Effect of Normal Versus High-Protein Enteral Nutrition on Malnutrition and Anthropometric Parameters in Critically Ill Patients

Aim: This study investigates the effects of normal versus high-protein intake on malnutrition and anthropometric parameters in critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Study Design:Conducted between July and October 2022, this study included 42 patients aged 19-64 years who were receiving EN support.Participants were divided into two groups: 21 patients in the normal-protein group (0.8-1.2 g/kg/day) and 21 patients in the high-protein group (>1.2 g/kg/day).Anthropometric measurements, including upper mid-arm circumference, calf circumference, knee height, body weight, and height, were taken on days 1, 3, 5, and 15. Results:The average age of participants was 47.113.2years.No significant differences were found between the groups in baseline characteristics (p>0.05).Protein intake was significantly higher in the high-protein group (p<0.05);however, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in changes in upper mid-arm circumference, Body Mass Index (BMI), or Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) scores (p>0.05).Within-group comparisons showed significant improvements in both NRS-2002 and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores over time (p<0.05).There were no significant differences in age, gender, marital status, weight, height, or BMI between the two groups (p>0.05).The average weight, height, and BMI across participants were 75.5713.97kg, 171.268.51cm, and 25.724.26kg/m, respectively.Protein intake on Day 1 (90.369.2g) and Day 15 (90.369.2g) in the high-protein group was significantly higher than in the normal-protein group (p<0.05).No significant differences were found between groups in terms of knee height, upper mid-arm circumference, or reference percentile values (p>0.05). Conclusions:This study found no significant relationship between protein intake and upper mid-arm circumference, BMI, or NRS-2002 scores.Further research with a larger sample size and longer follow-up period is needed to confirm these findings.