The effects of supplementary nutrition support (sns) on the physical and functional recovery of covid-19 patients

Abstract

Rationale: Nutritional insufficiency and decreased muscle mass of patients with COVID-19 leads to prolonged respiratory support, ICU & hospital stay, as well as reduced muscle strength and quality of life after COVID-19. Aim of study was to evaluate effects of SNS on the physical health recovery of COVID-19 patients. Methods: A prospective, open, multicenter, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of nutritional intervention with SNS in COVID-19 patients. 1 group received SNS daily for 28 days from the day of inclusion. The other group received standard diet. The primary endpoint was the evaluation of quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and the changes in the hand grip strength. Secondary endpoints of the study were duration of hospital stay and respiratory support. To analyze the data on the SF-36, a two-way ANOVA was carried out. The data which were not continuous, nonparametric tests was considered (Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney test). Results: Total patients included: 185. Median age: 55 years old. Upon evaluation of the physical component of quality of life (SF-36), a statistically significant difference between groups- 44.28±5.45 and 46.58±6.76 respectively (p=0.012). Muscle strength was statistically different in the control (4.01±1.15 daN) and study (6.1±2.06 daN) groups (p<0.0001). The duration of respiratory support and hospital stay was significantly lower in the study group, 6.7±1.30 days vs 8.14±1.52 days in the control group (p<0.0001) and 16.47±2.93 days, whereas in the study group it was 13.16±2.69 days (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Oral nutritional support given to oxygen dependent COVID-19 patients improves rehabilitation potential including preservation of muscle mass and function, reducing oxygen support requirements and length of stay in hospital. Disclosure of Interest: K. Krylov Grant / Research Support from: Nutricia, Speakers Bureau of: Nutricia; Fresenius Kabi; Nestle Healthcare, S. Sviridov: None declared, I. Vedenina: None declared, M. Rubanes: None declared.