Nutrition in Ventilator-Dependent Patients

Abstract

Patients dependent on mechanical ventilation are an inhomogeneous group including patients with chronic critical illness, patients with chronic respiratory failure, and patients suffering of various neuromuscular diseases. A common feature of this population group is the high incidence of malnutrition, which in turn can adversely affect respiratory function and ultimately lead to prolonged mechanical ventilation. Management of nutrition in this patient group is often challenging because, while most of these patients remain hypermetabolic, others have decreased metabolic requirements. In addition, respiratory dependence is usually accompanied by other comorbidities. The implementation of an appropriate nutrition therapy program presupposes the careful assessment of nutritional status and the accurate determination of energy requirements to avoid both over- and underfeeding. Adequate protein delivery is fundamental for the preservation and recovery of muscle mass and muscle strength. The nutrition plan depends on the individual patient’s special needs and remains under continuous reconsideration and close monitoring.