Evaluation the Efficacy and Complication of Nutrika Supplement in Intensive Care Unit of Ghaem Hospital-Mashhad

Malnutrition is a general problem in hospitalized patients. Enteral feeding in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has been stated to decrease the metabolic response to stress, decline bacterial translocation, and preserve gut mucosal integrity. To assess the efficacy and complications of Nutrika supplement for enteral feeding in Intensive Care unit. Nutrika is an enteral nutritional supplement. 12 patients (six male, six female) who received Nutrika supplement through Nasogastric Tube (NGT) in ICU department of Ghaem Hospital were studied. Evaluating gastrointestinal tolerance, biochemical tests, daily calorie intake and the measurement of arm circumference were done daily. Mean admission duration of these hospitalized patients was ten days and it should be noted that the average amount of received gavage was 200 ml/2h. four patients (two male, two female) had diarrhea when they received this supplement in consecutive meals. Two patients (female) experienced abdominal pain after consuming this supplement; however the prevalence of all gastrointestinal intolerance symptoms among patients were not statistically significant (P=0.25, P=0.50, P=0.50). Albumin and Urea level alter significantly during supplementation (P=0.001, P=0.002). Rest of the laboratory values did not change significantly. In two patients (one male, one female) who were completely intolerant to this solution, arm circumference had two cm decrease. Although this supplement has some complication including distension and diarrhea, however it is strongly suggested to use due to severe malnutrition in ICU ward and plays a significant role in improving general condition of these patients.