Abstract
<jats:p>Admissions to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) have increased by 15% in the last ten years. Most children admitted to PICU will require organ support, which may involve respiratory, cardiovascular or renal support. During this period, the majority will require enteral or parenteral nutrition (PN). As such, it is important to ensure optimal nutritional support from admission to discharge based on anthropometrical and biochemical parameters, clinical assessment and previous dietary intake. Nutrition assessment should include: Anthropometry, Biochemistry, Clinical, Dietary and Evaluation (ABCDE). Undernutrition in critically ill children is common, impacting morbidity, late mortality and length of PICU stay. Nutrition guidelines, including feeding protocols and paediatric dietetic care plans, significantly improve nutrition intake in some critically ill children, although they are of limited benefit in children with congenital heart disease.</jats:p>