Nutritional support for critically ill children: A Cochrane review summary

Abstract

Background: The need for nutritional support for critically ill children is a contentious issue that has not been well investigated (Joffe et al., 2016 ). When children are critically ill, the suggestion that their metabolic rate increases is questioned; there is evidence during the fi rst week of illness that metabolism is more likely at, or even below, the child ’ s predicted basal metabolic rate (Framson et al., 2007 ). The provision of nutritional support during illness is considered a priority by both parents and health professionals. However, there may be reasons to warrant reducing caloric intake during a critical illness. Animal studies have demonstrated improved survival from critical illness is associated with reduced caloric intake. (Alexander et al., 1989 ) In adult studies, high caloric intake is associated with delay in weaning from ventilators( Singer et al., 2011 ), and underfeeding during critical illness associated with improved mortality and reducing length of hospital stay. (Boitano, 2006 )