Optimal protein requirements during the first 2 weeks after the onset of critical illness

Abstract

Current recommended protein requirements of 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg of body weight/day are excessive if they are indexed to the body weight measured soon after the onset of critical illness. Because individual patients have varying degrees of overhydration early in the illness onset, we suggest that the intensivist should obtain information on preillness body weight and prescribe 1.2g of protein/kg body weight/day. If information is not available, 1.0g of protein/day/kg of measured body weight will give a fair approximation to optimal protein requirements.