Cellular Nutrition in Support of Early Multiple Organ Failure

Abstract

The cellular approach to nutrition has developed from increasing knowledge of the pathophysiology of hypotension, hypoperfusion, ischemia, and shock. Gram-negative and Gram-positive septicemia are the predominant causes of these processes in the critically ill patient. The challenge is to increase our understanding of the effects of nutritional manipulation on the cellular processes involved. Although the issues of protein sparing and energy requirement remain paramount to successful nutritional support, a new sphere of influence has materialized: nutritional modulation of the immune system.