Table 2

Details of parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition administration


BSI-positive (n = 78)
BSI-negative (n = 122)
P value

Indication for total parenteral nutrition



     Open abdomen
12 (15)
17 (14)
0.84
     Lack of enteral access (post-pyloric)
8 (10)
20 (16)
0.29
     Intolerance of enteral feeds at goal rate
19 (7)
8 (1)
0.0005
     Ileus
7 (9)
16 (13)
0.49
     Other
32 (41)
61 (50)

Time until any form of nutrition started (days)
5 (3–7)
5 (3–7)
0.21
Duration of parenteral nutrition (days)
9 (6–21)
7 (4–11)
0.0001
Duration of enteral feeding (days)
8 (6–20)
6 (3–10)
0.0001

Data presented as the median (interquartile range) or as n (%). BSI, bloodstream infections.

Dissanaike et al. Critical Care 2007 11:R114   doi:10.1186/cc6167