The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on Duration of Mechanical Ventilation: A Pilot Study

Introduction: It is important to wean mechanically-ventilated patients as early as possible to avoid complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia. Supplementing the diet with additional protein may help to stimulate muscle protein synthesis which may enhance respiratory muscle function and ventilator drive. This study aims to determine the effect of whey protein supplementation on the duration of mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit patients of Ospital ng Makati. Methods: We enrolled forty eligible patients in this open-label randomized controlled trial and were assigned into two groups: Group A (N=20): patients were given enteral feeding using commercial formula with added whey protein, given as one serving every eight hours (equivalent to 18 g of additional protein per day) and Group B (N=20): patients were given enteral feeding using commercial formula alone. Weaning was started as soon as the patient fulfilled the criteria of spontaneous breathing trial and was considered successful if the patient maintained these criteria for 48 hours after extubation. Results: Our study’s results showed that the mechanically intubated patients in Group A have lesser ventilator-dependent days with an average of 5.4 days as compared to those in Group B with an average of 7.45 days (p=0.00). Patients in Group A were also noted to have statistically significant higher increase in serum albumin, mid-arm circumference and triceps skin fold from baseline. Twenty-five percent of patients in Group B developed ventilator acquired pneumonia and none in Group A. No mortality was noted in both groups. Conclusion: Whey protein supplementation in mechanically ventilated patients can be recommended to facilitate early weaning because of its effect on early muscle protein synthesis leading to improvement of lung function and ventilator drive. It can also help in preventing malnutrition and nosocomial infections during critical illness. With all these benefits of whey protein, its use can potentially lead to shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay which can also mean less cost of care delivery. Keywords: whey protein, weaning, mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit, randomized controlled trial