Objective: The aim was to estimate energy and protein intake of patients at the Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Landspítali the National University Hospital of Iceland. Another aim was also to assess their nutritional status.
Methods: The energy and protein content of meals served by the hospital's kitchen is known. Starting at least 48 hours after surgery, all left over food and drinks were weighed and recorded for three consecutive days. Energy and protein requirements were estimated according to clinical guidelines for hospital nutrition at Landspítali (25-30 kcal/kg/day and 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day, respectively). Nutritional status was estimated using a validated seven question screening sheet.
Results: Results are presented for 61 patients. The average energy intake was 19±5.8 kcal/kg/day. Protein intake was on average 0.9±0.3 g/kg/day. Most patients (>80%) had an energy and protein intake below the lower limit of estimated energy and protein needs, even on the fifth day after sugery. According to the nutritional assessment 14 patients (23%) were defined as either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. This group was closer than the well-nourished group to meeting their estimated energy- and protein needs. The use of nutrition drinks was more common among malnourished patients and those at risk of malnutrition than the well-nourished patients.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the energy and protein intake of patients is below estimated requirements, even on the fifth day after surgery. Attention must be paid to malnutrition and nutrition in general in the hospital wards.