EVALUATION OF DRUG THERAPY PRESCRIBED TO PATIENTS IN ENTERAL NUTRITION THERAPY IN ICU
Aline Pandolfi Basso, Mariana Santos Pinheiro

Objectives: To describe, retrospectively, the intervention of the resident pharmacist to patients in Enteral Nutrition Terapy (ENT) in ICU of the University Hospital of Espírito Santo and the profile of drug therapy use by enteral feeding tube in this sector.

Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study. The medical records of patients on drug therapy by enteral feeding tubes were analyzed in the ICU of the University Hospital of the Espirito Santo from August to October 2012.

Results: 17 patients were included with a mean age of 64.8 ± 16.2 years. Of the total number of prescription drugs by enteral feeding tubes (n = 42), the majority was in solid form (85.7%). Complications with the enteral tubes more found in the study were obstruction and removal by the patient. 30 pharmaceutical interventions in relation to drugs administration by enteral feeding tubes were observed, and the physician was present in 19 interventions, the nursing in 8 and 3 interventions matched to three professions (physician, nurses and nutritionists), for the work of all involved.

Conclusion: The study allowed to prove the importance of the insertion of the pharmacist in the multidisciplinary team of patient care with enteral feeding tubes. Measures such as preparation of a manual for drugs administration via enteral feeding tubes and orientation related to the drug administration to members of the team can optimize the administration of ENT, enabling better supply of nutrients and the best therapy for critically ill patients.

Descriptors: Nutricion Therapy; Enteral Nutrition; Intensive Care Units; Food-Drug Interactions; Drug Incompatibility.