Factors associated with nosocomial diarrhea in patients with enteral tube feeding.

OBJECTIVES

Diarrhea is a frequent complication associated to enteral tube feeding (ETF) and it is a frequent cause of reduction or suspension of this type of nutritional support. Our objective was to evaluate the factors associated with nosocomial diarrhea in patients receiving ETF.

RESULTS

The only significant factor associated with the appearance of diarrhea was antibiotic consumption, specially those patients receiving the combination of two or more antibiotics. We did not find any association between factors related to ETF, analytical parameters, nor other medications and diarrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observational data supports the idea that ETF should not be seen as a primary cause of diarrhea, other possible causes should be considered before reducing or discontinuing ETF administration.