EVALUATION OF THE RISK OF MALNUTRITION IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU): LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Hospital malnutrition is a common condition and directly impacts patient prognosis, especially in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This study reviewed national and international scientific literature (2009-2024) on prevalence, screening methods, and clinical outcomes. The prevalence of nutritional risk ranged from 48% to 58%, being higher in critically ill patients and more common in men. An association was observed between nutritional risk and infectious complications, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality. Protocols such as ASG, NRS-2002, MNA, and MUST have shown efficacy in early detection, reinforcing the importance of systematic screening upon admission as an essential strategy for improving clinical prognosis and optimizing care