Protein supplementation versus standard feeds in underweight critically ill children: a pilot dual-centre randomised controlled trial protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Protein-energy malnutrition, increased catabolism and inadequate nutritional support leads to loss of lean body mass with muscle wasting and delayed recovery in critical illness. However, there remains clinical equipoise regarding the risks and benefits of protein supplementation. This pilot trial will determine the feasibility of performing a larger multicentre trial to determine if a strategy of protein supplementation in critically ill children with body mass index (BMI) z-score ≤-2 is superior to standard enteral nutrition in reducing the length of stay in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised controlled trial of 70 children in two PICUs in Singapore. Children with BMI z-score ≤-2 on PICU admission, who are expe

SUBMITTER: Wong JJM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8728412 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature