Reaching a Caloric Goal Using a Gastric Sonar Versus Aspiration of Gastric Contents in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Nasogastric Enteral Nutrition

Enteral nutrition intolerance, manifested in delayed gastric emptying and high gastric residual, is a common problem in critically ill patients in intensive care, with adverse consequences on patients' outcomes. A decrease in the levels of the ghrelin hormone in these patients may contribute to this problem. The gastric residual test (GRV) is used to assess enteral absorption and gastric motility, but the traditional methods can lead to inaccuracy and waste of resources. In recent years, the use of ultrasound (PoCUS) to assess GRV has developed, but its effect on the rate of reaching the caloric goal has not yet been evaluated.