Improving enteral nutrition tolerance and protein intake maybe beneficial to intensive care unit patients

Abstract

Enteral nutrition (EN) is important for critically ill patients. This study investigated the current situation of EN treatment in SHANGHAI intensive care units (ICUs). We hypothesized that improving EN practice in SHANGHAI may benefit the prognosis of ICU patients. Clinical information on EN use was collected using clinic information forms in 2019. The collected data included the patient’s general clinical information, EN prescription status, EN tolerance status, and clinical outcomes. The observation time points were days 1, 3, and 7 after starting EN. A total of 491 patients were included. The proportion of EN intolerance (defined as < 20 kcal/kg/day) decreased, with rates of intolerance of 100%, 82.07%, 70.61%, and 52.23% at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days, respectively. Age, mNutric score, and protein intake < 0.5 g/kg/day on day 7 were risk factors for 28-day mortality.The EN tolerance on day 7 and protein intake > 0.5 g/kg/day on day 3 or day 7 might affect the 28-day mortality. Risk factors with EN tolerance on day 7 by logistic regression showed that the AGI grade on day 1 was a major factor against EN tolerance. The proportion of EN tolerance in SHANGHAI ICU patients was low. Achieving tolerance on day 7 after the start of EN is a protective factor for 28-day survival. Improving EN tolerance and protein intake maybe beneficial for ICU patients.