Early Nutritional Support Lowers Mortality Among Hospitalized Medical Patients

Although recent studies of early nutrition interventions in critical care patients revealed no benefit (e.g., NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 1 2018 and N Engl J Med 2018; 379:1823), researchers have not evaluated structured nutrition interventions in hospitalized patients outside of intensive care units (ICUs). Investigators screened all non-ICU medical patients admitted to 8 Swiss hospitals during 4 years; 2000 patients at risk for malnutrition but able to receive oral nutrition were randomized to receive either nutritional support (i.e., individualized protein and calorie goals and micronutrient supplementation) or standard hospital food. Surgical patients, patients with terminal conditions, and patients with known need for nutrition support (e.g., …