The efficacy of caloric intake in critically ill patients with traumatic pathology

Background: the effective contribution of enteral nutrition (EN) in intensive care units (ICU) is due to multiple factors. Objectives: to determine the efficacy of caloric intake in critically ill patients with traumatic pathology receiving enteral nutrition, and to analyze cause and time of interruption of EN. Method: prospective observational study (November 2015 - August 2016). Inclusion criteria: patient with EN >= 48 hours and age >= 18 years. Exclusion criteria: patient with oral and/or parenteral nutrition. Variables: demographic, day of EN, prescribed and administered kilocalories (kcal), caloric difference, caloric objective and variables related to the interruptions of the EN. The handling of EN and interruptions are made according to the unit's internal protocol. Kcal/patient are calculated according to the Harris-Benedict equation and multiplied by a stress factor depending on the type of trauma of the patient. Results: sixty-nine patients were included, 79.71% were men, with a median age of 46 (34-58) years. A total of 1,112 days of EN were monitored. As of the third day of admission to the ICU (979 days monitored), the nutritional efficacy was optimal (caloric intake > 80%): 92.43% (72.8-97.5). The optimal caloric goal was maintained in 67.9% of these days. The most frequent causes of interruption of NE were procedures unrelated to airway, with holding time of three (1-7.25) hours. Conclusions: at the third day, the patients with traumatic pathology received at least 80% of the prescribed caloric intake. Among the most frequent causes of interruption of EN were the procedures unrelated to airway.