Causes of Interruption of Enteral Nutritional Therapy in Critical Patients: A Literature Review

Abstract

Enteral nutritional therapy (ENT) is indicated when the patient is at risk of malnutrition, that is, when oral intake is insufficient and is still contraindicated in cases where the gastrointestinal tract is not intact or functioning. Early administration of ENT, even when indicated, is not free from inconveniences such as mechanical, gastrointestinal, metabolic, respiratory, infectious and psychological complications, situations that can lead to interruption of ENT. To optimize the administration of enteral nutrition (EN), the knowledge and control of these complications related to ENT, by the multidisciplinary team, are essential for the early resolution of the factors that negatively interfere in the adequate supply of nutrients. The aim of the study was to describe the main causes of ENT interruption in critically ill patients through a literature review. A systematic bibliographic review study was carried out, of the exploratory type with a bibliographic approach with analysis and discussion. Throughout the work, it was possible to recognize the main causes of interruption of ENT and that these must not be disregarded by the multidisciplinary team.