Abstract

Objectives: To observe the energy and protein intake in patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19 treated by high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygenation. Subjects and methods: 120 consecutive critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring HFNC to prevent intubation from September 6 to October 30, 2021 were enrolled in the study. Collect the data about demographics, routes of nutrition (oral and/or parenteral), calories and protein prescribed and used, and documented clinical outcomes. Results: COVID-19 patients receiving HFNC oxygenation therapy received 1,163 ± 269.7 kcal/day (20.8 ± 6.4 kcal/kg/day) and 45.7 ± 18.0 grams of protein/day (0.8 ± 0.4 g/kg/day). No patient received tube feeding (enteral nutrition), while 50 patients with oral nutrition received 1,046.7 ± 251.4 kcal/day and 33.6 ± 8.3 grams protein/day. 70 patients received oral and parenteral nutrition, providing 1,247.2 ± 252.1 kcal/day and 54.4 ± 18.0 grams of protein/day. 89.2% of patients did not meet dietary energy requirements, while 67.5% of patients did not meet dietary protein requirements. The rate of intubation after HFNC treatment was significantly higher in the combined oral and parenteral nutrition group than in the oral feeding group alone (p < 0.001). The length of hospital stay was 15 days (10 - 20 days), with no difference in length of hospital stay in both groups. 54 patients died, and the mortality rate in the combination group was statistically significantly higher than in the oral group alone (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of HFNC oxygenation therapy in COVID-19 patients was associated with significantly underfeeding. To achieve optimal calorie and protein intake, parenteral nutrition may be considered. * Keywords: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC); Nutritional support; Underfeeding.

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