Objective: The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of high vs lower enteral protein intake, considering energy intake, on clinical and nutritional outcomes in critically ill children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Introduction: Over- and undernutrition increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in critically ill children. The impact of high vs lower enteral protein intake on clinical outcomes, considering energy intake, still needs to be investigated in children of different ages.

Inclusion criteria: This review will consider studies of critically ill children (aged between ≥ 37 weeks gestational age and < 18 years) admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for a minimum of 48 hours and receiving enteral nutrition. Randomized controlled trials comparing high vs lower enteral protein intake, considering energy intake, will be eligible. Primary outcomes will include clinical and nutritional outcomes, such as length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit and nitrogen balance.

Methods: Using the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness, we will search for randomized controlled trials published in English, French, Italian, Spanish, and German in electronic databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, from database inception until the present. We will also search clinical trial registers and, if required, contact authors. Two independent reviewers will screen and select studies for inclusion, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality. A third reviewer will be consulted if necessary. A statistical meta-analysis will be performed if feasible.

Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42022315325.