Seminars in respiratory infections
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Semin Respir Infect · Dec 1994
ReviewEffect of manipulating dietary constituents on the incidence of infection in critically ill patients.
Nutrition status has major implications for the incidence of infectious complications in critically ill patients. Providing macronutrients and micronutrients in appropriate amounts consistent with the metabolism present during the inflammatory response can significantly reduce the incidence of infectious complications. Current data would indicate that the enteral route of nutrition is more effective in this regard when it is used within 3 to 4 days after injury. ⋯ Despite these effects, infectious complications remain a common problem in critically ill patients. Based on the anti-inflammatory and lymphoproliferative properties of specific nutrients, enteral products have been formulated with increased amounts of these nutrients. The results of current studies with these products indicate a further reduction in infectious complications and length of hospital stay.