| Severe protein-calorie malnutrition is a major problem in the critically ill patient, especially following surgery, trauma, shock, burns or sepsis. Amongst surgical patients, for example, the rate of malnutrition has been found to be tripled (Gallagher-Allred 1996), with serious immunologic, metabolic and physiological consequences. The use of enteral and parenteral nutrition has been found useful in addressing these issues. This review will look at the advantages and disadvantages of these two forms of nutritional support in the critically ill. |