2-2 Patients and variables
Twenty TBI patients (18-65 years) with clinical manifestations
indicative of poor prognosis were enrolled in this study. Data collected
included the diagnosis upon ICU admission, demographic information, and
medical history. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients or
their legal representatives. The inclusion criteria were: age
between 18-65 years, moderate or severe trauma (GCS index 4-14), having
normal-functioning gastrointestinal tract and indications of EN. The
eligible patients were enrolled within 24-48 hours after ICU admission.The exclusion criteria were: failure to start EN within the
first 48 hours of admission, any history of underlying diseases
(including heart disease, diabetes, congenital and immunological
disorders, renal and hepatic failure, pancreatitis) receiving multiple
transfusion, enteral feeding intolerance, and less than 96 hours ICU
LOS. Patients with body mass index (BMI) <18.5
Kg/m2, and patients who received total parenteral
nutrition also were excluded from the study.