Prolonged mechanical ventilation and nutritional support regimens

Abstract

As medical technology continues to advance, the incidence of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in chronic critical illness (CCI) has increased dramatically. Assessing the nutritional status and needs of CCI patients with PMV poses particular challenges due to significant changes in body composition, fluid shifts, altered metabolic states, and comorbidities. Further, as there is a lack of scientific literature on this patient population, data from acute critical illness research must be examined and clinical judgment utilized in the nutritional assessment and management of these patients. An overview of PMV and CCI is provided, and nutritional status assessment; determination of macro- and micronutrient needs; nutrition intervention, including enteral and oral feeding regimens; and nutritional monitoring are examined.