Fiber-Enriched Enteral Nutrition and Opioid-Induced Constipation in the ICU

The use of opioids for sedation and analgesia is common among intensive care unit (ICU) patients requiring mechanical ventilation. However, frequent and sometimes high-dose opioid administration can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction and complications such as constipation. These complications are associated with increased risk of gastric content aspiration, suboptimal nutritional intake, prolonged ICU stays, and higher mortality rates.

Enteral nutrition (EN) is routinely administered to ICU patients unless there is a contraindication to gastrointestinal feeding . EN products are formulated with diverse compositions to address the needs of ICU patients, who represent a highly heterogeneous population. High-fiber EN formulations are typically used in patients with diarrhea or constipation. However, current literature lacks evidence regarding the efficacy of fiber-enriched EN in reducing constipation among intubated ICU patients.

In the study, the investigator aim to investigate whether high-fiber EN products have an effect on opioid-induced constipation compared to fiber-free products in intubated patients.

Inclusion criteria

• All patients over the age of 18 who are initiated on enteral nutrition and are on mechanical ventilation will be included in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Pediatric and pregnant patients
• Life expectancy less than 24 hours
• Gastrointestinal surgery within the last week
• Intra-abdominal pressure > 15 mmHg
• Shock requiring high vasopressor support
• Contraindication to enteral nutrition
• Intubation >48 hours