Nutritional support and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients supported with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Multidisciplinary nutritional support team and survival outcomes in patients with sepsis: a nationwide population-based cohort study in South Korea

BACKGROUND

The South Korean government implemented a multidisciplinary nutritional support team (NST) system to focus on the proper evaluation and supply of nutritional status in hospitalized patients who are at a higher risk of malnutrition.

METHODS

This nationwide population-based cohort study included patients diagnosed with sepsis who were admitted to hospitals from 2016 to 2020. The NST should consist of four professional personnel (physicians, full-time nurses, full-time pharmacists, and full-time clinical dietitians). The NST group included patients with sepsis admitted to a hospital with an NST system, whereas the non-NST group included patients with sepsis admitted to a hospital without an NST system.

RESULTS

A total of 323,841 patients with sepsis were included in the final analysis, and 120,274 (37.1%) admitted to a hospital with an NST system were included in the NST group. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, the NST group showed a 15% lower 90-day mortality than the non-NST group (hazard ratio [HR]:0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.83, 0.86; P < 0.001). The NST group shows 11% lower 1-year all-cause mortality than the non-NST group (HR:0.89, 95% CI:0.87, 0.90; P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, a more evident association of the NST group with lower 90-day mortality was shown in the intensive care unit admission group and age ≥65 years old group.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary NST intervention is associated with improved survival outcomes in patients with sepsis. Moreover, this association was more evident in patients with sepsis aged ≥65 years old who were admitted to the ICU.

Nutritional support in the cardiac intensive care unit

Optimal care of critically ill patients in the cardiac intensive care unit includes adequate nutritional support. This review highlights the high prevalence of malnutrition in acute heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, cardiogenic shock, and post-cardiac arrest and its adverse impact on prognosis. There is a lack of robust evidence regarding appropriate nutritional support in this patient population. Initiation of nutritional support with a comprehensive assessment of the patient's nutritional status is critical. High-risk cardiac patients who are not critically ill can receive oral nutrition adapted to individual risk factors or deficiencies, although overfeeding should be avoided in the acute phase. For critically ill patients at risk of or with malnutrition on admission, general principles include initiation of nutritional support within 48 h of admission, preference for enteral over parenteral nutrition, preference for hypocaloric nutrition in the first week of intensive care unit admission, and adequate micronutrient supplementation. Enteral nutrition in haemodynamically unstable patients carries a risk, albeit low, of intestinal ischaemia. In the case of malnutrition, the risk of refeeding syndrome should always be considered.

Implementation of a multidisciplinary nutritional support team and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The South Korean government established the multidisciplinary nutritional support teams (NST) system for enhancing the evaluation and adequate supply of nutritional support to patients at high risk of malnutrition. However, the impact of the NST on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether NST implementation affects survival outcomes in patients with COVID-19 requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health Insurance Service and Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in South Korea, adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU between October 8, 2020, and December 31, 2021, were included. The NST comprised four professional personnel (physicians, full-time nurses, full-time pharmacists, and full-time clinical dietitians). Patients admitted to ICUs with and without the NST system were assigned to the NST and non-NST groups, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 13,103 critically ill adult patients were included in the final analysis; among them, 10,103 (77.1 %) and 3,000 (22.9 %) patients were included in the NST and non-NST groups, respectively. In the NST group, 2,803 (27.7 %) critically ill patients with COVID-19 were prescribed enteral or parenteral nutrition by the NST. In a covariate-adjusted multivariable model, the NST group showed a 40 % lower in-hospital mortality rate than the non-NST group (odds ratio: 0.60, 95 % confidence interval: 0.51, 0.71; P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, compared with the non-NST group, the NST group showed significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates at 2, 3, 4, and 5 points on the World Health Organization clinical progression scale among patients with acute respiratory distress and mechanical ventilatory support.

CONCLUSIONS

NST implementation was associated with improved survival outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19; accordingly, it may be recommended for improving adequate nutritional support and evaluation in critically ill patients.

In critically ill adult patients with COVID-19, lower energy and higher protein intake are associated with fewer mechanical ventilation and antibiotic days but not with ICU length of stay

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) nutrition management guidelines recommend hypocaloric, high-protein feeding in the acute phase of critical illness. This study aimed to determine, among critically ill adults with COVID-19, whether nutrition support affects outcomes in nonobese patients when providing a mean energy intake of ≥20 kcal/kg/day vs <20 kcal/kg/day and protein intake of ≥1.2 g/kg/day vs <1.2 g/kg/day, using actual body weight, and in patients with obesity when providing ≥20 kcal/kg/day vs <20 kcal/kg/day and a protein intake of ≥2 g/kg/day vs <2 g/kg/day using ideal body weight.

METHODS

This retrospective study included adults with COVID-19 on mechanical ventilation (MV) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from 2020 to 2021. Clinical and nutrition parameters were recorded the first 14 days of ICU stay.

RESULTS

One hundred four patients were included: 79 (75.96%) were male and had a median age of 51 years and body mass index of 29.65 kg/m2 . ICU length of stay (LOS) was not affected by nutrition intake, but patients receiving <20 kcal/kg/day had fewer MV days (P = 0.029). In a subgroup analysis, MV days were lower in the nonobese group receiving <20 kcal/kg/day (P = 0.012). In the obese group, those receiving higher protein intake had fewer antibiotic days (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

In critically ill patients with COVID-19, lower energy and higher protein intake were respectively associated with fewer MV days and, in patients with obesity, fewer antibiotic days, but they had no effect on ICU LOS.

Modified indirect calorimetry for patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a pilot feasibility study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Traditional indirect calorimetry is unable to capture complete gas exchange in patients receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). We aimed to determine the feasibility of using a modified indirect calorimetry protocol in patients receiving VA ECMO, report measured energy expenditure (EE) and compare EE to control critically ill patients.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Mechanically ventilated adult patients receiving VA ECMO were included. EE was measured within 72 h of VA ECMO commencement (timepoint one [T1]) and on approximately day seven of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission (timepoint two [T2]). Traditional indirect calorimetry via the ventilator was combined with calculations of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production derived from pre- and post-ECMO membrane blood gas analyses. Completion of ≥60% EE measurements was deemed feasible. Measured EE was compared between T1 and T2 and to control patients not receiving VA ECMO. Data is presented as n(%) and median[interquartile range (IQR)].

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were recruited; 16(76%) male, aged 55[42-64] years. The protocol was feasible to complete at T1 (14(67%)) but not at T2 (7(33%)) due to predominantly ECMO decannulation, extubation or death. EE was 1454[1213-1860] at T1 and 1657[1570-2074] kcal/d at T2 (P = 0.043). In patients receiving VA ECMO versus controls, EE was 1577[1434-1801] versus 2092[1609-2272] kcal/d, respectively (P = 0.056).

CONCLUSION

Modified indirect calorimetry is feasible early in admission to ICU but is not possible in all patients receiving VA ECMO, especially later in admission. EE increases during the first week of ICU admission but may be lower than EE in control critically ill patients.

Safety and outcome of early enteral nutrition in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the benefits and risks of early enteral nutrition (EN) in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

METHODS

A single center retrospective review was performed including patients receiving ECMO for more than 24 h from May 2014 to July 2021.

RESULTS

A total of sixty-five patients were enrolled, of which thirty-six patients (55.4%) received early EN. On ECMO day 3rd, 7th and 14th, the median energy intake through EN in the early EN group was 500 kcal (IQR:300, 880), 1000 kcal (IQR: 500, 1500) and 1000 kcal (500, 1500), representing 29.7%, 66.7% and 66.7% of energy target, respectively. Thirteen (36.1%) patients had EN intolerance in the early EN group, which is significantly lower than that in the delayed EN group (82.8%, P < 0.001). The most common reasons for EN intolerance were abdominal distention (22.2%), followed by elevated gastric residual volume (8.3%) in the early EN group. Forty-three (66.1%) patients successfully weaned off ECMO, with higher rate in the early EN group than in the delayed EN group (80.6% vs 48.3%, p = 0.006). Nineteen patients (52.8%) survived in the early EN group, which is also significantly higher than that in the delayed EN group (20.7%, P = 0.008). Patients receiving early enteral nutrition significantly reduced the mortality rate and the adjusted mortality hazard ratio was 0.22 (95%CI:0.10, 0.47).

CONCLUSION

Early EN was safe and well-tolerated and can reduce the in-hospital mortality of patients receiving ECMO. For patients receiving ECMO, EN started with hypocaloric doses within 48 h of ECMO initiation is recommend.

Inadequate Energy Delivery Is Frequent among COVID-19 Patients Requiring ECMO Support and Associated with Increased ICU Mortality

BACKGROUND

Patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support are at high risk for malnutrition. There are currently no general nutrition guidelines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during ECMO therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of COVID-19 patients requiring venovenous ECMO support at a large tertiary hospital center. Nutrition goals were calculated using 25 kcal/kg body weight (BW)/day. Associations between nutrition support and outcome were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, 102 patients accounted for a total of 2344 nutrition support days during ECMO therapy. On 40.6% of these days, nutrition goals were met. Undernutrition was found in 40.8%. Mean daily calorie delivery was 73.7% of calculated requirements, mean daily protein delivery was 0.7 g/kg BW/d. Mean energy intake of ≥70% of calculated targets was associated with significantly lower ICU mortality independently of age, disease severity at ECMO start and body mass index (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.372, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a mean energy delivery of ≥70% of calculated targets during ECMO therapy had a better ICU survival compared to patients with unmet energy goals. These results indicate that adequate nutritional support needs to be a major priority in the treatment of COVID-19 patients requiring ECMO support.

Nutrition Support in Critically Ill Cancer Patient Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Report

Adequate nutritional support is crucial in preventing complications and improving outcomes in critically ill patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a mode of supportive care for patients with respiratory and/or cardiac failure. ECMO patients frequently exhibit a hypermetabolic state characterized by protein catabolism and insulin resistance, which can lead to malnutrition. Nutritional therapy is a vital component of intensive care, but its optimal administration for ECMO patients is unknown. This case report aims to provide insights into effective nutritional management for critically ill patients undergoing ECMO therapy. The patient was a 72-year-old male with a history of gastric and lung cancer who underwent a lobectomy complicated by bronchopleural fistula, postoperative bleeding, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient's nutritional status was assessed indicating a high risk of malnutrition, using the modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) Score. Nutritional support was administered based on the recommendations of European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), with energy requirements set at 25-30 kcal/kg/d and protein requirements set at 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day. The patient received parenteral nutrition until the enteral nutrition target amount was reached, with zinc supplements for wound healing. The study highlights the need for further research on proactive and effective nutritional support for ECMO patients to improve compliance and prognosis.

COVID, the Gut, and Nutritional Implications

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current literature, recommendations, and practice guidelines on the nutritional management of and implications associated with COVID-19 infection.

Recent Findings

Particular attention should be paid to the screening, prevention, and treatment of malnutrition in critically ill individuals with COVID-19 infection given the significant risk for complications and poor outcomes. Extrapolation of existing literature for the nutritional support in the critically ill patient has demonstrated early enteral nutrition is safe and well-tolerated in patients with severe COVID-19 infection.

Summary

Futures studies should focus on the long-term nutritional outcomes for patients who have suffered COVID-19 infection, nutritional outcomes/recommendations for special populations with COVID-19, nutritional outcomes based on the current recommendations and guidelines for nutrition therapy, and the role for micronutrient supplementation in COVID-19 infection.

Effect of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Support on Pulmonary Function in Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Complicated by Respiratory Failure

Objective. To investigate the effect of enteral and parenteral nutrition support (EPNS) on pulmonary function in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated by respiratory failure (RF). Methods. A total of 127 patients who underwent treatment for elderly patients with COPD complicated by RF in our hospital from February 2020 to May 2022 were collected for a retrospective analysis. There were 41 patients with enteral nutrition support (group A), 46 with parenteral nutrition support (group B), and 40 with EPNS (group C). The levels of serum albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), serum hemoglobin (Hb), and serum transferrin (TRF) were measured before and after nutritional support in the three groups, and the changes in pulmonary function of patients were compared. The changes in the levels of inflammatory factors and markers of oxidative stress (OS) in serum were also detected, and the incidence of adverse reactions and length of stay (LOS) were counted. Results. ALB, PA, Hb, and TRF levels were increased in all 3 groups after nutritional support, with the highest in group C ( $P<0.05$ ). Similarly, lung function was improved in all 3 groups and inflammatory factor levels and OS were suppressed, also most dramatically in group C ( $P<0.05$ ). There was no difference in the incidence of adverse reactions among the 3 groups, and the LOS in group C was shorter than those in groups A and B ( $P<0.05$ ). Conclusion. EPNS can effectively improve the lung function of patients with COPD combined with RF and reduce the inflammation and OS damage. It can effectively improve the therapeutic effect of patients and has great application prospects in the treatment of COPD combined with RH in the future.

Enteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Patients Under Vasoactive Drug Therapy. The NUTRIVAD Study

BACKGROUND

Enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill patients requiring vasoactive drug (VAD) support is controversial. This study assesses the tolerability and safety of EN in such patients.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted in 23 ICUs over 30 months. Inclusion criteria were a need for VAD and/or mechanic circulatory support (MCS) over a minimum of 48 h, a need for at least 48 h of mechanical ventilation, an estimated life expectancy longer than 72 h, and at least 72 h of ICU stay. Patients with refractory shock were excluded. EN was performed according to established protocols during which descriptive, daily hemodynamic and efficacy and safety data were collected. An independent research group conducted the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Of 200 patients included, 30 (15%) required MCS and 145 (73%) met early multiorgan dysfunction criteria. Mortality was 24%. Patients needed a mean dose of norepinephrine in the first 48 h of 0.71 μg/kg/min (95%CI: 0.63-0.8) targeting a mean arterial pressure of 68 mmHg (95%CI: 67-70) during the first 48 h. EN was started 34 h (95%CI: 31-37) after ICU admission. Mean energy and protein delivered by EN/patient/day were 1159 Kcal (95%CI: 1098-1220) and 55.6 g (52.4-58.7) respectively. Daily energy balance during EN/patient/day was -432 (95%CI: -496 to -368). 154 (77%) patients experienced EN-related complications. However, severe complications such as mesenteric ischemia were recorded in only 1 patient (0.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

EN in these patients seems feasible, safe and unrelated to serious complications. Reaching the energy target only through EN is difficult.

CLINICAL RELEVANCY STATEMENT

Enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill patients requiring vasoactive drugs (VAD) is currently a subject of controversy. Factors such as when to start EN, dosing, monitoring, or whether to avoid EN altogether are a real challenge because of its link to a risk of bowel ischemia. We describe our experience with EN in 200 critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation and requiring VAD. Under adequate supervision, EN proved feasible and safe. Our findings require confirmation in clinical intervention trials. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Enteral nutrition in circulatory shock: friend or foe?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Circulatory shock is associated with reduced splanchnic blood flow and impaired gut epithelial barrier function (EBF). Early enteral nutrition (EN) has been shown in animal models to preserve EBF. There are limited human data informing early EN in circulatory shock and critical care nutrition guidelines provide disparate recommendations regarding the optimal timing and dose. The purpose of this review is to describe the harms and benefits of early EN in circulatory shock by identifying and appraising recent human data.

RECENT FINDINGS

The cumulative risk of nonocclusive bowel ischemia and necrosis in patients with circulatory shock is no higher than 0.3% across observational and randomized controlled trial-level data, and whether the risk is increased by EN delivery remains uncertain. Observational data suggest that early EN in circulatory shock is associated with improved clinical outcomes but data from robust randomized controlled trials remain equivocal, so the optimal timing and dose remain unknown.

SUMMARY

Based on the best available data, initiating restrictive dose EN into the stomach after initial resuscitation in patients with circulatory shock does not appear to be harmful. In fact, early EN may preserve EBF and improve clinical outcomes.

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

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The COVID-19 pandemic is a unique disease process that has caused unprecedented challenges for intensive care specialists. The hyperinflammatory hypermetabolic nature of the disease and the complexity of its management create barriers to the delivery of nutritional therapy. This review identifies the key differences which characterize this pandemic from other disease processes in critical illness and discusses alternative strategies to enhance success of nutritional support.

RECENT FINDINGS

Prolonged hyperinflammation, unlike any previously described pattern of response to injury, causes metabolic perturbations and deterioration of nutritional status. High ventilatory demands, hypercoagulation with the risk of bowel ischemia, and threat of aspiration in patients with little or no pulmonary reserve, thwart initial efforts to provide early enteral nutrition (EN). The obesity paradox is invalidated, tolerance of EN is limited, intensivists are reluctant to add supplemental parenteral nutrition (PN), and efforts to give sufficient nutritional therapy remain a low priority. The nature of the disease and difficulties providing traditional critical care nutrition lead to dramatic deterioration of nutritional status. Institutions should not rely on insufficient gastric feeding alone but focus instead on redoubling efforts to provide postpyloric deep duodenal/jejunal EN or re-examine the role of supplemental PN in this population of patients with such severe critical illness.

Enteral Nutrition Safety With Advanced Treatments: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Prone Positioning, and Infusion of Neuromuscular Blockers

This review aims at assessing the safety and efficacy of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, prone positioning, and infusion of neuromuscular blockers. Existing data from randomized controlled trials demonstrate the survival benefit of early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients. Observational data have demonstrated that enteral nutrition in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, prone positioning, and infusion of neuromuscular blockers is generally safe. However, these patients are at increased risk for gastrointestinal complications from enteral nutrition because of critical illness-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction; associated shock; the concomitant use of vasopressor agents, sedatives, and narcotics; possibly mesenteric circulatory compromise; and regurgitation associated with prone positioning. Therefore, early enteral nutrition is generally recommended in these patients in the absence of severe gastrointestinal dysfunction or shock. To reduce the complications, early nutrition should be advanced gradually (trophic feeding or permissive underfeeding), the bed should be tilted to a maximum of 30°, and concentrated nutritional formulae and the use of prokinetics may be considered to treat enteral feeding intolerance. Physicians should be vigilant about monitoring for early signs of acute mesenteric ischemia, which should lead to holding enteral feeding. Parenteral nutrition may be utilized in patients who cannot receive enteral nutrition or are unable to reach their nutrition goals by the end of the first week.

Safety, Tolerability, and Outcomes of Enteral Nutrition in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a supportive care system for patients with respiratory or cardiac failure. Patients requiring ECMO are at risk for significant inflammation, prolonged hospitalization, and acquired malnutrition and sarcopenia. Societal guidelines recommend early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients; however, in this population, optimal timing and dose of nutrition remains unknown and fear of reduced splanchnic perfusion, delayed gastric emptying, and bowel ischemia poses a barrier to appropriate energy and protein intake. This narrative review intends to provide an overview of ECMO, highlight the rationale for nutrition support in this population, and review the safety, tolerability, and outcomes associated with enteral nutrition during ECMO.

Relevant Nutrition Therapy in COVID-19 and the Constraints on Its Delivery by a Unique Disease Process

Worldwide, as of July 2020, >13.2 million people have been infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ranges from mild illness to critical illness in 5% of cases. The population infected with SARS-CoV-2 requiring an intensive care unit admission often requires nutrition therapy as part of supportive care. Although the various societal guidelines for critical care nutrition meet most needs for the patient with COVID-19, numerous factors, which impact the application of those guideline recommendations, need to be considered. Since the SARS-CoV-2 virus is highly contagious, several key principles should be considered when caring for all patients with COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all healthcare personnel involved. Management strategies should cluster care, making all attempts to bundle patient care to limit exposure. Healthcare providers should be protected, and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 should be limited by minimizing procedures and other interventions that lead to aerosolization, avoiding droplet exposure through hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE should be preserved by decreasing the number of individuals providing direct patient care and by limiting the number of patient interactions. Enteral nutrition (EN) is tolerated by the majority of patients with COVID-19, but a relatively low threshold for conversion to parenteral nutrition should be maintained if increased exposure to the virus is required to continue EN. This article offers relevant and practical recommendations on how to optimize nutrition therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Safety of Early Enteral Nutrition for Cardiac Medical Critically Ill Patients - A Retrospective Observational Study

Background: Early intervention with enteral nutrition (EN) is the standard of care in many medical intensive care units (ICUs). However, few studies have addressed the use of early EN for critically ill patients in the cardiac ICU (CICU). In this study we explored the indications for early EN for patients admitted to a CICU. Methods and Results: This retrospective observational study included 63 consecutive patients admitted to the CICU who were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Early EN was initiated in these patients as per the hospital's nutrition protocol. Mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores at admission were 18.8 and 9.1, respectively. All patients were admitted to the medical CICU with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and/or cardiopulmonary arrest. Enteral feeding was initiated in 59 patients (94%) within 5 days of admission. Fifty-two patients (83%) achieved the energy intake goal at Day 7 of their CICU admission either by enteral feeding or oral intake; 49 patients (78%) survived to time of discharge. The patients experienced several minor complications, including minor reflux (4 patients; 6%) and diarrhea (8 patients; 13%). None of the patients developed aspiration pneumonia or bowel ischemia. Conclusions: The present retrospective observational study indicates that early EN for critically ill patients in a medical CICU can be achieved safely with no major complications.

Nutrition Therapy in Critically Ill Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019

In the midst of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a paucity of data precludes derivation of COVID-19-specific recommendations for nutrition therapy. Until more data are available, focus must be centered on principles of critical care nutrition modified for the constraints of this disease process, ie, COVID-19-relevant recommendations. Delivery of nutrition therapy must include strategies to reduce exposure and spread of disease by providing clustered care, adequate protection of healthcare providers, and preservation of personal protective equipment. Enteral nutrition (EN) should be initiated early after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) using a standard isosmolar polymeric formula, starting at trophic doses and advancing as tolerated, while monitoring for gastrointestinal intolerance, hemodynamic instability, and metabolic derangements. Intragastric EN may be provided safely, even with use of prone-positioning and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Clinicians should have a lower threshold for switching to parenteral nutrition in cases of intolerance, high risk of aspiration, or escalating vasopressor support. Although data extrapolated from experience in acute respiratory distress syndrome warrants use of fiber additives and probiotic organisms, the lack of benefit precludes a recommendation for micronutrient supplementation. Practices that increase exposure or contamination of equipment, such as monitoring gastric residual volumes, indirect calorimetry to calculate requirements, endoscopy or fluoroscopy to achieve enteral access, or transport out of the ICU for additional imaging, should be avoided. At all times, strategies for nutrition therapy need to be assessed on a risk/benefit basis, paying attention to risk for both the patient and the healthcare provider.