ABSTRACT
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract provides nutrients for the body and acts as a barrier to toxins and intraluminal micro-organisms. Failure of the nutrient function results in catabolism and immunosuppression, whereas failure of the GI barrier allows microorganisms and toxins to enter the portal and systemic circulations. Definitive evidence for translocation in humans is not available but GI tract failure can result in the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and ultimately MODS.
