Tag: Early feeding

Burn injuries trigger a severe hypermetabolic response in children, with energy demands increasing significantly. This makes early and adequate nutritional support a cornerstone of effective treatment. So, when should pediatric enteral nutrition therapy for burn victims be initiated to combat this stress response and improve healing outcomes?

According to extensive research, the early initiation of specialized nutritional support, specifically within 24 to 48 hours of a patient's admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), is a standard practice recommended by numerous international guidelines. This approach is crucial for patients who cannot maintain adequate oral intake, though careful consideration must be given to clinical stability before initiating enteral nutrition.

Up to 40% of critically ill patients face a significant risk of malnutrition, which is why timely nutritional support is crucial. For a critically ill patient who cannot eat orally, understanding the recommended time frame to initiate enteral nutrition is key to improving clinical outcomes and overall recovery.