1. Introduction
Malnutrition, infectious complications, critically ill, malnutrition
MALNUTRITION, CRITICAL ILLNESS, CRITICALLY ILL, MALNUTRITION
Malnutrition in critically ill patients is a global concern, especially those who undergo abdominal surgery, as it is associated to higher infectious complications, prolonged hospital stays, and increased morbidity. Despite the importance of proper nutrition, guidelines remain broad, and practical implementation is often inadequate. We aimed to assess the effects of strict nutritional provision and investigate the appropriate target for nutrition support. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units following abdominal surgery. The intervention group received targeted protein and calories, with consultation from a nutritional support team upon admission. In total, 181 patients in the intervention and 144 in the control group were analyzed. The intervention group demonstrated improved nutrition provision and subsequently better clinical outcomes, including a reduced 60-day mortality (4.4 versus 15.3, During the acute phase of critical illness, patients experience metabolic and physiological changes that affects their nutrition status [Despite the importance of nutritional supply, the recommendations for protein or calorie intake vary according to different guidelines [In our previous study, the malnutrition status upon admission, indicated by a modified nutrition risk in the critically ill (mNUTRIC) score of five or higher, and a low energy adequacy during intensive care unit (ICU) stay were revealed as predictors for mortality in critically ill patients following abdominal surgery [