Nutritional care and balance of energy in patients hospitalized in Iranian intensive care units

Abstract

Abstract Objective Malnutrition is a concerning problem among hospitalized patients in intensive care units (ICU S ): it can lead to increase infection, hospital costs and mortality. Inadequate energy intake is one of the most important risk factors in the etiology of malnutrition during the hospital stay. The aim of this study was to assess nutritional care and energy balance in patients hospitalized in Iranian intensive care units. Methods This study was conducted on 124 patients in two general hospitals in Amol, a city in the north of Iran, from May 2015 to February 2016. Anthropometric indices such as mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and calf circumference were measured at admission and discharge. Energy and protein needs and intake were measured daily during each patient's ICU stay. Two questionnaires — Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) — were used to assess nutritional status. Results Formula made in-house was the main formula for tube feeding in Iran's hospitals. The energy and protein intake of patients in ICU S was significantly less than their requirements. The rate of malnutrition was 39.6% on admission and 83.1% on discharge, based on the SGA and mean SOFA score, which decreased significantly during patients’ ICU stay. All of the patients’ anthropometric measurements decreased significantly during their ICU stay. Conclusions The present study showed that nutrition support for Iranian ICUs patients was inappropriate. A consideration of nutritional care to prevent malnutrition and other complications is necessary in ICU S .