due to solidification of enteral feed refluxed from the stomach in patients being fed through a nasogastric tube. All three patients were administered sucralfate continuously by tube. The few previous descriptions of this rare complication have also implicated sucralfate with its pathogenesis. Given its clinical importance and the growing use of long-term enteral nutrition, this adverse event needs to be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents / adverse effects*
  • Enteral Nutrition / adverse effects*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Esophageal Stenosis / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Stenosis / etiology*
  • Esophageal Stenosis / therapy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Food-Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sucralfate / adverse effects*
  • Vomiting / etiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Ulcer Agents
  • Sucralfate