Nutrition challenges in polytrauma patients. New trends in energy expenditure measurements

Abstract

Abstract Patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Units (ICU) are in severe general condition and they need specialized care, rehabilitation and proper nutrition to improve their condition and recover as soon as possible. Therefore, it is very important that nutrition consists of all necessary elements that will cover their daily demand for nutrients. However, malnutrition among ICU patients is very common. According to statistics, up to 50% is malnourished. It enhances average length of stay, risk of infection, prolongs ventilator days, delays wound healing and translates into an increased hospital cost. It may end in multi-organ failure, what in consequence increases mortality. Polytrauma pa tients lost their energy because of intensified catabolism, due to neuroendocrine changes and inflammatory reactions, which may worsen already existing malnutrition.