J Trauma
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Erythromycin reduces delayed gastric emptying in critically ill trauma patients: a randomized, controlled trial.
Early enteral feeding has been shown to be beneficial in improving outcome in critically injured trauma patients. Delayed gastric emptying occurs frequently in trauma patients, increasing the time to achieve nutritional goals, and limiting the benefit of early enteral feedings. Intravenous erythromycin is an effective agent for improving gastric motility in diabetics and postgastrectomy patients. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of erythromycin for improving gastric motility in critically injured trauma patients. ⋯ Intravenous erythromycin improves gastric motility and enhances early nutritional intake in critically injured patients.