Nutritional Adequacy and Day-to-Day Energy Variability: Impacts on Outcomes in Severe Trauma Patients

TL;DR

This study shows that meeting energy and protein needs early in severe trauma care improves survival and reduces complications.

Contribution

The study introduces innovative statistical methods to analyze energy gaps and their impact on trauma patient outcomes.

Findings

Higher energy and protein delivery is linked to lower ICU mortality rates.

Greater day-to-day energy variability correlates with longer mechanical ventilation.

Better nutrition reduces the risk of nosocomial infections.

Abstract

Background: Optimal energy and protein delivery during the early phase of severe trauma remains unclear. Observational studies frequently contradict the findings of randomized controlled trials, raising concerns about confounding factors. The aim of this study is to assess nutritional adequacy and daily variability in the energy gaps and its impact on outcomes using innovative statistical methods. Methods: Prospective observational study enrolled severely injured patients in the ICU at the Level 1 trauma center between October 2023 to April 2025. To describe the evolution of calorie and protein deficits during the first 10-day ICU stay, we utilized a linear mixed-effects model to estimate each patient’s individual energy gap trajectory. Results: 286 patients were analyzed. Median APACHE II and ISS score was 16.0 (12.0–20.0) and 22.0 (18.0–27.0), respectively. Mortality rate was 35.3%. Patients received 68.3% of prescribed calories and 76.8% of proteins. Admission energy deficit, rate of caloric intake, and their interaction are associated with ICU mortality. Increased day-to-day energy variability was associated with longer duration of mechanical ventilation (HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31–0.99; p = 0.047). Patients who achieved better caloric (HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48–0.98, p = 0.036) and protein (HR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–0.96, p = 0.043) nutrition had a lower hazard of developing nosocomial infection. Conclusions: This study supports the 2023 ESPEN guidelines, showing that achieving the recommended energy and protein intake during the early phase of severe trauma is linked to lower mortality rates, shorter mechanical ventilation time, and reduced risk of nosocomial infections.

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