Protein intake and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: A dose-response and pairwise meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The optimal protein intake for critically ill patients remains uncertain. This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of high-protein nutritional support on clinical outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing high- versus low-protein nutrition in critically ill adults with similar energy intake were identified through PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (up to June 2023). A random-effects model was used to pool risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Linear and non-linear trends were assessed using the one-stage cubic spline regression model.

Results

Twenty-three RCTs were included. The summary RR was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.64

SUBMITTER: Badpeyma M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12450574 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature