Deterioration of nutritional status at discharge in critically ill children with appropriate BMI and its association with clinical outcomes: a prospective observational study.

Background: To determine how nutritional status changes during critical illness in children with age-appropriate BMI at admission and evaluate its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods: 70 subjects with age-appropriate BMI between 2 and 12 years were included in the study. The Z-scores (weight, height, BMI) MUMC, Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA), and nutritional intake were calculated on admission and discharge. The relationship between changes in nutritional status with clinical outcomes were assessed.

Results: This study includes samples that all were well-nourished based on Z-scores of BMI and weight. However, based on the SGNA 45% were undernourished. All anthropometric variables decreased significantly at the time of discharge. Regression analysis adjusted by age, number of Number of organs with dysfunction at PICU admission, PIM2, and hospital days before ICU admission showed that reduced BMI-for-age was significantly associated with prolonged PICU stay (B = 2.883; CI: 1.813-3.952) and an increased duration of mechanical ventilation (B = 1.541; CI: 0.493-2.588). Every 1 cm decrease in MUAC was associated with a 3.5-fold increase in mortality risk (OR = 3.527; CI: 1.518-9.972). Delayed initiation of nutrition was significantly correlated with a prolonged PICU stay (B = 1.395; CI: 0.518-2.271) and increased duration of mechanical ventilation (B = 0.861; CI: 0.132-1.589). Malnutrition at admission, as assessed by SGNA, was also associated with longer PICU stay (B = 1.739; CI: -0.154- 2.294). Furthermore, increased protein intake during the first week was significantly associated with decrease in the need to mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.824; CI: 0.682-0.995).

Conclusion: A comprehensive nutritional assessment should be performed for children admitted with an appropriate BMI, feeding should not be delayed, adequate protein intake should be ensured, and indicators such as MUAC and SGNA should be considered in addition to BMI. These measures can improve clinical outcomes and reduce complications during the PICU stay.