Management of nutrition in the critically ill patient

Many recent clinical studies focus on the critically ill or injured hypermetabolic patient and investigate nutritional factors and regimens that can potentially reduce septic complications and improve clinical outcome. In addition to better defining the amount and type of nutrients appropriate for this population, these studies provide insight into important variables such as route of nutrient administration, supplementation of formulas with immune-enhancing (or nonimmunosuppressive) nutrients, and anabolic agents that promote increased nitrogen retention and lean body mass accumulation.