Principles of nutrition support in patients with AKI

The general aim of nutrition support is to maintain nutritional status whilst limiting the complications of AKI. This includes preventing or minimising PEW, preserving lean body mass, avoiding further metabolic derangements, improving wound healing, supporting immune function and thus reducing risk of mortality (Fiaccadori et al, 2021; Meyer et al 2020).

A number of different factors will influence the patient’s nutritional needs (Fiaccadori et al, 2021). For those patients identified as being at high risk of malnutrition, an individualised assessment undertaken by a dietitian is recommended (Kanagasundaram et al, 2019).