Energy-Dense Formulae May Slow Gastric Emptying in the XXXX .

@entity1 @entity3124
BACKGROUND: Enteral feed intolerance occurs frequently in @entity3124 @entity1 and can be associated with adverse outcomes. "Energy-dense formulae" (ie, >1 kcal/mL) are often prescribed to @entity3124 @entity1 to reduce administered volume and are presumed to maintain or increase calorie delivery. The aim of this study was to compare gastric emptying of standard and energy-dense formulae in @entity3124 @entity1 . METHODS: In a retrospective comparison of 2 studies, data were analyzed from 2 groups of @entity1 that received a radiolabeled 100-mL "meal" containing either standard calories (1 kcal/mL) or concentrated calories (energy-dense formulae; 2 kcal/mL). Gastric emptying was measured using a scintigraphic technique. Radioisotope data were collected for 4 hours and gastric emptying quantified. Data are presented as mean    SE or median [interquartile range] as appropriate. RESULTS: Forty @entity1 were studied (n = 18, energy-dense formulae; n = 22, standard). Groups were well matched in terms of demographics. However, @entity1 in the energy-dense formula group were studied earlier in their intensive care unit admission (P = .02) and had a greater proportion requiring inotropes (P = .002). A similar amount of calories emptied out of the stomach per unit time (P = .57), but in @entity1 receiving energy-dense formulae, a greater volume of meal was retained in the stomach (P = .045), consistent with slower gastric emptying. CONCLUSIONS: In @entity3124 @entity1 , the administration of the same volume of a concentrated enteral nutrition formula may not result in the delivery of more calories to the small intestine over time because gastric emptying is slowed.
