Related Experiment Videos
Rhoades Lecture. Effect of infection on nutrient requirements
1Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.
JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Infections reduce nutrient intake and increase losses, impacting overall nutritional status. This effect is critical for hospitalized patients, increasing their susceptibility to infections and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Infectious Disease
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Infections, even subclinical ones, significantly impact nutrient balance.
- Nutrient losses occur through decreased absorption, gut losses, metabolic diversion, and increased basal metabolic rate.
- Individual nutritional status, infection severity, and dietary intake influence the consequences of infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the profound effects of infections on nutrient status.
- To emphasize the vulnerability of hospitalized patients to nutritional deficiencies and nosocomial infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of physiological responses to infection.
- Analysis of nutrient metabolism during infection and convalescence.
- Consideration of dietary factors and host susceptibility.
Main Results:
- Infections consistently decrease nutrient intake and increase nutrient losses.
- Protein, energy, and other nutrient statuses are affected.
- Poor nutritional status increases susceptibility to nosocomial infections, raising morbidity and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Infections pose a significant nutritional challenge, impacting overall health.
- Hospitalized patients require careful nutritional management to mitigate infection risks.
- Addressing nutritional status is crucial for improving outcomes in infectious disease contexts.