HN-00480045_Development of A Stepwise Algorithmic Protocol for Nutrition Support of Critically Ill Children

Malnutrition is one of the major health problems in critically ill children; optimum nutrition support is considered as a therapeutic strategy to improve clinical outcomes and minimize length of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) staying and costs. Implementation of an algorithmic protocol can result in upgrading the quality of nutrition support system in PICU. In this study we developed a stepwise algorithmic nutrition care protocol for PICU patients in two phases including a critical review of past literature and an expert discussion panel. The final structured protocol includes three steps for nutrition care process: 1) Initial nutrition screening and assessment, 2) Nutritional intervention and 3) Nutritional monitoring.

Keywords:

Intensive Care Units , Pediatric , Nutrition support , Nutrition Assessment , Diet Therapy