We elected to include only randomized trials in this review.
The trials evaluated the effect of PN administered at or above
estimated energy needs compared with the effect of EN in the
critically ill. We defined critically ill patients as those who would
be routinely cared for in the critical care environment. We excluded
studies of pediatric or neonatal patients. Studies were not
limited to those that involved English-speaking adult patients.
Studies that evaluated the effect of PN or EN on nutritional
outcomes (i.e., nitrogen balance, amino acid profile) were not
included in this review.