Assessment of macronutrient intake in subjects with mild to moderate pneumonia due to Covid 19 classified based on their nutritional status

ABSTRACT

Malnutrition, both severe and acute in covid 19 patients are particularly serious problems, may depress the immune system further indicating a poor outcome in terms of morbidity, quality of life and mortality1. Thus, dietary intake may play a major role in determining nutritional status of patients with pneumonia due to COVID 19. Aim was to screen and evaluate the intake of macro-nutrients in subjects who could tolerate oral intake with mild to moderate pneumonia due to Covid 19 assessed for nutritional status, fat free mass index (FFMI) and basic lung function. A cross sectional study was carried out on 71 patients admitted to an ICU in an urban multispecialty hospital from August 2020 to January 2021. Nutritional status, lung function, body composition was assessed using Patient generated Subjective global assessment (PGSGA), Spirometry and Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI) respectively. Dietary intakes were assessed using Food record charts (FRCs). The results show that higher proportion of subjects were unable to meet the RDI for energy (56%), protein (90%) and fat (66%);carbohydrate intake was above RDI (41%) despite of providing oral nutritional supplements in an attempt to meet the required dietary allowance and nutritional needs in these subjects. 24 (73%) subjects out of 33 under stage B & C reported lack of appetite with early satiety. Mean age of the patients was 62± 8.8 yrs. and mean BMI on admission was 21.1± 4.2 kg/m2. [Formula presented] In conclusion subjects included in this study with better nutritional status and nutrient intakes had better lung function. Hence, early identification of malnutrition by screening, assessment with timely nutrition intervention in COVID 19 subjects by fueling of deficits in nutrient intake may preserve lean body mass, improve nutritional status, avoid deterioration of lung function due to malnutrition thus leading to a probable positive prognosis of the disease. References 1. Damayanthi HDWT, Prabani KIP. Nutritional determinants and COVID-19 outcomes of older patients with COVID-19 A systematic review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2021 Jul-Aug;95104411.