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Gastrointestinal dysfunction in the critically ill: a systematic scoping review and research agenda proposed by the Section of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Paper Summary

Paperzilla title
Got Gut Issues in the ICU? Let's Fix the Research Agenda!

Current evidence on gastrointestinal dysfunction in critically ill patients is limited, partly due to inconsistent definitions and monitoring tools. This review proposes a research agenda focused on priority areas like diarrhoea and feeding intolerance, highlighting the need for consensus on key definitions and standardized outcomes to improve future research.

Explain Like I'm Five

Scientists found that when very sick people are in the hospital, their tummies can have problems. They want to agree on what these "tummy problems" really mean so they can study them better and help people feel well again.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

Some authors disclosed relationships with pharmaceutical/nutritional companies; the funding sources for this research were not disclosed.

Identified Limitations

Limited Scope
The review's focus is limited to a specific aspect of GI problems, omitting a broader discussion.
Language Bias
The reliance solely on English-language publications may introduce a bias.
Prioritization of Feasibility
The prioritization of feasibility over importance could potentially overlook valuable, albeit complex, research.

Rating Explanation

This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into GI dysfunction in critically ill patients. It systematically identifies knowledge gaps, develops future research proposals, and highlights consensus-needed areas. While the review emphasizes feasibility over high-cost studies, the extensive involvement of field experts and the overall methodological rigor make it a valuable contribution. However, limitations such as the English-language focus and the specific clinical viewpoint should be noted, warranting a score of 4.

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Topic Hierarchy

Domain: Health Sciences
Field: Nursing

File Information

Original Title: Gastrointestinal dysfunction in the critically ill: a systematic scoping review and research agenda proposed by the Section of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine
Uploaded: July 14, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Privacy: Public