METHODS: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) convened a panel of 36 clinical nutrition experts to develop consensus-based guidance statements addressing the diagnosis of malnutrition during critical illness using a modified Delphi approach with a requirement of ≥75% agreement.
RESULTS: (1) To identify pre-existing malnutrition, we suggest evaluation within 48 h of ICU admission when feasible (100% agreement) or within 4 days (94% agreement). (2) To identify the development and progression of malnutrition, we suggest re-evaluation of all patients every 7-10 days (97% agreement). (3) To identify progressive loss of muscle mass, we suggest evaluation of muscle mass as soon as feasible (92% agreement) and again after 7-10 days (89% agreement). (4) To identify the development and progression of malnutrition before and after ICU discharge, we suggest re-evaluating nutrition status before ICU discharge and during clinical visits that follow (100% agreement).
CONCLUSION: Research using consistent etiologic and phenotypic variables offers great potential to assess the efficacy of nutrition interventions for critically ill patients with malnutrition. Assessment of these variables during and beyond the ICU stay will clarify the trajectory of malnutrition and enable exploration of impactful treatment modalities at each juncture. GLIM offers a diagnostic approach that can be used to identify malnutrition in critically ill patients.
METHODS: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) convened a panel of 36 clinical nutrition experts to develop consensus-based guidance statements addressing the diagnosis of malnutrition during critical illness, using a modified Delphi approach with a requirement of ≥75% agreement.
RESULTS: CONCLUSION: Research using consistent etiologic and phenotypic variables offers great potential to assess the efficacy of nutrition interventions for critically ill patients with malnutrition. Assessment of these variables at during and beyond the ICU stay will clarify the trajectory of malnutrition and enable exploration of impactful treatment modalities at each juncture. GLIM offers a diagnostic approach that can be used to identify malnutrition in critically ill patients.
METHODS: An international survey using an electronic questionnaire was conducted in August 2019 and repeated in May 2022. An electronic questionnaire was sent to 52 members or affiliates of the International Clinical Nutrition Section of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Questions addressed the availability of parenteral nutrition admixtures and their components, reimbursement, and prescribing pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. All participating countries were categorized by their economic status.
RESULTS: Thirty-six country representatives responded, answering all questions. Parenteral nutrition was available in all countries (100%), but in four countries (11.1%) three-chamber bags were the only option, and in six countries a multibottle system was still used. Liver-sparing amino acids were available in 18 (50%), kidney-sparing in eight (22.2%), and electrolyte-free in 11 (30.5%) countries (30.5%). In most countries (n = 28; 79.4%), fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins were available. Trace elements solutions were unavailable in four (11.1%) countries. Parenteral nutrition was reimbursed in most countries (n = 33; 91.6%). No significant problems due to the coronavirus pandemic were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the apparent high availability of parenteral nutrition worldwide, there are some factors that may have a substantial effect on the quality of parenteral nutrition admixtures. These shortages create an environment of inequality.