Protein in critical care presented by Associate Professor Lee-anne Chapple, Associate Professor Emma
For many years, higher protein delivery in our critically ill patients has seemed intuitively beneficial. Lee-anne and Emma examine the latest evidence on protein provision in critical illness describing five major randomised controlled trials EFFORT Protein, PRECISe, NUTRIREA-3, TARGET Protein and PROTECTION. There is now evidence that higher protein doses may offer no benefit and, in some patient groups, may even be associated with harm. Their presentation looks at the concept of anabolic resistance during critical illness, the challenges of translating physiology into practice, and the importance of tailoring nutrition support to the phase and severity of illness. Lee-anne and Emma encourage us to critically evaluate established practices, remain responsive to new evidence, and adopt a cautious, individualised approach to protein delivery in critically ill patients.
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- Recent large-scale ICU protein trials challenge the assumption that higher protein doses improve clinical outcomes.
- Anabolic resistance occurs in critical illness and may explain why increasing protein intake may not prevent muscle loss.
- Protein prescriptions should be individualised according to illness severity, phase of recovery, and patient risk factors.
Associate Professor Lee-anne Chapple is Senior Intensive Care Dietitian at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and leads the ICU Nutrition Research Program at the University of Adelaide. Her research focuses on nutrition physiology during critical illness, post-ICU nutrition, and recovery after critical illness. Lee-anne has contributed to more than 100 research publications, secured over $12 million in research funding, and is ranked in the top 1% worldwide on Expertscape for enteral nutrition and nutritional support.
Associate Professor Emma Ridley is a clinical dietitian at Alfred Health and leads the Consumer Engagement and Nutrition Programs at the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Monash University. With more than 15 years’ experience in critical care nutrition research, her work focuses on improving nutrition care and long-term outcomes for critically ill adults and children. Emma has published more than 150 peer-reviewed papers, secured over $27 million in research funding, and is ranked in the top 1% worldwide on Expertscape in critical care and clinical nutrition.
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