Does Ileus Represent the Forgotten End Organ Failure in Critical Illness?

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review evaluates the current literature on ileus, impaired gastrointestinal transit (IGT), and acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) and its impact on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS: Ileus is often under recognized in critically ill patients and is associated with significant morbidity and is potentially a marker of disease severity as seen in other organs like kidneys (ATN).