Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
-
Multicenter Study
Nutrition algorithms and bedside nutrient delivery practices in pediatric intensive care units: an international multicenter cohort study.
Enteral nutrition (EN) delivery is associated with improved outcomes in critically ill patients. We aimed to describe EN practices, including details of algorithms and individual bedside practices, in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). ⋯ A minority of PICUs employ EN algorithms; recommendations were variable and not in agreement with national guidelines. Optimal EN delivery was achieved in less than one-third of our cohort. EN adjunct therapies were not associated with increased EN delivery. Studies aimed at promoting early EN and decreasing interruptions may optimize energy delivery in the PICU.