HOW DO I USE THIS BOOK? This book is organized to answer specific questions about the metabolic and nutritional problems of critically ill patients. Thc questions are listed under five chapter headings in the Contents. Each question is self-contained with its own charts, tables, and references, although, in some instances, you may be referred to another section of the book for additional information. A detailed subject outline appears on the first page of each chapter, and there is an index for cross-reference to specific subjects. A metabolic support plan and accompanying metabolic and nutritional worksheet are locatcd in the Appendix. This plan pro vides the best estimates available for predicting the metabolic requirements of patients, and outlines approaches to feeding the hospitalized patient which will satisfy these nutritional needs. Clin ical cases are presented in this section to help you get started using the support plan. This volume is a handbook organized for frequent use - place the appropriate tables and nomograms on the bulletin board of the intensive care unit or in your office for convenient reference. Use the metabolic and nutritional support plan and establish the habit of assessing the metabolic requirements of your patients. Refer to the references cited to explore in further detail specific questions or areas of interest. By applying our knowledge of the metabolic and nutritional alterations which occur following disease, we can improve our care of the critically ill."

Nutritional support of critically ill patients is a major treatment modality which will enhance recovery and shorten convalescence. New knowledge has emphasized that much of the organ dysfunction associated with sepsis and altered blood flow is related to oxidative injury. Specific nutrients are highly effective in counteracting these effects and their early administration may attenuate cellular damage and multi-organ failure. Patient outcome may also be enhanced by the route of feeding, administration of newer nutrient combinations, utilization of evolving methods of monitoring and the use of growth factors. This new knowledge has evolved to a new area of metabolic support which is addressed for the first time by a group of international experts. The topics presented and general conclusions are of major importance to the practitioners in this field, for they show, for the first time, a departure from the more traditional approaches of nutritional support in patients with life-threatening diseases.