Nutrition
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The objective of the study was to determine the value of indirect calorimetry and nitrogen balance (N balance) in order to evaluate the current feeding protocols of mechanically ventilated children. The study was designed as a cross-sectional prospective study. In 36 mechanically ventilated children energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry, and total urinary nitrogen excretion (TUN) was determined. ⋯ We concluded that measurement of TMEE with indirect calorimetry results in accurate determination of energy needs in critically ill mechanically ventilated children. Feeding according to or in excess of the TMEE is correlated with a positive N balance. A combination of the RQ and the RQmacr can be helpful in differentiating under- or overfeeding.
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The objective of this study is to evaluate the postpartum body composition changes in lactating versus non-lactating or formula-feeding primiparas during the first 12 wk. Twenty primiparous females (age range 17-35 y) who decided to nurse or formula feed their infant were studied. The non-lactating mothers (n = 6) were younger (21 versus 29 y) and had a lower prepregnancy weight (55 kg versus 63 kg) than the lactating mothers (n = 14). ⋯ Lactating mothers had a higher total daily calories (1974 +/- 318 versus 1464 +/- 178 calories, P < 0.002) and fat intake (63 +/- 14 versus 47 +/- 9 g, P < 0.02) than the non-lactating mothers. The energy expenditure was similar between both groups. In conclusion, during the first 12 wk postpartum, non-lactating mothers who were younger and weighed less prepregnancy lost body weight and had more waist, hip, and midthigh size reductions compared to lactating mothers.
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Nutrition screening identifies individuals who are malnourished or at risk of becoming malnourished and who may benefit from nutrition support. The aim of this study was to develop a simple, reliable and valid malnutrition screening tool that could be used at hospital admission to identify adult acute patients at risk of malnutrition. The sample population included 408 patients admitted to an Australian hospital, excluding pediatric, maternity, and psychiatric patients. ⋯ Therefore convergent and predictive validity of the MST was established. The interrater reliability of the malnutrition screening tool was high (93-97%). The MST is a simple, quick, valid, and reliable tool which can be used to identify patients at risk of malnutrition.