Acute gastrointestinal failure in the critically ill patient

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years the interest in acute gastrointestinal failure is increasing and the hypothesis that it is the cause of multiple organ failure seems to be confirmed.

Objective: To deepen in the knowledge of the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute digestive failure in intensive care units.

Methods: A specialized bibliographic search of biomedical databases was carried out where review articles were consulted in the last 5 years in Spanish and English on the diagnosis, etiopathogenesis, complementary examinations and treatment of patients diagnosed with acute digestive failure

Analysis and synthesis of information: Acute gastrointestinal failure in the severe ill patient is multifactorial. It is characterized by manifestations of intestinal ischemia or hypoxia, alterations of permeability, intestinal motility, dysbiosis, bacterial translocation and sepsis.

Conclusions: Acute gastrointestinal failure is potentially reversible but if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner may evolve towards multiple organ dysfunction and death.