Nutrition and the chronically critically ill patient

Purpose of review It has been recently recognized that patients of chronic critical illness (CCI) - those who have stabilized after an acute critical illness but remain dependent on life-support manifest a distinct set of clinical attributes. This unique patient population is often dismissed as hopeless, with aggressive medical therapies considered futile. In fact, with meticulous care, many CCI patients can be liberated from mechanical ventilation and graduated to a rehabilitation program. The nutritional approach to CCI patients is presented here as part of a comprehensive metabolic program to increase their survival and quality of life. Recent findings Both theory-driven and data-driven advances to our knowledge of CCI syndrome have appeared in the literature over the past year. Recurrent activation of the immune-neuroendocrine axis may induce allostatic overload in CCI. Experimental studies with hypothalamic releasing factors and intensive insulin therapy demonstrate that mechanisms perpetuating the CCI state can be abrogated. Recent studies and consensus opinions support the use of aggressive nutrition support. Summary Nutritional assessment and support of the CCI patient must be implemented upon admission to the respiratory care unit (RCU). Enteral nutrition (EN) with semi-elemental formulas is preferred. Parenteral nutrition is used to supplement EN when necessary. Overfeeding is avoided and tight glycemic control maintained. Diarrhea is aggressively managed. By correcting proximal etiologic events (infection, inflammatory, injuries), avoiding iatrogenic complications and devoting careful attention to nutritional status, CCI patients can potentially overcome their pulmonary compromise and debilitated state, to fully recover.