ENTERAL NUTRITION IN INTENSIVE-CARE PATIENTS - A PRACTICAL APPROACH

Severe protein-calorie malnutrition is a major problem in many intensi ve care (ICU) patients, due to the increased catabolic state often ass ociated with acute severe illness and the frequent presence of prior c hronic wasting conditions. Nutritional support is thus an important pa rt of the management of these patients. Over the years, enteral nutrit ion (EN) has gained considerable popularity: clue to its favorable eff ects on the digestive tract and its lower cost and rate of complicatio ns compared to parenteral nutrition. However, clinicians caring for IC U patients are often faced with contradictory data and difficult decis ions when having to determine the optimal timing and modalities of EN administration, estimation of patient requirements, and choice of form ulas. The purpose of this paper is to provide practical guidelines on these various aspects of enteral nutritional support, based on present ly available evidence.