Category: Intensive care medicine

According to the World Health Organization, at least one-third of patients in developed countries are already malnourished upon hospital admission. Understanding what is the primary goal of central nutrition in critical care is vital, as it is a complex and sometimes daunting task that goes beyond simply providing calories.

According to scientific literature, propofol, a common ICU sedative, is formulated in a 10% lipid emulsion that provides 1.1 kcals per mL, making it a significant source of energy for patients. This caloric contribution must be carefully managed, especially for patients receiving concurrent enteral or parenteral nutrition, to prevent complications like overfeeding.

Propofol, a common sedative in intensive care units, is prepared in a lipid emulsion that contributes 1.1 kcals per milliliter. This caloric contribution is often overlooked but can have major nutritional implications for mechanically ventilated patients receiving concurrent feeding therapies.