ENTERAL NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT IN PATIENTS WITH COVID

NUTRITIONAL EXPERIENCE HOSPITAL SAN ROQUE-JUJUY

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to describe the nutritional follow-up in patients with enteral nutritional support during hospitalisation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the San Roque Hospital, in Jujuy, between October 2020 and March 2021, with a particular focus on patients with COVID-19. Methodology: a retrospective descriptive study was carried out in a sample of 58 COVID-19 positive patients admitted to the ICU during the indicated period. Data were collected from the ‘COVID nutritional support monitoring forms and variables such as sex, age, comorbidities, duration of enteral nutritional support, complications, and compliance with nutritional goals were analysed. Results: 67% of the patients were men and 33% were women. The most affected age range was 50-59 years (26%). Forty per cent of patients were overweight and 36% obese, indicating a high prevalence of malnutrition in the patients studied, of these patients 59% started enteral feeding within the first 36 hours, while 24% did so after the fifth day, which is less optimal. Conclusions: Most patients were men older than 40 years, with a high percentage of obesity and metabolic comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes), which increases the risk of complications and mortality. Although most patients started enteral feeding early (within 36 hours), compliance with calorie targets was limited, being achieved in only 19% of cases by day 7. Frequent complications associated with enteral nutrition were identified, such as high gastric debit and constipation. Recommendations: Improve the implementation of specialised nutritional formulas and ensure continuity of nutritional support. Consider adjustments in the guidelines for patients with COVID-19 in ICU, especially regarding the speed of initiation and nutritional goals.