Feed intolerance (FI) is common in critically-ill cirrhosis patients and non-resolution carries high mortality. Early recognition and treatment with prokinetics is recommended to improve short-term survival.

Of the 1,030 ICU patients, 201 (19.5%) developed FI and 83 patients were randomized.

Baseline parameters between the groups were comparable. Complete resolution at 24-h was higher in Gr.A (7.14%) and B (22.2%) than C (0%, p = 0.017). Overall, 58 (69.9%) patients achieved resolution within 72 h, more with metoclopramide (n = 24, 85.7%) and erythromycin (n = 25, 92.6%) than with placebo (n = 9, 32.1%, p < 0.001). The 7-day survival was better in patients who achieved resolution within 72-h (65.5 vs. 36%, p = 0.011) than non-responders. High lactate (OR-3.32, CI-1.45–7.70, p = 0.005), shock at baseline (OR-6.34, CI-1.67–24.1, p = 0.007) and resolution of FI within 72 h (OR-0.11, CI, 0.03–0.51, p = 0.04) predicted 7-day mortality.

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