A computerised bibliographic search of MEDLINE (including pre-MEDLINE) from 1980 to December 1996, was
conducted. The terms 'randomized controlled trial', 'double blind method', 'clinical trial', 'placebo' and 'comparative
study' were combined with explode 'parenteral nutrition', 'total enteral nutrition', 'intensive care units' and 'critical care'.
Citations were limited to English-language studies on adult patients. Reference lists of relevant review articles and
personal files were also searched.