An Overview of Malnutrition in Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

Malnutrition is defined as any variation in degree of nutrition (either over nutrition or under nutrition) with or without inflammation that has led to variations in body. Also it is linked to increased incidence of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units. Therefore, early identification of patients at risk of malnutrition is of paramount importance. Fortunately many screening tools have been developed to identify those at risk of malnutrition. Hyper catabolic state induced by inflammation and stress response that associated with critical illness highly increases negative nitrogen balance. Optimal nutrients supply may improve patients' outcome during critical illness. However, the adequate needs of energy and protein vary considerably between patients and should be tailored for each individual. The aim of this review is to discuss nutritional screening, assessment, and consequences of malnutrition in critically ill patients.ؤin intensive care unit (ICU). Chospital and particularly in intensive care unit (ICU).