A diet protocol for patients on non-invasive ventilation admitted to a healthcare unit in a tertiary referral center in southern Brazil

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges and threats to patients and healthcare systems worldwide. The high risk of malnutrition highlighted the importance of early nutrition intervention. Objective: To develop a personalized dietary protocol for patients requiring non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Methods: This was a descriptive observational study included adult NIV patients admitted to a tertiary referral center in southern Brazil between March and August 2021. Patients received a dietary protocol consisting of a fractionated, liquidized and pureed diet, supplemented with isolated whey protein. The protocol provided 2,000 kcal/day and 90 g of protein/day. Food intake was continuous monitored using a visual intake scale. The study was approved by the hospital’s ethics committee. Results: A total of 176 patients were evaluated, most male (57%), with a mean age of 56 ± 15 years. The median onset of respiratory symptoms was 9 days. According to the NRS-2002, 83% of the patients were classified as being at risk of malnutrition. Upon admission, 86% required oxygen support, and 94% were exclusively fedorally, with 50% receiving the prescribed diet protocol. Patients on NIV consumed more than half of the prescribed diet and were able to progress to a regular consistency diet by discharge. Conclusion: A fractionated, modified-consistency diet that is easy to chew appears to be a feasible alternative to nasoenteric tube feeding for patients on NIV. In this context, nutritional therapy should be considered a fundamental component of care for these patients in all healthcare settings

Diarrhea · Health care · Malnutrition · Mechanical ventilation · Observational study · Pandemic · Referral · Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterology · Nutrition and Health in Aging · Respiratory Support and Mechanisms