Table 2

Prediction of early tolerance to enteral feeds by measurement of blood flow velocity in superior mesenteric artery in response to test feed

Tolerance to enteral feeds >17% <17% Total
<7 days after test feed14014
>7 days after test feed92130
Total232144
  • A positive haemodynamic response is considered to be a change in time averaged mean velocity of greater than 17%.

  • Sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 70%; positive predictive value, 61%; negative predictive value, 100%.