Diarrhea in the critically ill: definitions, epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this paper, we review the current evidence with respect to definitions, risk factors, and outcomes of diarrhea in the critically ill and highlight research gaps in the literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Definitions of diarrhea in the intensive care unit (ICU) include the World Health Organization quantified as >3 liquid bowel movements per day and the Bristol Stool Chart score of 7. Diarrhea incidence is 37.7-73.8% and varies …