Achieving Full Nutritional Goals for Critically Ill Patients Doesn't Change Outcomes

Two trials in 2018 shed light on nutrition for critically ill patients. In one, French investigators randomized nearly 2500 patients to early (i.e., during the first 7 days of intensive care unit admission) parenteral or enteral nutrition. All patients were supported by both mechanical ventilation and vasopressors. Daily caloric intake was targeted at 20 to 25 kilocalories per kg body weight daily in an attempt to provide 100% of nutritional needs. Mortality, length of stay, and liberation from life support were similar in the two groups. Although previous studies suggested excess risk for infection with parenteral nutrition, this outcome was not seen in this study. The patients who were fed enterally had more gastrointestinal complications…