Comparison of continuous vs intermittent tube feedings in adult burn patients.

In an effort to determine an optimal method of utilizing the gastrointestinal tract to meet the nutritional need of burn patients, a comparison was made between continuous and intermittent delivery of lactose-free tube-fed diets in similar groups of burn-injured patients. It was found that significantly less stool frequency and time required to achieve the nutritional goal occurred in patients treated with continuous pump tube feeding over those fed intermittently.