Early versus late enteral feeding of mechanically ventilated patients: results of a clinical trial.

Background: This study sought to compare 2 strategies for the administration of enteral feeding to mechanically ventilated medical patients.

Methods: The prospective, controlled, clinical trial was carried out in a medical intensive care unit (19 beds) in a university-affiliated, urban teaching hospital. Between May 1999 and December 2000, 150 patients were enrolled.

Deep vein thrombosis during prolonged mechanical ventilation despite prophylaxis.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Medical intensive care unit of a university-affiliated urban teaching hospital.