Predictive value of transabdominal intestinal sonography in critically ill patients: a prospective observational study

Abstract Background This study examined the feasibility of transabdominal intestinal ultrasonography in evaluating acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI). Methods A total of 116 patients were included. Intestinal ultrasonography was conducted daily within 1 week after admission to the intensive care unit. Ultrasonography indicators including intestinal diameter, changes in the intestinal folds, thickness of the intestinal wall, stratification of the intestinal wall, and intestinal peristalsis (movement of the intestinal contents) were observed to determine the acute gastrointestinal injury ultrasonography (AGIUS) score. The gastrointestinal and urinary tract sonography ultrasound (GUTS) protocol score was also calculated. During the first week of the study, the gastrointestinal failure (GIF) score was determined daily. The correlations between transabdominal intestinal scores (AGIUS and GUTS) and the GIF score were analyzed to clarify the feasibility of evaluating AGI through observation of the intestine. The utility of intestinal ultrasonography indicators in predicting feeding intolerance was investigated to improve the ability of clinicians to manage AGI. Results A total of 751 ultrasonic examinations were performed with 511 images (68%) considered to be of “good quality.” AGIUS and GUTS scores differed significantly between AGI patients (GIF score 0–2) and non-AGI patients (GIF score 3–4) (p 10/min) have increased risk for feeding intolerance (16/83 vs. 25/33, p