Enteral alimentation is the preferred modality of support in critical patients who have acceptable digestive function and are unable to eat orally, but the advantages of continuous versus intermittent administration are surrounded by controversy.

This prospective, randomised study was designed to compare two enteral feeding methods with respect to changes in levels of leptin and ghrelin in ICU.

Inclusion Criteria:

• who were unable to ingest an oral diet
• given decision on enteral feeding

Exclusion Criteria:

• Carcinomatosis
• irreversible coma
• death or discharge before 14 days of observation
• contraindication to enteral feeding
• intolerance to the prescribed nutrients or infusion regimen
• burn
• multiple trauma
• morbid obesity
• end stage liver or renal or lung disease
• severe sepsis or septic shock
• patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
• immunosuppressive drug use
• severe hemodynamic instability
• massive blood transfusion