Survival of critically ill patients has improved, resulting in a growing population of chronically critically ill (CCI) individuals with prolonged organ dysfunction, mechanical ventilation, and high morbidity. While nutritional guidelines during the acute phase are well established, evidence on protein intake in CCI patients is limited. Inflammation may influence metabolic responses and clinical outcomes, highlighting the need for prospective studies.
The MetaChronic Study is a single-center, prospective cohort designed to describe metabolic trajectories and evaluate the effect of protein intake on outcomes in critically ill adults. Resting energy expenditure will be measured by serial indirect calorimetry, protein and caloric intake will be recorded weekly, and inflammation will be assessed using C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin. Secondary objectives include subgroup analyses, assessment of protein delivery routes, and exploration of interactions between protein intake, caloric intake, and inflammation.