Early introduction of a semi-elemental formula may be cost saving compared to a polymeric formula among critically ill patients requiring enteral nutrition: a cohort cost–consequence model

Summary

Objectives: Gastrointestinal (GI) intolerance is associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN). The objective of this analysis is to quantify the cost of GI intolerance and the cost implications of starting with semi-elemental EN in intensive care units (ICUs). Study design: A US-based cost–consequence model was developed to compare the costs for patients with and without GI intolerance and the costs with semi-elemental or standard EN while varying the proportion of GI intolerance cases avoided. Materials and methods: ICU data on GI intolerance prevalence and outcomes in patients receiving EN were derived from an observational study. ICU stay costs were obtained from literature and the costs of EN from US customers’ price lists. The model was