Published in:
01-11-2011 | Original Article
Gastric Emptying and Intestinal Transit of Various Enteral Feedings Following Severe Burn Injury
Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 11/2011
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Background
Burn-induced delayed gastric emptying and intestinal transit limits enteral feeding/resuscitation.
Aims
To study (1) the effects of burn injury on gastric emptying and intestinal transit at different time points following enteral feeding/fluids, and (2) the effects of enteral resuscitative fluids on gastric emptying, intestinal transit, and plasma volume expansion.
Methods
Rats were randomized into sham-burn and burn groups. They were either enterally untreated or treated by a gavage of one or multiple doses of oral rehydration solution (ORS) or, Vivonex®, all mixed with phenol red as a marker, at different time points from 1 to 6 h after burn. Gastric emptying, intestinal transit and hematocrit values were assessed. Gastric emptying of a semi-solid methylcellulose meal served as a standard control for gastric emptying studies.
Results
We found that (1) burn did not alter the gastric emptying of ORS, but delayed its intestinal transit at all time points; (2) burn delayed the gastric emptying of both methylcellulose or Vivonex and the intestinal transit of Vivonex, 6 h after burn; and (3) multiple doses of ORS normalized the elevated post-burn hematocrit values. The percentage of plasma volume expansion at 6 h resulting from the multiple-dose ORS was superior to that of Vivonex by 50%. Addition of Erythromycin to Vivonex improved its gastric emptying, intestinal transit, and plasma volume expansion.
Conclusions
Burn delays the gastric emptying of semi-solids, but not the ORS. Enteral electrolyte solution (ORS) and feeding (Vivonex) provided plasma volume expansion. Prokinetic drugs may be able to maximize the effectiveness of early post-burn feeding.