Project R-15855

The effect of disease-host interactions on Energy and Protein metabolism in critical illness (Research)

Providing optimal energy and protein nutrition in critically ill patients is challenging. Current guidelines recommend high protein intake (1.3 g/kg/day) and the use of indirect calorimetry to estimate energy needs. However, investigators from UHasselt and Maastricht University recently showed that high protein in nutrition may harmful in some ICU patients. In addition, the clinical benefit of indirect calorimetry is still unproven and results in potentially unnecessary waste. Investigators and clinicians from Maastricht University and UHasselt start a project, aimed at improving how we determine energy and protein needs in critically ill patients. They will study how specific patient characteristics and disease-related factors affect protein and energy metabolism and affects nutritional requirements. In addition they will compare different methods for measuring energy expenditure to identify a method that is effective and sustainable. Using a multidimensional approach including laboratory research, patient data, and clinical studies, this project will help to develop more effective, individualized nutrition strategies, improving recovery.

01 October 2025 - 30 September 2029