Gastrointestinal motility and prokinetics in the critically ill

Purpose of review Enteral nutrition is frequently unsuccessful in the critically ill due to gastrointestinal dysfunction. Current treatment strategies are often disappointing. In this article upper gastrointestinal function in health together with abnormalities seen during critical illness are reviewed, and potential therapeutic options summarized. Recent findings Reflux oesophagitis occurs frequently due to reduced or absent lower oesophageal sphincter tone. In the stomach a number of motor patterns contribute to slow gastric emptying. The fundus has reduced compliance, there are less frequent contractions in both the proximal and distal stomach, isolated pyloric activity is increased and the organization of duodenal motor activity is abnormal. In response to nutrients, enterogastric feedback is enhanced, fundic relaxation and subsequent recovery is delayed, antral motility is further reduced and localized pyloric contractions stimulated. Elevated concentrations of hormones such as cholecystokinin and peptide YY are potential mediators for these phenomena. Rapid tachyphylaxis occurs with the commonly used prokinetics, metoclopramide and erythromycin, and novel agents are under investigation. Independent of gastric emptying, nutrient absorption is reduced. Summary There has been considerable progress in understanding the pathogenesis of mechanisms causing feed intolerance in critical illness, but this is yet to be translated into therapeutic benefit.