Smartfeeding: A Dynamic Strategy to Increase Nutritional Efficiency in Critically Ill Patients-Positioning Document of the Metabolism and Nutrition Working Group and the Early Mobilization Working Group of the Catalan Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine (SOCMiC).

Adequate medical nutrition therapy for critically ill patients has an impact on their prognoses. However, it requires an individualized approach that takes into account the activity (phases of metabolic stress) and particularity of these patients. We propose a comprehensive strategy considering the patients' nutritional status and the set of modifiable circumstances in these patients, in order to optimize/support nutritional efficiency: (1) A detailed anamnesis and an adequate initial nutritional assessment must be performed in order to implement medical nutrition therapy that is in line with the needs and characteristics of each patient. Furthermore, risks associated with refeeding syndrome, nutritrauma or gastrointestinal dysfunction must be considered and prevented. (2) A safe transition between nutrition therapy routes and between health care units will greatly contribute to recovery. The main objective is to preserve lean mass in critically ill patients, considering metabolic factors, adequate protein intake and muscle stimulation. (3) Continuous monitoring is required for the successful implementation of any health strategy. We lack precise tools for calculating nutritional efficiency in critically ill patients, therefore thorough monitoring of the process is essential. (4) The medical nutrition approach in critically ill patients is multidisciplinary and requires the participation of the entire team involved. A comprehensive strategy such as this can make a significant difference in the functional recovery of critically ill patients, but leaders must be identified to promote training, evaluation, analysis and feedback as essential components of its implementation, and to coordinate this process with the recognition of hospital management.

Factors associated with the need of parenteral nutrition in critically ill patients after the initiation of enteral nutrition therapy.

Background and aims: Despite enteral nutrition (EN) is the preferred route of nutrition in patients with critical illness, EN is not always able to provide optimal nutrient provision and parenteral nutrition (PN) is needed. This is strongly associated with gastrointestinal (GI) complications, a feature of gastrointestinal dysfunction and disease severity. The aim of the present study was to investigate factors associated with the need of PN after start of EN, together with the use and complications associated with EN. Methods: Adult patients admitted to 38 Spanish intensive care units (ICUs) between April and July 2018, who needed EN therapy were included in a prospective observational study. The characteristics of EN-treated patients and those who required PN after start EN were analyzed (i.e., clinical, laboratory and scores). Results: Of a total of 443 patients, 43 (9.7%) received PN. One-third (29.3%) of patients presented GI complications, which were more frequent among those needing PN (26% vs. 60%, p = 0.001). No differences regarding mean energy and protein delivery were found between patients treated only with EN (n = 400) and those needing supplementary or total PN (n = 43). Abnormalities in lipid profile, blood proteins, and inflammatory markers, such as C-Reactive Protein, were shown in those patients needing PN. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) on ICU admission (Hazard ratio [HR]:1.161, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.053-1.281, p = 0.003) and modified Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) score (HR:1.311, 95% CI:1.098-1.565, p = 0.003) were higher among those who needed PN. In the multivariate analysis, higher SOFA score (HR:1.221, 95% CI:1.057-1.410, p = 0.007) and higher triglyceride levels on ICU admission (HR:1.004, 95% CI:1.001-1.007, p = 0.003) were associated with an increased risk for the need of PN, whereas higher albumin levels on ICU admission (HR:0.424, 95% CI:0.210-0.687, p = 0.016) was associated with lower need of PN. Conclusion: A higher SOFA and nutrition-related laboratory parameters on ICU admission may be associated with the need of PN after starting EN therapy. This may be related with a higher occurrence of GI complications, a feature of GI dysfunction. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03634943.

Predictive factors of hyperglycaemia in patients with parenteral nutrition. / Factores predictores de hiperglucemia en pacientes con nutrición parenteral.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictive factors of hyperglycaemia in patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study (January 2016-December 2016) conducted in a 450-bed university hospital. Adult hospitalized patients who received total PN through a central line for at least 48hours were included. The required variables to characterize patients, and those related to the PN received were collected and hyperglycaemia was defined as 3 consecutive glycaemias greater than 150mg/dl or 2 greater than 180mg/dl. A descriptive, comparative bivariate statistical analysis was carried out, as well as a multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression (SPSS.v.24.) RESULTS: 234 patients were included. The prevalence of hyperglycaemia in the population under study was 44.0%. The main differences observed in the bivariate analysis between hyperglycaemic and normoglycemic patients were related to age, previous comorbidities, medical department, presence of sepsis, duration and glucose contribution in PN, as well as blood glucose levels and corticosteroids. The predictors of hyperglycaemia obtained after the multivariate analysis were: renal clearance (OR=.982, 95% CI .968-.996, P=.010), pre-PN glycaemia (OR=1.039, 95% CI 1.026-1.051, P<.001), diabetes mellitus (OR=11.016, 95% CI 3.028-31.697, P<.001), intensive medicine (OR=3.303, 95% CI 1.183-9.219, P=.023), corticosteroids (OR=3.155, 95% CI 1.179-8.226, P=.022). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased renal clearance, high blood glucose levels, diabetes, corticosteroid use, and critical patients are predictors of hyperglycaemia, therefore it would be advisable to consider them in the design of PN start formula.