High Protein Intake in Critically Ill Ventilated Patients

High Protein Intake During the Early Phase of Critical Illness Compared With Normal Protein Intake

This prospective interventional randomized control study was conducted on forty patients with respiratory failure; all patients were intubated and mechanically ventilated for at least three days. Twenty patients received high protein intake using whey protein, with daily follow-up of the blood sugar level, serum electrolytes, and chemistry. ICU outcome regarding food intolerance, 30-day mortality, length of MV and ICU-stay was recorded

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age >18 years
• Mechanically ventilated patients (for three days or more )

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years old
• Contraindication for enteral nutrition (gut ischemia, obstruction, or perforation)
• Expected intolerance for enteral nutrition (paralytic ileus)
• Inability to start enteral nutrition within 24-hours(i.e. surgery or other interventions)
• Short bowel syndrome
• Hemodynamic instability ( i.e shock state, need for vasopressors )
• Child C liver cirrhosis or acute liver failure
• Dialysis dependency