Intestinal barrier function impairment can lead to bacterial and toxin translocation in critically ill patients and is an important factor in gut-derived infections and even multiple organ failure. Early enteral nutrition (EEN) can nourish the intestine, prevent bacterial translocation, effectively maintain intestinal barrier function and immune function and provide metabolic substrates for the body, bringing clinical benefits. For critically ill patients such as those with severe acute pancreatitis, severe burns and severe traumatic brain injury and those after major abdominal surgery, there is evidence-based proof supporting EEN while in patients with uncontrolled shock and severe hypoxemia and acidosis, the initiation of EEN should be delayed. EEN in critically ill patients can be applied orally or through nasogastric tube. Dietary fiber-free intact protein preparations are recommended at initiation and administration via continuous pumping can improve EEN gastrointestinal tolerability.

Critical illness; Early enteral nutrition; Intestinal barrier function; Gut-derived infection