Critical care : the official journal of the Critical Care Forum
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The enteral route is commonly utilised to support the nutritional requirements of critically ill patients. However, there is paucity of data guiding clinicians regarding the appropriate method of delivering the prescribed dose. Continuous enteral feeding is commonly used; however, a bolus or intermittent method of administration may provide several advantages such as minimising interruptions. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare a continuous versus an intermittent or bolus enteral nutrition administration method. ⋯ The current meta-analysis has not identified any clinically relevant difference in most outcome measures relevant to the care of critically ill patients. However, there is a paucity of high-quality randomised controlled clinical trials to guide this decision. Therefore, clinicians may consider either dosing regimen in the context of the patient's care requirements.
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Meta Analysis
Effects of rapid fluid infusion on hemoglobin concentration: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Rapid fluid administration may decrease hemoglobin concentration (Hb) by a diluting effect, which could limit the increase in oxygen delivery (DO2) expected with a positive response to fluid challenge in critically ill patients. Our aim was to quantify the decrease in Hb after rapid fluid administration. ⋯ Hb decreased consistently after rapid fluid administration with moderate certainty of evidence. This effect may limit the positive effects of fluid challenges on DO2 and thus on tissue oxygenation.