Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan LT(1), Chan WY(1), Lee SPP(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Dietetic Department, United Christian Hospital
Objectives :
Regardless of nutritional status prior to admission, patients admitted into intensive care unit (ICU) were still at high risk of developing malnutrition. Therefore, nutrition management for critically ill patients can be challenging. Limited studies focused on exploring the comprehensive nutrition care management model included using NUTRIC score for triage. This retrospective report was performed on patients admitted into local ICU and selective nutrition-related parameters were examined.
Methodology :
Patients admitted into ICU in United Christian Hospital, Hospital Authority HKSAR between January to December 2021 were recruited. Selective anthropometric parameters and nutrition-related indicators were retrieved from local clinical database. Descriptive statistic and paired-t test were used to demonstrate patients profile and effect of nutrition on nutrition-related parameters.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 189 patients were recruited with mean age of 66.9 ±13.9 years, mean body weight 63.78 ±15.65kg and body mass index (BMI) was 24.06 ±5.07. Mean NUTRIC score upon admission was 5.42 ±1.789. The estimated calorie intake was increased by 74% (578 versus 1007 kcal /d) and protein by 135% (21 versus 49.4 g/d) after nutrition intervention and were statistically significant (p<0.05). The NUTRIC score for this cohort was on the high side (score 5-9) and could associate with malnutrition and worsening clinical outcomes. Patients would benefit from effective nutrition support by using a validated triage system (NUTRIC score). The nutrition intervention also proven to positively increase both calories and protein intake. Further studies to include larger sample size and clinical outcomes should strengthen the overall strategy in nutritional management of critically ill patients.
