Enteral nutritionin neurological patients

Abstract

care of the neurological patient in the intensive care unit. The presence of malnutrition has been identified as an independent factor for poor prognosis. Enteral nutrition is the preferred way of feeding the critically ill patient and an important mean of counteracting for the catabolic state induced by disease, when patients are not expected to be on a full oral diet within 3 days since admission. During the initial acute phase of a critical disease, a caloric provision of 20–25 kcal/kg BW/day is the most favorable. During the anabolic recovery phase, the goal should be set at 25–30 kcal/kg/day.Recommended protein intake is 1.2–2.0g/kg BW/day. Whole protein commercial formulations are appropriate for most patients, and they are designated to provide therequired amount of vitamins and trace elements with an intake of 1,500–2,000 kcal. Both gastric and postpyloric feedings are appropriate for critically ill patients, but nasogastric tubes are the first choice. Administrationthrough a continuous infusion pump is better tolerated than bolus administration, and it allows achieving nutritional goals much more frequently.