2-2 Patients and variables
Twenty TBI patients (18-65 years) with clinical manifestations indicative of poor prognosis were enrolled in this study. Data collected included the diagnosis upon ICU admission, demographic information, and medical history. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients or their legal representatives. The inclusion criteria were: age between 18-65 years, moderate or severe trauma (GCS index 4-14), having normal-functioning gastrointestinal tract and indications of EN. The eligible patients were enrolled within 24-48 hours after ICU admission.The exclusion criteria were: failure to start EN within the first 48 hours of admission, any history of underlying diseases (including heart disease, diabetes, congenital and immunological disorders, renal and hepatic failure, pancreatitis) receiving multiple transfusion, enteral feeding intolerance, and less than 96 hours ICU LOS. Patients with body mass index (BMI) <18.5 Kg/m2, and patients who received total parenteral nutrition also were excluded from the study.