Prevalence of Feeding Intolerance in PICU: A Cross-sectional Study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Clinical Research Development Unit of Akbar Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

5 Neonatal Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/jnfh.2023.71936.1442

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), occurs when the body does not receive sufficient nutrients or energy to meet growth, maintenance, and functional needs. Severe malnutrition in children increases the risk of death, disease episodes, complications, and prolonged illnesses. Therefore, early nutritional support is crucial in pediatric critical care settings. In cases where oral feeding is not feasible, enteral feeding (EN) becomes necessary to provide adequate energy. However, despite its advantages, feeding intolerance remains a significant challenge. This study aims to determine the prevalence of feeding intolerance among critically ill children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Akbar Pediatric Subspecialty Center's PICU in Mashhad, Iran between March and April 2022. The evaluation focused on nutritional adequacy and feeding intolerance. Results: A total of 72 patients were included in this study with a majority being girls. Approximately 30 percent of patients exhibited severe malnutrition based on their BMI Z-score (-3). Boys were more affected than girls in this regard. Most patients received a combination of EN and parenteral nutrition (PN) to fulfill their energy and protein requirements successfully. In most cases, children consumed over 66% of their energy needs through these methods. Feeding intolerance primarily manifested as vomiting and regurgitation (47%), followed by high gastric residual volume (GRV) (36.1%) and abdominal distention (34.7%). Conclusion: The findings from our study highlight the prevalence of malnutrition within PICU settings along with common complications associated with feeding intolerance such as vomiting and regurgitation. Standardizing a definition for feeding intolerance could prove beneficial for improving research protocols aimed at effectively managing this condition.

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References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 September 2023

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 April 2023
  • Revise Date: 09 September 2023
  • Accept Date: 10 September 2023
  • First Publish Date: 10 September 2023

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