Factors Associated with the Nutritional Status of Mechanically Ventilated Patients in Intensive Care Unit: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Nutritional status significantly impacts the outcomes of critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU), with malnutrition being a common complication that can exacerbate morbidity and mortality rates. The Nutrition Risk in the Critically ill (NUTRIC) score is a valuable tool for identifying patients at risk of malnutrition and guiding nutritional interventions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the nutritional status, as assessed by the NUTRIC score, of mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs across tertiary care hospitals, and to explore the association between nutritional risk and patient outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in five tertiary care hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, from August to December 2023. The study included patients aged 18 and above, who were mechanically ventilated for more than 48 hours. The NUTRIC score was calculated based on data collected on demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory investigations. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting the NUTRIC score using SPSS version 25. Results: Out of 335 patients, 75.2% were male, and 51.3% were aged between 50-75 years. A high NUTRIC score (indicating higher risk of malnutrition) was found in 25% of patients, while 74.9% had a low NUTRIC score. Factors significantly affecting the NUTRIC score included ventilation status (invasive/non-invasive), number of comorbidities, age, status of life (alive/deceased), and length of stay in ICU. The mortality rate was 3.9%, with a higher prevalence in older age groups. Conclusion: The study highlights the prevalence of nutritional risk among mechanically ventilated ICU patients and underscores the importance of early nutritional assessment and intervention. Targeted nutritional support, especially for patients with higher risk profiles, is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing mortality rates in this vulnerable population.