Nutritional and metabolic management of the COVID 19 intensive care patient

Nutritional and metabolic disturbances are observed in patients critically ill with COVID-19. At each step of the progression of the disease, ICU patients with COVID-19 should be carefully evaluated in terms of malnutrition risk and medical nutritional support.

The tremendous challenges posed by the continuous clinical changes requires adequate answers at each stage. 

The analysis of new data describing the prevalence of malnutrition, the modifications in energy expenditure and body composition are guiding medical nutritional therapy to prevent patients from experiencing severe energy deficit and muscle loss.

A delay will induce more energy and protein deficit, longer length of stay, and rehabilitation for the survivors. Metabolic control and nutritional support are a cornerstone in the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Article details:

- Title: Nutritional and metabolic management of the COVID 19 intensive care patient
- Author: Pierre Singer
- Published in: Journal of Intensive Medicine - March 2021
- Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jointm.2021.01.004