Enteral nutritional support in non-ICU hospitalized patients: current practice in Mexico

Patients receiving >=80% of their energy requirements by enteral nutrition (EN) have better clinical outcomes; unfortunately, there are discrepancies between the amount prescribed and amount received. The aim of this study was to explore the nutritional clinical practice, determine the adequacy and identify reasons for underfeeding.

A retrospective study was conducted in hospitalized, non-intensive care unit, adult patients receiving EN for >=72 h. The following data were recorded: the prescribed target of energy and protein per day, daily energy intake, and the percentage of adequacy of the energy and protein requirement up to hospital day seven. Complications during administration or reasons for interruption and the proportion of patients who received >=80% of the energy goals on days four and seven were also recorded.

In total, 52 patients were included (61.5% women), with a median age of 57.5 years; 20.4% and 6.1% of the patients received >=80% of their energy and protein goals, respectively, on day four, which improved to 28% (p<0.005) and 19% (p<0.001), respectively, on day seven. During the first seven days, a statistically significant (p<0.001) difference was observed between the amount of prescribed and administered energy over 24 h. The patients who received <80% of their total energy requirement remained hospitalized for 29 days (IQR 16.5-45.5), while those who received >=80% were hospitalized for 18 days (IQR 13.3-28.8) (p<0.05).

Significant energy and protein deficits were documented. Furthermore, it is necessary to use strategies such as the implementation of an algorithm to optimize EN.