ABSTRACT
Hypermetabolism is a consequence of critical illness. When combined with preexisting nutritional depletion, commonly present in patients with progressive illnesses, the critically ill patient is at significant risk for nutritional complications. Moreover, this also makes critically ill patients potentially the group most benefited by prompt nutrition and metabolic support. Basic priorities, such as control of airway and breathing, circulatory support, and acid-base and electrolyte balance supersede nutritional management and must be adequately addressed for nutrition support to be effective (1,2). However, once stabilization is achieved, early initiation of appropriate nutrition support can blunt the hypercatabolism and subsequent protein wasting associated with many critical illnesses.
