Factors influencing malnutrition in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and perform a meta-analysis to identify the factors influencing malnutrition in critically ill patients. It sought to resolve inconsistencies in existing research and address the lack of comprehensive and systematic integration, thereby providing a reference for healthcare professionals to identify the risk of malnutrition in critically ill patients at an early stage and formulate targeted preventive measures. Methods Studies were identified through searches of online databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFang. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality scale. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. This research project was registered in the PROSPERO system, with the registration number CRD420251140462. Results The initial search identified 3856 records. After removing duplicates, 3049 records were retained for screening, and 10 studies were ultimately included in the final analysis. The quality assessment showed that eight studies were of high quality and two were of medium quality. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that anemia (odds ratio: 1.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.23–1.78), parenteral nutrition (odds ratio: 4.93, 95% confidence interval: 2.69–9.03), enteral nutrition (odds ratio: 3.2, 95% confidence intervals: 1.04–9.83), and advanced age (odds ratio: 1.24, 95% confidence intervals: 1.01–1.51) were key risk factors for malnutrition in critically ill patients. Conclusion Anemia, nutritional support (including enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition), and advanced age were identified as significant risk factors for malnutrition in critically ill patients and should be prioritized in clinical practice Particular attention should be given to monitoring and correcting anemia in critically ill patients, optimizing nutritional support plans, and conducting continuous nutritional screening and assessment. These measures can help reduce the incidence of malnutrition and improve patient prognosis.