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Ginger extract dietary supplementation effects on delayed gastric emptying and ventilator-associated pneumonia in adult respiratory distress syndrome patients

Introduction

Delayed gastric emptying is one of the major reasons for enteral feeding intolerance in ICU patients [1–3]. We studied the effect of ginger supplementation to the diet on development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in ICU patients [2].

Methods

In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled fashion, 32 ARDS mechanically ventilated patients who were fed entrally were studied. Patients were randomized into two groups; one group had ginger added and the other had placebo added to their enteral feeding. The amount of feeding tolerated in the first 48 hours, the amount of feeding tolerated during the entire study period, development of VAP, the number of ICU-free days, the number of ventilator-free days and morality were evaluated.

Results

Enteral feeding tolerated in the first 48 hours of study was significantly higher in patients with the ginger-supplemented diet (51% vs. 57%, P < 0.005). However this was not different during the entire study period (92% vs. 93%, P = 0.42). VAP was seen in 6.3% of the patients in the ginger group and in 31.3% of the control group, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). The ICU mortality of 15.6% was similar in the two groups. The median number of ventilator-free days of 10 versus 7 days and ICU-free days of 7 versus 4 days were significantly higher in the ginger extract group, with respective P values of 0.02 and 0.04.

Conclusion

Supplementing the diet with ginger extract in ARDS patients reduces the delayed gastric emptying risk and helps reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and increases ICU-free days.

References

  1. Berne DJ, et al.: Erythromycin reduces delayed gastric emptying in critically ill traumatic patients: a randomized, controlled trial. J Trauma 2002, 53: 422-425. 10.1097/00005373-200209000-00004

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  3. Hoffman T: Ginger: an ancient remedy and modern miracle drug. J Environ Sci Health B 2008, 43: 127-133. 10.1080/03601230701795056

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Mokhtari, M., Shariatpanahi, Z. Ginger extract dietary supplementation effects on delayed gastric emptying and ventilator-associated pneumonia in adult respiratory distress syndrome patients. Crit Care 13 (Suppl 1), P134 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1186/cc7298

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/cc7298

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