The Role of Nutrition in Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation

Abstract

The role of nutrition in weaning patients from mechani cal ventilation is receiving increased attention. The net protein catabolism and loss of protein stores that are characteristic of the metabolic response to injury have detrimental effects on skeletal muscle function. Adverse effects of malnutrition on lung function include de creased respiratory muscle function, decreased ventila tory drive, and altered pulmonary defense mechanisms. Nutritional therapy should be considered for patients who are undernourished at the time of initiation of me chanical ventilation as well as for patients who will re quire prolonged ventilatory support. Early administra tion of protein and energy in support of enhanced demands is an important factor in allowing time for stabilization of clinical status, recovery from acute lung injury, and successful weaning from mechanical ven tilation.