Does Ileus Represent the Forgotten End Organ Failure in Critical Illness?

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review evaluates the current literature on ileus, impaired gastrointestinal transit (IGT), and acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) and its impact on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Recent findings: Ileus is often under recognized in critically ill patients and is associated with significant morbidity and is potentially a marker of disease severity as seen in other organs like kidneys (ATN).

Keywords: Enteral nutrition; Gastrointestinal failure; Ileus; Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.