Management of Malnutrition in Adult Patients in Intensive Care Units in Cameroon Using an Enteral Nutrition Formula Based on Local Ingredients

Background: Hospital malnutrition is often overlooked in developing countries, although adequate nutritional support is essential for optimizing patient care. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an enteral nutrition formulation prepared from local ingredients.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 77 adult patients admitted to intensive care. Protein, energy, and immune markers were assessed upon admission, and an enteral diet capable of meeting energy requirements was formulated using local ingredients (corn flour, soybean flour, powdered milk, soybean oil, whole egg, mineral water, sugar, and cocoa powder). This diet was administered within 48 hours of admission. Nutritional reassessment was performed after seven days of enteral feeding. Data were analyzed using R software and GraphPad.

Results: Upon admission, 18%, 13%, and 49% of patients had mild, moderate, and severe protein reserve deficiencies, respectively. Regarding energy reserves, 23% of patients had mild deficiencies, 29% moderate deficiencies, and 22% severe deficiencies. For immune defense loss, the proportions were 3% for mild deficits, 5% for moderate deficits, and 13% for severe deficits. Enteral feeding significantly improved mean albumin concentrations between admission and nutritional reassessment (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Our formulation provides an effective means of nutritional support for indigent patients in hospital settings.