Application of Early Enteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Children

Abstract

Objective: The objective is to investigate the incidence of moderate and severe malnutrition in children in intensive care units, and to analyze the safety and clinical efficacy of early enteral nutrition therapy in critically ill children. Methods: A total of 80 children hospitalized in the pediatric care unit meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and general data were collected, including 48 in the early enteral nutrition (EEN) group and 32 in the late EN group. The two groups were compared in the incidence of moderate to severe malnutrition, feeding tolerance, length of stay in ICU, total length of stay, changes in blood routine and biochemical indicators. Results: After 1 week in ICU, the feeding tolerance of the treatment group was better than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The average length of stay in ICU and total length of stay in the treatment group were shorter than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After 1 week of comprehensive treatment (anti-infection and EEN), the total number of WBC, absolute value of neutrophil and C-reactive protein in peripheral blood of the treatment group were decreased (P < 0.01), which was significantly lower than that of the control group with bacterial infection (P < 0.01). After 1 week of treatment in ICU, serum prealbumin in treatment group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05), but serum albumin was not significantly higher (P > 0.05). The rate of moderate to severe malnutrition at discharge was lower in the treatment group than at admission to the ICU (17 cases vs. 20 cases, 35.4% vs. 41.7%), but higher in the control group (19 cases vs. 16 cases, 59.4% vs. 50.0%). Conclusion: Malnutrition is prevalent in children treated in pediatric intensive care units. Early enteral nutrition therapy for critically ill children is safe and effective, that can significantly improve the nutritional status of critically ill children, reduce inflammatory response, and shorten the hospital stay.