Associations between ICU survival and self-perceived appetite, smell, and taste relative to general ward patients: A...

Post-intensive care unit (ICU) patients frequently fail to meet nutritional requirements during recovery on the hospital ward. Alterations in appetite, smell and taste perception in ICU survivors remain poorly understood. This study compared appetite and sensory perceptions between ICU survivors and general ward patients and assessed relationships with nutritional goal achievement during hospitalization and early recovery.

In this single-center, observational prospective cohort study, 50 post-ICU patients (ICU stay ≥48 h) and 50 acutely admitted general ward patients were enrolled (June 2023-February 2024). Appetite, taste and smell perception were the primary outcome parameters and were assessed within 24 h of ward admission, after 7 days or at discharge, and at 6 weeks using visual analog scales. Multivariable linear regression and mixed-effect models analyzed associations between post-ICU status and outcome parameters at ward admission and during follow-up.

No differences in appetite, taste, or smell were observed between post-ICU and general ward patients at ward admission or during follow-up (all P > 0.05). Post-ICU showed significant improvements in appetite, taste, and smell within 6 weeks (P < 0.001, P = 0.01, and P = 0.02, respectively), in contrast to general ward patients (all P > 0.05). Post-ICU patients achieved lower energy (48% ± 28% vs 72% ± 33%, P = 0.00) and protein adequacy (46% ± 29% vs 72% ± 39%, P = 0.00) versus general ward patients.

We observed no differences in appetite, smell, or taste between post-ICU and general ward patients at ward admission or during recovery. Post-ICU achieved lower energy and protein adequacy by oral intake but barriers of reduced intake remain to be further investigated.