Nutritional approach in patients hospitalized with Covid-19

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional support is a central pillar of
comprehensive treatment. The recommendations suggest
starting with protein supplements and enteral nutrition specific for respiratory distress.
Objectives: To characterize patients with nutritional risk
admitted by COVID-19, describe nutritional procedures, and
assess the impact of admission on nutritional status.
Material and methods: Observational, descriptive and
retrospective study of admissions by COVID-19 from March
15 to April 25, 2020 Inclusion criteria: income > 3 days and
PCR, protein and albumin values at admission and discharge.
Computer tools: FarHo® and HCI® del. Statistics: SPSS®.
Results: 45 patients in the study, 55% men with an average age of 65 years. The average values of protein and albumin at entry and discharge were in range, with a slight decrease for the high values, especially of albumin. (p>0.05).
The average number of days of admission is 7.32 days. 40%
were patients with nutritional risk. Nutritional intervention
was carried out on 46% of the patients and 50%managed to
increase the protein figures at discharge. The differences are
not statistically significant. (p>0.05). There are no significant
differences between the values in the entry and discharge
over time (p>0.05).
Discussion: We should consider protocolizing a correct
approach to hospital malnutrition in our center and systematize nutritional care in this vulnerable population.
Conclusions:
1. Forty% of the patients admitted for COVID-19 presented
nutritional risk.
2. The nutritional interventions carried out consisted of
providing hypercaloric and hyperprotein supplements
and specific enteral diets for respiratory failure. The differences in protein and albumin, at admission and discharge are not significant.
3. Time in hospital for COVID has no effect on the nutritional status of patients.