Effect of Glutamine on Intestinal Function in Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

Whether gastrointestinal changes play an important role in the pathogenesis of infectious complications and sepsis and promote the occurrence of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is beyond question. A relationship is shown between the permeability of the intestinal wall and the incidence of complications, including the development of severe sepsis in critically ill patients. The present review shows the basic mechanisms contributing to intestinal barrier disintegration and a possibility of using exogenous glutamine to correct occurring disorders. Key words: bacterial translocation, sepsis, severe sepsis, glutamine, enteral feeding.