Hypophosphatemia in critically ill children: prevalence and associated risk factors.

Background: Hypophosphatemia is a disorder with potential complications and is often unrecognized in critically ill patients.

Aims: To identify the prevalence of hypophosphatemia and risk factors associated to this disorder in critically ill children.

Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 82 children admitted consecutively to a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) were monitored regarding phosphorus serum levels during the first 10 days of admission.

Enteral nutrition in critically ill children: are prescription and delivery according to their energy requirements?

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the differences between prescribed and delivered energy among critically ill children and to identify the factors that impede the optimal delivery of enteral nutrition in the first 5 days of nutrition support.

Methods: In a prospective cohort study, we evaluated 55 critically ill children aged 8.2 +/- 11.