Validation of NUTRIC score in Asian intensive care unit population

Abstract

Background: Traditional nutrition scoring cannot be applied in Intensive care units (ICU).NUTRIC (NUTrition RIsk in Critically ill) score is an ICU-specific nutrition risk assessment which has not been validated in Asian patients. Setting: Observational study in a university-affiliated tertiary hospital during October913-September914 with adult patients staying more than 24hours in medical ICU. Methods: Demographics, body mass index (BMI), mechanical ventilation (MV), vasopressor use, renal replacement therapy (RRT) and components of NUTRIC score (except interleukin 6) were obtained from ICU database. We calculated nutritional adequacy (calorie received/calorie recommended) during MV (maximum 12days) from nasogastric tube or parenteral feeding data. Results: 401 patients (male 62%, mean age 60±16.3years, mean BMI 23.9±6.2kg/m 2 ) were included. In univariate analysis BMI, modified NUTRIC (mNUTRIC) score, MV, vasopressor use and RRT were associated with 28day mortality. Patients on MV (273,68%) had median nutritional adequacy of 0.44(IQR 0.15-0.70). Effect modification between low vs high mNUTRIC score is shown. Conclusion: In an Asian ICU population, mNUTRIC score is independently associated with 28day mortality. Increased nutritional adequacy may improve predicted 28day mortality in high mNUTRIC group.