Déficit energético e proteico em pacientes críticos em uso de terapia nutricional enteral

Introduction: Enteral nutrition is indicated for critically ill patients who are unable to maintain oral food intake, however, the suboptimal delivery of enteral nutrition is common. Energy and protein deficits are risk factors for hospital malnutrition and negative clinical outcomes, so reducing the occurrence of interruptions is important for adequate nutritional support. The aims of the study were to determine energetic and protein deficits and to identify the main reasons for insufficient enteral feeding. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study with data collection from electronic medical records of patients in intensive care units, including patients aged 18 years or more, both sexes and who were fed with enteral nutrition in the nutritional goal. Data on demographic, clinical and nutritional characteristics were collected. Descriptive and inferential analyzes were performed using the statistical software SPSS 23.0, with a p-value <0.05 being considered significant. Results: A total of 161 patients were investigated in 915 days of enteral nutrition. A significant difference was found between the amount of energy and proteins delivered and the nutritional goal (p = 0.000), with a median deficit of 1568 kcal and 88 g of protein during the follow-up period. The main reasons for insufficient enteral feeding were loss of enteral tube (14.6%), extubation/intubation (13.1%), inadequate medical record (11.9%) and procedures (10.4%). Conclusion: Energy and protein deficits demonstrate the need for the implementation of protocols and training for the team, in order to reduce interruptions and improve the delivery of enteral nutrition and the quality of nutritional therapy