Nutritional support for patients with new coronavirus infection

Abstract

The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic has become an unprecedented threat to the lives of those affected and has increased the burden on the healthcare system in most countries. The severity of COVID-19 is not always predictable. However, comorbid pathology and advanced age are risk factors for a severe course of the disease with the development of multiple organ failure. When treating COVID-19, clinicians place particular emphasis on nutritional support as part of intensive care. Correction of nutritional status is also important in the rehabilitation of patients with the syndrome after intensive care. The aim of the review was to show the need for a differentiated approach to nutritional support for patients with COVID-19 during treatment and rehabilitation. From more than 200 originally selected literature sources from various databases (Scopus, Web of science, RSCI, etc.), 49 publications were selected for analysis, mostly published over the past 5 years. Earlier articles were used if they were still relevant to clinicians. The review provides methods for assessing the nutritional status of patients with COVID-19. It is emphasized that patients with comorbid pathology and elderly patients often develop malnutrition, which progresses over the disease. The article discusses in detail the issues of correction of malnutrition, depending on the severity of the disease and the stage of treatment. The effectiveness of rehabilitation is enhanced with adequate nutritional support. Current approaches to providing COVID-19 patients with nutrients and energy include a gradation of nutritional support prescription depending on the severity of the disease. Particular attention is paid to the gradual achievement of target protein and energy levels, as well as the preferential use of the enteral method of delivery of food components. Continuity of nutritional status correction at the outpatient, inpatient and rehabilitation stages improves the quality of care for patients with COVID-19.