P394 - ENERGY- AND PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS AND INTAKE DURING THE POST-ICU HOSPITALIZATION PERIOD

P394

ENERGY- AND PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS AND INTAKE DURING THE POST-ICU HOSPITALIZATION PERIOD

E. K. Eiríksdóttir¹, Á. R. Ingadóttir^2,*

¹Landspítali, ²Háskóli Íslands, Reykjavík, Iceland

Rationale: This study aimed to analyze the energy and protein intake of patients in general wards following ICU discharge, using a three-day food record.

Methods: This thesis analyzed energy and protein intake in patients during their stay in general wards after ICU discharge. Energy needs were assessed via Indirect Calorimetry (IC). Included patients were ≥18 years, on mechanical ventilation, and expected to stay ≥48 hours. Thirteen patients participated in the study. Data was collected retrospectively from electronic hospital records. Energy needs were calculated using mean IC values from the ICU stay. IC couldn't be used in wards due to technical issues; ESPEN guidelines were used instead (27 kcal/kg/day, 1.3 g/kg/day protein). In the general wards, three-day intake was recorded using a validated plate diagram after oral nutrition began. For patients receiving EN/PN, intake data were collected from medical records. A cut-off point of 75% of the estimated energy and protein requirement was established to determine sufficient intake.

Results: Mean energy needs were 1883 kcal/day by indirect calorimetry (IC) and 2105  kcal/day by ESPEN guidelines. Protein requirements averaged 101 g/day. Over a three-day observation in general wards, mean intake from all sources was 1512 kcal and 66 g protein/day, with the lowest intake seen in patients relying solely on oral nutrition. Energy needs were met by 69% of patients. Only 38% met protein needs—all of whom received EN or PN. Those on oral intake alone had greater deficits and failed to meet protein targets. ESPEN-based energy estimates exceeded IC in 70% of cases. Nutritional risk screening identified 85% of patients at severe risk of malnutrition.

Conclusion: Energy and protein intake was highest in patients receiving both oral and enteral nutrition, and lowest in those receiving oral nutrition alone. Targeted post-ICU support is needed, and further research is essential.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared