Upper gastrointestinal motor and absorptive function in critically ill patients [ 2002 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Robert Fraser (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Robert Young ,  John Dent ,  Prof Karen Jones ,  Prof Michael Horowitz
View all 6 related researchers

Brief description A major concern in critically ill patients is the provision of adequate nutrition to facilitate recovery from devastating metabolic insults. Abnormal contractions of the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine appear to be common in critically ill patients. These may prevent effective feeding of patients at a time when they are especially vulnerable to malnutrition and also result in major complications such as pneumonia, septicaemia and gastrointestinal haemorrhage. However little is known about the reasons underlying these dysfunctions. The applicants, with ongoing support from the NH and MRC have had a longstanding interest in motility disorders of the gut and have made important contributions to knowledge about both the causes and treatments of these conditions. These contributions have been underpinned by pioneering the development of new methodologies to examine gut function. In collaboration with the intensive care specialists in Adelaide, we now seek to apply this knowledge to evaluate gut function in patients in the Intensive Care Unit. The proposed studies will provide the most comprehensive studies to date of the gut function in critically ill patients and have important implications for treatment.

Funding Amount $AUD 260,760.38

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant