Analysis of the Effects of Blenderized Tube Feeding, Diagnostic Complexity, and Length of Stay on BMI Changes in the ICU at Universitas Airlangga Hospital

Abstract

Background: Implementing Blenderized Tube Feeding (BTF) to patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) presents challenges.The nutritional content of BTF is often considered insufficient for critically ill patients in the ICU, necessitating a thorough analysis to provide accurate contributions to ICU patient outcomes. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effectss of enteral BTF nutrition, diagnostic complexity, and Length of Stay (LOS) on changes in BMI for ICU patients at Universitas Airlangga Hospital. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who received BTF during their ICU stay at Universitas Airlangga Hospital from November 2023 to May 2024, with approval from the Hospital Ethics Committee, number UA-02-23221.Demographic data included gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI) based on the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and diagnosis recognized by the healthcare payer. Data analysis was performed using R statistical software. Results: The total number of subjects analyzed in this study was 173, with 38 subjects excluded, resulting in a final sample size of 135.Data analysis revealed that the type of BTF nutrition and diagnostic complexity had a significant effects on BMI changes in the ICU at Universitas Airlangga Hospital, with p-values of 0.002 and 0.013, respectively.There was no significant effects of length of stay on BMI changes at admission and discharge. Conclusion: BTF significantly affects BMI changes. Diagnostic complexity and BTF nutrition have a more significant effects on BMI changes.The results of this study can serve as a recommendation for BTF nutritional calculations for ICU patients.