Review article

Nutritional support in cancer patients

Ljiljana Štefančić ; Department of Anesthesiology and ICU, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Stela Marić ; Department of Anesthesiology and ICU, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Burim Muhaxhiri ; Department of Anesthesiology and ICU, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The incidence of malnutrition in cancer patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) is significantly higher than in other patient groups.
Hypermetabolism and increased energy requirements resulting from surgery further aggravate nutritional status in malnourished patients and increase the incidence of adverse events including infections, sepsis, wound dehiscence, tissue edema, decubitus and death. The estimation of nutritional status and nutritional needs, compensation for all energy requirements, including vitamin and mineral supplementation using parenteral, enteral or combination of both feeding techniques should become everyday practice in the ICU. Monitoring the success of treatment through laboratory test results and clinical status as well as early recognition of adverse effects of nutritional support minimize the frequency of complications resulting from nutritional therapy.

Keywords

malnutrition; malignancy; nutritional status; nutritional support

Hrčak ID:

277475

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/277475

Publication date:

30.11.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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