How much protein is required to optimize outcomes for critically ill patients? Recent clinical guidelines for critical illness in adults recommend daily protein doses of 1.2-2.0 g/kg body weight. Large observational studies generally support lower mortality with greater protein intake. The few randomized clinical trials were small and inconclusive, and post hoc analyses suggested that more protein may be associated with harm.
The EFFORT Trial is a registry-based,
clinical trial that includes randomization of individual patients to a protein
target of either ≤1.2 g/kg/day or ≥2.2 g/kg/day. Its goal is to determine which
of these protein doses yields lower 60-day mortality and shorter time to
discharge alive.
The EFFORT parent trial has concluded, and a synopsis is
available.