Gastrointestinal function in critical illness. Varsha Asrani, Senior ICU/Surgical Dietitian NZ
Varsha begins her presentation outlining the scientific knowledge of the gut. From the illustrations of the digestive tract by Leonardo DaVinci in the 1490’s to the publication in 1833 of William Beaumont’s observations on the nature of gastric juice and the digestive process. She brings us to the modern day intensive care unit where much still remains unknown about identifying gastrointestinal dysfunction and what causes it.
Varsha outlines the incidence, spectrum of disease and difficulty in diagnosing gastrointestinal dysfunction in critical illness.
She goes on to explain:
- How the gut may play a significant role in multiorgan failure
- The indications and contraindications for enteral feeding
- How gastrointestinal function is impacted by
- IV fluids
- enteral nutrition
- vasopressors/inotropes
- Her research on the development of a gut dysfunction scoring tool
Varsha Asrani is a Senior ICU dietitian at Auckland City Hospital and a PhD candidate with the Department of Surgery, at the University of Auckland. She is the lead for the Clinical Practice Committee for Australasian Society of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition and Convener of the ICU-NUTRITION special Interest group in NZ. Varsha’s PhD research involves developing and validating a gastrointestinal dysfunction scoring tool in critically ill patients.
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