Enteral nutrition in intensive care patients: a practical approach

Severe protein-calorie malnutrition is a major problem in many intensive ca re (ICU) patients, due to the increased catabolic state often associated wi th acute severe illness and the frequent presence of prior chronic wasting conditions. Nutritional support is thus an important part of these patient' s management. Over the years, enteral nutrition (EN) has gained considerabl e popularity, due to its favorable effects on the digestive tract and its l ower cost and rate of complications compared to parenteral nutrition. Howev er, clinicians caring for ICU patients are often faced with contradictory d ata and difficult decision-making when having to determine the optimal timi ng and modalities of EN administration, estimation of patient requirements and choice of formulas. The purpose of this paper is to provide practical g uidelines on these various aspects of enteral nutritional support, based on presently available evidence.