[Nutritional support in polytraumatized patients]

Nutr Hosp. 2005 Jun:20 Suppl 2:47-50.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Polytraumatism usually presents in previously healthy patients with a good nutritional status. However, metabolic changes derived from the traumatic injury put these patients in a nutritional risk situation. Specialized nutritional support should be started if it is foreseeable that nutritional requirements will not be met p.o. within the 5-10 days period from admission. Enteral nutrition should be the first route to consider for nutrients intake. However, the presence of head trauma leads to gastrointestinal motility impairments that hinder tolerance to enteral nutrition. Patients with abdominal trauma also present difficulties for the onset and tolerance of enteral diet. The insertion of transpyloric tubes or jejunostomy catheters allows early use of enteral nutrition in these patients.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Multiple Trauma / therapy*
  • Nutritional Support / methods
  • Nutritional Support / standards*