What protein level do recent ICU studies suggest for ICU patients on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)?

What protein level do recent ICU studies suggest for ICU patients on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)?

• A. 2.0-2.5 g/kg/day
• B. 1.0-1.5 g/kg/day
• C. 3.0-3.5 g/kg/day
• D. 0.5-1.0 g/kg/day

Answer: (A)

In ICU patients on continuous renal replacement therapy, protein needs are higher because CRRT can sweep amino acids and small peptides out of the blood, while the catabolic state of critical illness drives rapid protein breakdown. To offset these losses and support recovery, recent ICU studies suggest aiming for about 2.0–2.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This range helps maintain nitrogen balance, supports immune function and wound healing, and reflects what has been observed when CRRT increases protein losses. Lower targets, like 1.0–1.5 or 0.5–1.0 g/kg/day, would likely be insufficient to compensate for CRRT-associated losses and could worsen muscle wasting. A much higher intake, such as 3.0–3.5 g/kg/day, is generally not necessary and may pose risks without clear benefit in many patients. Individualize within this range based on tolerance, renal and hepatic function, and overall clinical status.

In ICU patients on continuous renal replacement therapy, protein needs are higher because CRRT can sweep amino acids and small peptides out of the blood, while the catabolic state of critical illness drives rapid protein breakdown. To offset these losses and support recovery, recent ICU studies suggest aiming for about 2.0–2.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This range helps maintain nitrogen balance, supports immune function and wound healing, and reflects what has been observed when CRRT increases protein losses. Lower targets, like 1.0–1.5 or 0.5–1.0 g/kg/day, would likely be insufficient to compensate for CRRT-associated losses and could worsen muscle wasting. A much higher intake, such as 3.0–3.5 g/kg/day, is generally not necessary and may pose risks without clear benefit in many patients. Individualize within this range based on tolerance, renal and hepatic function, and overall clinical status.