Effect of returning versus discarding gastric residual volume on enteral feeding outcomes among critically ill children: A randomized control trial

Abstract

Background and Aim: Enteral feeding is the recommended and preferred feeding method for critically ill children with a functional gastrointestinal system because of its lower cost and complication rates when compared with parenteral nutrition. The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of returning versus discarding gastric residual volume on enteral feeding outcomes among critically ill children. Subjects and Method: randomized controlled trial comparison study was utilized to conduct the current study. A total sample of 100 critically ill children was recruited from pediatric intensive care unit of El-Monira Children Hospital-Cairo University and assigned randomly into the study and the control group. Data were collected by a structured interview questionnaire and Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment Form (SGNA). Results: there were a statistical significant difference in the total mean score of children' respiration and pulse at the 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th day, sodium and potassium levels at 3 rd and 4 th day and a highly statistical significant difference between both groups regarding the SGNA at 1 st , 3 rd and 4 th day but there was no statistical significant difference between both groups at 2 nd day. Conclusion: Better feeding outcomes were seen in children who their residual volume was discarded. However, a majority of children followed the discarding method had lower electrolyte levels than the returning group.