Degree of Nutritional Support and Nutritional Status in MICU Patients

The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional support in patients treated in medical intensive care units (MICUs) by evaluating the extent of current nutritional support using the patient care plan and considering the association between nutritional status and the amount of nutrition supplied. From April to December 2010, 114 patients (age > or = 18 years) admitted to the MICU and who underwent nutritional support for > 5 days were included. Descriptive statistics showed that the 114 patients received nutritional support within 1.2 +/- 0.7 days and for 16.2 +/- 11.7 days in the MICUs. The total delivered/required caloric ratio was 81.08 +/- 27.31%, and the protein ratio was 80.32 +/- 28.93%. Patients who received > 80% of required calories and protein showed improved nutritional status (p < 0.05). The results showed that adequate nutritional support is crucial to critically ill patients. We suggest early nutritional screening using simple tools such as periodic monitoring and management to recalculate nutritional status and nutritional requirements and nutritional support using a multidisciplinary method. Systematic nutritional support teams are needed to provide adequate nutritional support for patients in the MICU.

ST-T Change on Electrocardigraphy in Old Diabetics Without Chest Pain

BACKGROUND: Silent myocardial ischemia is often found in old diabetics. Many diagnostic tools are used for diagnosis of angina. But these tools are difficult to use in primary care. Therefore we have planned to investigate the change of electrocardiography in old diabetics, using resting electrocardiogram which is available for primary care. METHOD: 67 patients with ST-T change group and 262 patients with control group were included in this study. Patients with chest pain or heart problem were excluded. The resting electrocardigraphy is examined by standard 12 lead electrocardiogram. RESULTS: There are differences of diabetes, HDL-cholesterol between ST-T change group and control group. Diabetes and HDL- cholesterol are significant factors that change ST-T wave in the resting electrocardigraphy. CONCLUSION: ST-T change of old diabetics without chest pain is more frequent than non diabetics. That means myocardial ischemia and requires treatment at secondary or third medical center. In conclusion, regular electrocardigraphy monitoring at primary care should be required in old diabetics.