A general consideration of the importance of nutrition for critically ill patients

Abstract

IntroductionNutrition plays an important role for every patient who is admitted to a hospital. For critically ill patients receiving treatment in intensive care units (ICUs), it becomes more important, since they are usually dependent on a physician for nutritional intake. Proper calculation of calories for these patients should be done to prevent further negative impact of malnutrition on the primary disease. The general condition of the patients might be the most accurate evaluation method for nutritional status, since bad nutrition can cause progression of the primary disease. Furthermore, many medical conditions require different additional nutritional support. This should be considered when calculating the total nutritional intake of patients.In this study, we focus on the importance of early intake of nutritional dietary supplements and on ways to follow up on nutritional status. Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, we scanned 198 files and the personal information of patients hospitalized in ICUs for at least 5 days between 2009 and 2012 due to various medical conditions. We evaluated the follow-up notes that were retrieved from the files. Biochemical parameters were determined as albumin, prealbumin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. In addition, fundamental electrolyte levels were considered when evaluating nutritional status. Main and additional medical conditions and their additive effects on malnutrition were noted carefully. Daily followup notes were read to understand the general condition of the patient during hospitalization. Malnutrition was defined as low albumin level (below 2 mg/dL) and weight loss of more than 10% during follow-up. Periodically measured prealbumin levels were also taken into consideration. We aimed to report the nutritional status of long-term ICU patients and the prevalence of Background/aim: Malnutrition is a common medical condition among intensive care unit patients. It should be monitored carefully, since early management of malnutrition can dramatically improve the medical condition of the patients. A general consideration of enteral feeding shows that it is much more useful than parenteral administration, because it is more physiological and poses a lower risk of hyperalimentation. Materials and methods:In this retrospective study, we scanned all files and personal information of patients hospitalized in intensive care units between 2009 and 2012 due to various medical conditions. We evaluated the nutritional status of patients with biochemical parameters that were retrieved from the files.Results: In total, 198 patients were identified from hospital records. Almost every patient was given nutritional support either through enteral or parenteral feeding. The albumin levels of 56 patients did not increase, even when they were fed with calculated nutritional support (36.6%). The prealbumin levels of the patients had a tendency to increase after the provision of nutritional additives. Conclusion:In appropriately selected critically ill patients, the role o...

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Practice guidelines for nutrition in critically Ill patients: A relook for indian scenario

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