Critically ill patients often face significant muscle loss, which can hinder their recovery process. To address this issue, researchers at the University of Adelaide conducted a trial to investigate the effects of a high-protein nutritional formula on patient outcomes.
The TARGET Protein Trial involved 3,397 patients from intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand. These patients were randomly assigned to receive either a higher protein (100g/L) or lower protein (63g/L) nutritional formula through a feeding tube for a period of three months. After the initial phase, the patients switched to the alternate formula for another three months in a crossover trial.
The results of the study, published in JAMA by Matthew Summers, a Ph.D. Candidate and ICU Research Dietitian, and Associate Professor Lee-anne Chapple, a Senior ICU Dietitian and Research Fellow, revealed that the higher protein formula did not lead to improved patient outcomes. There was no significant difference in the duration of hospital stay, ventilation, ICU stay, or other secondary measurements between the two groups.
Interestingly, the researchers found that the higher protein formula was associated with potential harm for patients with acute kidney failure in the ICU. This highlights the importance of caution when administering higher protein amounts to certain patient populations.
Despite the unexpected findings, Associate Professor Chapple emphasized the need for further research to explore the potential benefits of higher protein delivery during the recovery phase of critical illness. The team at the University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital plans to investigate the optimal timing for protein interventions to enhance long-term recovery outcomes for critically ill patients.
In conclusion, while the study did not demonstrate a benefit of increased protein delivery during early critical illness, it opens up avenues for future research to optimize nutritional strategies for ICU patients. The findings underscore the complexity of nutritional interventions in critical care settings and the importance of tailored approaches to improve patient outcomes.
