Effect of Early Versus Late Parenteral Nutrition on the Outcome of Critically-Ill Patients

Aglan, Basem M.; Mohamed, Sally S.; Mahmoud, Hossam E.; Shaboob, Eslam A.

doi:10.21608/bmfj.2025.380445.2393

Effect of Early Versus Late Parenteral Nutrition on the Outcome of Critically-Ill Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University

² Professor of Critical Care Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University

³ (M.B.B.Ch, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University)

⁴ Lecturer of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University

10.21608/bmfj.2025.380445.2393

Abstract

Background: Critical illness increases the risk of malnutrition, which can increase infections, prolong mechanical ventilation, delay recovery, and increase mortality. This study aimed to compare the intensive care outcomes based on initiation of parenteral nutrition (PN)) within 7 days versus after 7 days of poor nutrient intake in critically-ill adult patients. Methods: This multicenter parallel group randomized controlled trial included 100 included patients who were recruited from the critical care units at Benha University hospital and Cairo Fatemic hospital within six months. Patients divided into two equal groups: Group A (n=50): Patients were assigned for early PN. Group B (n=50): Patients were assigned for late PN. Results: The outcome was significantly different between both groups, showing significantly higher improved cases among patients who received early PN compared to those who received late PN (P=0.015). Conclusion: Initiation of PN within 7 days led to more improved cases compared to PN after 7 days intensive care for critically-ill adult patients, but with higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation score.

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