How Differences in the Disease Process of the COVID-19 Pandemic Pose Challenges to the Delivery of Critical Care Nutrition

Applying the 2022 ASPEN adult nutrition support guidelines in a 2024 ICU

An update to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines for nutrition provision in critically ill adults was published in 2022. In contrast to the previous set of guidelines published in 2016, the revised guidelines selected only studies meeting specific criteria for scientific rigor and only considered publications reflecting more modern intensive care unit (ICU) practices (studies between January 1, 2001, and July 15, 2020). No consensus recommendations were included. Although these methods limited the number of recommendations made and the applicability to current ICU practices, important implications for patient care were evaluated and acknowledged. The literature supporting guideline recommendations that impact parenteral nutrition management is summarized in this review, along with key studies published after the guidelines were revised. Considerations for practical application of this evidence, along with limitations and future guideline directions, are also described.