![]() | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract This study explores the pivotal role of nutritional support in improving outcomes for hospitalized patients, particularly those in intensive care units (ICUs). It emphasizes the need for tailored nutritional strategies to address the diverse metabolic needs of patients during critical illness stages, highlighting the shift from traditional phases of critical illness to a particular understanding of metabolic instability and muscle wasting. The study underscores the complexity of assessing malnutrition in critically ill patients, discussing the limitations of anthropometric data and the importance of considering serum proteins and inflammation markers. Furthermore, the study investigates various nutritional screening tools and criteria for diagnosing malnutrition, including the Global Leadership in Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. It explores methods for estimating energy and protein requirements and discusses the significance of fluid balance, electrolytes, and micronutrients in nutrition management. Additionally, it compares different routes of nutritional support, including oral, enteral, and parenteral nutrition, and highlights the importance of individualized approaches based on patient needs. We present the methodology and results of a study involving 316 ICU patients, divided into control and interventional groups. The intervention, guided by a local nutritional protocol, significantly reduced mechanical ventilation duration, ICU and hospital stays, and mortality rates compared to traditional care. These findings align with previous research emphasizing the impact of nutrition on critical care outcomes and underscore the need for patient-centered approaches in evaluating intervention efficacy. |