The Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in an overwhelming number of intensive care (ICU) patient admissions, generally for acute respiratory distress, often resulting in persistent critical illness (PCI). Little is known about their metabolic and nutritional characteristics compared to other non-COVID (non-CO) categories of patients.

The aim is to compare the metabolic characteristics and gastro-intestinal function of the previously admitted non-CO and COVID persistent critically ill patients, and the adherence to the ICU nutrition protocol.

Prospective observation study including two consecutive cohorts of PCI, defined by a prolonged mechanical ventilation requirement longer than 10days.

The metabolic and nutritional characteristics of the COVID-19 patients requiring prolonged ICU treatment compared to other non-COVID (non-CO) categories of patients remain poorly described. The aim was to compare the metabolic characteristics of the previously admitted non-CO and COVID PCI patients.

Prospective observation study including two consecutive cohorts of PCI, defined as requiring a mechanical ventilation for >10 days.

The comparative cohort is the first patient cohort previously registered as NCT03938961.

Variables: demographic data, severity score (SAPS2, organ failure (SOFA) scores), Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), blood phosphate. Nutritional variables: energy intake (detail of protein, lipids, glucose), fasting time, feeding route, prealbumin values, bowel activity, insulin requirements Outcome: length of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital stay and outcome. Descriptive statistics

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients requiring more than 10 days on mechanical ventilation

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients refusing use of their coded data
• admission for brain injury or after cardiac arrest
• admission for major burns >20% body surface area (BSA)

Critically ill patients requiring prolonged ICU treatment