Abstract： Objective To evaluate the association of gastrointestinal failure(GIF)with ICU hospital days,mechanical ventilation days and mortality,to identify its risk factors.Methods A retrospective analysis of patients (n=1836)admired to ICU and EICU during the years from 2003 to 2007 was performed to evaluate the association between GIF and their length of stay,mechanical ventilation days and mortality.The ability of APACHE Ⅱ,SOFA and age in predicting the incidence rate of GIF was identified.Results GIF was significantly related to higher mortality,as well as prolonged length of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation respectively.Age,APACHE Ⅱ and SOFA scores at admission were identified as the risk factors for the development of GIF.Condusion GIF should be considered a relevant clinical predictor of mcreased mortality and prolonged ICU stay and mechanical ventilation.Age,APACHE Ⅱ and SOFA scores are sensitive risk factors for the development of GIF.