A Volume-Based Feeding Protocol Improves Nutrient Delivery and Glycemic Control in a Surgical Trauma Intensive Care...

Inadequate delivery of nutrition in critically ill patients has been shown to have adverse outcomes. A surgical trauma intensive care unit provides unique challenges to enteral feeds. Although volume-based feeding protocols, like Enhanced Protein-Energy Provision via the Enteral Route Feeding Protocol (PEP uP), have been successfully used in medical intensive care patients, data are sparse on its safety and efficacy in a surgical intensive care unit population.

A PEP uP protocol was recently initiated at our American College of Surgeons Level 1 verified trauma center. Medical records of 197 patients before this change (pre-PEP uP) were compared with 295 patients after this change (post-PEP uP).

The post-PEP uP group met/exceeded energy goals (defined as 80% of target) more often (57.0% compared with 26.9%, P-value < .001), with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 4.98 (95% CI 3.49-7.10), and more often met/exceeded protein goals (57.4% compared with 18.6%, P-value < .001), with an adjusted OR of 11.84 (95% CI 7.94-17.64). There was no significant difference in emesis during this time. Additionally, patients in the post-PEP uP arm had less episodes of hyperglycemia (9% compared with 14.4%, P-value < .001).

Volume-based feeding protocols like PEP uP are safe in critically ill trauma patients and are more effective at delivering energy and protein while limiting hyperglycemic episodes when compared with a traditional delivery method.