Meeting the energy requirements in sepsis

Sepsis is associated with severe metabolic disturbances and progressive failure of utilization of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins to meet the energy requirements of peripheral tissue. The causes of this condition are analysed. The interrelation between malnutrition and sepsis is discussed. Current concepts regarding the meeting of water and ion requirements, indications for administration of colloid solutions and infusion of glucose, lipid emulsions and amino acid solutions in each stage of sepsis are presented. Various views on the amount and quality of necessary nutrients are discussed providing evidence that a number of problems have to be solved yet.