J Pediatr Intensive Care 2015; 04(02): 111-120
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1559806
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Enteral Nutrition in the PICU: Current Status and Ongoing Challenges

Ann-Marie Brown
1   School of Nursing, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States
2   Division of Critical Care, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, United States
,
Debbie Carpenter
3   Department of Food Service and Nutrition, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, United States
,
Gerri Keller
3   Department of Food Service and Nutrition, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, United States
,
Sherry Morgan
4   Biomedical Library, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
,
Sharon Y. Irving
5   Department of Nursing, Critical Care, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
6   School of Nursing, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

20 October 2014

23 November 2014

Publication Date:
28 August 2015 (online)

Abstract

Malnutrition in the critically ill or injured child is associated with increased morbidities and mortality in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), whether present upon admission or acquired during the PICU stay. Particular subpopulations such as those with congenital heart disease or severe thermal injury are at highest risk for malnutrition which can worsen with illness progression. A growing body of evidence suggests the presence of a positive association between nutrition support during critical illness and patient outcomes. Enteral nutrition (EN), the preferred route of nutrient delivery, may be a crucial component of care provided in the PICU which modifies the response to critical illness or injury, resulting in improved outcomes. Numerous challenges exist in the delivery of the EN goal in critically ill children. These include accurate assessment of nutrient requirements, hemodynamic instability, feeding intolerance, feeding interruptions, and the lack of a standardized approach to nutrition support. This article describes the current state of the science and challenges related to EN prescription and delivery in the critically ill child. Suggestions for improving EN practice are then presented, in addition to a platform for further research inquiry.

 
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