Omega-3 fatty acids in parenteral nutrition - A systematic review with network meta-analysis on clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Accumulating scientific evidence supports the benefits of parenteral nutrition (PN) with fish oil (FO) containing intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) on clinical outcomes. Yet, the question of the most effective ILE remains controversial. We conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare and rank different types of ILEs in terms of their effects on infections, sepsis, ICU and hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality in adult patients. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to May 2022, investigating ILEs as a part of part of PN covering at least 70% of total energy provision. Lipid emulsions were classified in four categories: FO-ILEs, olive oil (OO)-ILEs, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)/soybean oil (SO)-ILEs, and pure SO-ILEs. Data were statistically combined through Bayesian NMA and the Surface Under the Cumulative RAnking (SUCRA) was calculated for all outcomes. RESULTS: 1651 publications were retrieved in the original search, 47 RCTs were included in the NMA. For FO-ILEs, very highly credible reductions in infection risk versus SO-ILEs [odds ratio (OR) = 0.43 90% credibility interval (CrI) (0.29-0.63)], MCT/soybean oil-ILEs [0.59 (0.43-0.82)], and OO-ILEs [0.56 (0.33-0.91)], and in sepsis risk versus SO-ILEs [0.22 (0.08-0.59)], as well as substantial reductions in hospital length of stay versus SO-ILEs [mean difference (MD) = -2.31 (-3.14 to -1.59) days] and MCT/SO-ILEs (-2.01 (-2.82 to -1.22 days) were shown. According to SUCRA score, FO-ILEs were ranked first for all five outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized patients, FO-ILEs provide significant clinical benefits over all other types of ILEs, ranking first for all outcomes investigated. REGISTRATION NO: PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022328660.

Omega-3 fatty acid-containing parenteral nutrition in ICU patients: systematic review with meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid (FA)-containing parenteral nutrition (PN) is associated with significant improvements in patient outcomes compared with standard PN regimens without ω-3 FA lipid emulsions. Here, we evaluate the impact of ω-3 FA-containing PN versus standard PN on clinical outcomes and costs in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients using a meta-analysis and subsequent cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of a hospital operating in five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK) and the US. METHODS: We present a pharmacoeconomic simulation based on a systematic literature review with meta-analysis. Clinical outcomes and costs comparing ω-3 FA-containing PN with standard PN were evaluated in adult ICU patients eligible to receive PN covering at least 70% of their total energy requirements and in the subgroup of critically ill ICU patients (mean ICU stay > 48 h). The meta-analysis with the co-primary outcomes of infection rate and mortality rate was based on randomized controlled trial data retrieved via a systematic literature review; resulting efficacy data were subsequently employed in country-specific cost-effectiveness analyses. RESULTS: In adult ICU patients, ω-3 FA-containing PN versus standard PN was associated with significant reductions in the relative risk (RR) of infection (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.45, 0.86; p = 0.004), hospital length of stay (HLOS) (- 3.05 days; 95% CI - 5.03, - 1.07; p = 0.003) and ICU length of stay (LOS) (- 1.89 days; 95% CI - 3.33, - 0.45; p = 0.01). In critically ill ICU patients, ω-3 FA-containing PN was associated with similar reductions in infection rates (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.46, 0.94; p = 0.02), HLOS (- 3.98 days; 95% CI - 6.90, - 1.06; p = 0.008) and ICU LOS (- 2.14 days; 95% CI - 3.89, - 0.40; p = 0.02). Overall hospital episode costs were reduced in all six countries using ω-3 FA-containing PN compared to standard PN, ranging from €-3156 ± 1404 in Spain to €-9586 ± 4157 in the US. CONCLUSION: These analyses demonstrate that ω-3 FA-containing PN is associated with statistically and clinically significant improvement in patient outcomes. Its use is also predicted to yield cost savings compared to standard PN, rendering ω-3 FA-containing PN an attractive cost-saving alternative across different health care systems. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019129311.

ω-3 Fatty-Acid Enriched Parenteral Nutrition in Hospitalized Patients: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated ω-3 fatty-acid enriched parenteral nutrition (PN) vs standard (non-ω-3 fatty-acid enriched) PN in adult hospitalized patients (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018110179). We included 49 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with intervention and control groups given ω-3 fatty acids and standard lipid emulsions, respectively, as part of PN covering ≥70% energy provision. The relative risk (RR) of infection (primary outcome; 24 RCTs) was 40% lower with ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN than standard PN (RR 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.72; P < 0.00001). Patients given ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN had reduced mean length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (10 RCTs; 1.95 days, 95% CI 0.42-3.49; P = 0.01) and reduced length of hospital stay (26 RCTs; 2.14 days, 95% CI 1.36-2.93; P < 0.00001). Risk of sepsis (9 RCTs) was reduced by 56% in those given ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.70; P = 0.0004). Mortality rate (co-primary outcome; 20 RCTs) showed a nonsignificant 16% reduction (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65-1.07; P = 0.15) for the ω-3 fatty-acid enriched group. In summary, ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN is beneficial, reducing risk of infection and sepsis by 40% and 56%, respectively, and length of both ICU and hospital stay by about 2 days. Provision of ω-3-enriched lipid emulsions should be preferred over standard lipid emulsions in patients with an indication for PN.

Clinical Nutrition in Critical Care Medicine - Guideline of the German Society for Nutritional Medicine (DGEM).

PURPOSE: Enteral and parenteral nutrition of adult critically ill patients varies in terms of the route of nutrient delivery, the amount and composition of macro- and micronutrients, and the choice of specific, immune-modulating substrates. Variations of clinical nutrition may affect clinical outcomes. The present guideline provides clinicians with updated consensus-based recommendations for clinical nutrition in adult critically ill patients who suffer from at least one acute organ dysfunction requiring specific drug therapy and/or a mechanical support device (e.g., mechanical ventilation) to maintain organ function. METHODS: The former guidelines of the German Society for Nutritional Medicine (DGEM) were updated according to the current instructions of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) valid for a S2k-guideline. According to the S2k-guideline classification, no systematic review of the available evidence was required to make recommendations, which, therefore, do not state evidence- or recommendation grades. Nevertheless, we considered and commented the evidence from randomized-controlled trials, meta-analyses and observational studies with adequate sample size and high methodological quality (until May 2018) as well as from currently valid guidelines of other societies. The liability of each recommendation was described linguistically. Each recommendation was finally validated and consented through a Delphi process. RESULTS: In the introduction the guideline describes a) the pathophysiological consequences of critical illness possibly affecting metabolism and nutrition of critically ill patients, b) potential definitions for different disease phases during the course of illness, and c) methodological shortcomings of clinical trials on nutrition. Then, we make 69 consented recommendations for essential, practice-relevant elements of clinical nutrition in critically ill patients. Among others, recommendations include the assessment of nutrition status, the indication for clinical nutrition, the timing and route of nutrient delivery, and the amount and composition of substrates (macro- and micronutrients); furthermore, we discuss distinctive aspects of nutrition therapy in obese critically ill patients and those treated with extracorporeal support devices. CONCLUSION: The current guideline provides clinicians with up-to-date recommendations for enteral and parenteral nutrition of adult critically ill patients who suffer from at least one acute organ dysfunction requiring specific drug therapy and/or a mechanical support device (e.g., mechanical ventilation) to maintain organ function. The period of validity of the guideline is approximately fixed at five years (2018-2023).

Effects of a metabolic optimized fast track concept (MOFA) on bowel function and recovery after surgery in patients undergoing elective colon or liver resection: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery programs (ERAS) using thoracic epidural anesthesia and perioperative patient conditioning with omega-3 fatty acids (n3FA), glucose control (GC) and on-demand fluid therapy, respectively, showed beneficial effects. In the MOFA- study these components were used together in patients undergoing colon or liver surgery. We hypothesized that the use of a perioperative MOFA program improves intestine function represented as time to the first postoperative bowel movement in adult patients compared to standard ERAS. METHODS: After BfArM and IRB approval 100 patients were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial. All patients received ERAS therapy (control). In addition, the MOFA group received 0.2 g/kg fish oil (Omegaven®), preoperatively, followed by a 48 h continuous infusion of 0.2 g/kg/d n3FA; and GC was kept below < 8 mmol/L. Pre- and postoperatively energy drinks were administered. RESULTS: As compared to control group the MOFA concept resulted in an earlier onset of flatulence by 14 h (46.6 ± 25.7, 32.0 ± 17.9, p = 0.030, hours, control vs. MOFA, respectively). Effects on onset of bowel movement were not observed (74.5 ± 30.4, 66.4 ± 29.2, p = 0.163, hours, control vs. MOFA, respectively). The disease severity (SAPS II score; p = 0.720) as well as deployment of resources (TISS 28 score, p = 0.709) did not differ between groups. No statistic significant difference between MOFA and control group regarding inflammation, impairment of coagulation, length of hospital stay or incidence of postoperative surgical complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The MOFA concept did not result in an improvement of intestine function or faster recovery after elective colon or liver surgery compared to standard ERAS therapy. Omega-3 fatty acids showed no impairment of coagulation or improved resolution of inflammation. Further trials in a larger patient collective are needed to investigate potential beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in abdominal surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was prospectively registered at the European Union Clinical Trials Register (EuDraCT 2005-004814-33, date: 10-05-2005, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=2005-004814-33+ ).

[DGEM Guideline "Clinical Nutrition in Critical Care Medicine" - short version]. / DGEM-Leitlinie: Klinische Ernährung in der Intensivmedizin ­ Kurzversion.

PURPOSE: Variations of clinical nutrition may affect outcome of critically ill patients. Here we present the short version of the updated consenus-based guideline (S2k classification) "Clinical nutrition in critical care medicine" of the German Society for Nutritional Medicine (DGEM) in cooperation with 7 other national societies. The target population of the guideline was defined as critically ill adult patients who suffer from at least one acute organ dysfunction requiring specific drug therapy and/or a mechanical support device (e.g. mechanical ventilation) to maintain organ function. METHODS: The former guidelines of the German Society for Nutritional Medicine (DGEM) were updated according to the current instructions of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) valid for a S2k-guideline. We considered and commented the evidence from randomized-controlled trials, meta-analyses and observational studies with adequate sample size and high methodological quality (until May 2018) as well as from currently valid guidelines of international societies. The liability of each recommendation was indicated using linguistic terms. Each recommendation was finally validated and consented by a Delphi process. RESULTS: The short version presents a summary of all 69 consented recommendations for essential, practice-relevant elements of clinical nutrition in the target population. A specific focus is the adjustment of nutrition according to the phases of critical illness, and to the individual tolerance to exogenous substrates. Among others, recommendations include the assessment of nutritional status, the indication for clinical nutrition, the timing, route, magnitude and composition of nutrition (macro- and micronutrients) as well as distinctive aspects of nutrition therapy in obese critically ill patients and those with extracorporeal support devices. CONCLUSION: The current short version of the guideline provides a concise summary of the updated recommendations for enteral and parenteral nutrition of adult critically ill patients who suffer from at least one acute organ dysfunction requiring pharmacological and/or mechanical support. The validity of the guideline is approximately fixed at five years (2018 - 2023).

Intravenous fish oil in adult intensive care unit patients.

Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oils have shown efficacy in the treatment of chronic and acute inflammatory diseases due to their pleiotropic effects on inflammatory cell signalling pathways. In a variety of experimental and clinical studies, omega-3 fatty acids attenuated hyperinflammatory conditions and induced faster recovery. This chapter will shed light on the effects of intravenous fish oil in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients and will discuss clinical data and recent meta-analyses on the topic. While significant beneficial effects on infection rates and the lengths of ICU and hospital stays have concordantly been identified in three recent meta-analyses on non-ICU surgical patients, the level of evidence is not so clear for critically ill patients. Three meta-analyses published in 2012 or 2013 explored data on the ICU population. Although the present data suggest the consideration of enteral nutrition enriched with fish oil, borage oil and antioxidants in mild to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, only one of the three meta-analyses found a trend (p = 0.08) of lower mortality in ICU patients receiving intravenous omega-3 fatty acids. Two of the meta-analyses indicated a significantly shorter hospital stay (5.17-9.49 days), and one meta-analysis found a significant reduction in ICU days (1.92). As a result of these effects, cost savings were postulated. Unlike in surgical patients, the effects of fish oil on infection rates were not found to be statistically significant in ICU patients, and dose-effect relationships were not established for any cohort. Thus, obvious positive secondary outcome effects with intravenous fish oil have not yet been shown to transfer to lower mortality in critically ill patients. There is a need for adequately powered, well-planned and well-conducted randomized trials to give clear recommendations on the individual utility and dosage of intravenous omega-3 fatty acids in critical illness.

Cost-effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in parenteral nutrition therapy in hospitals: a discrete event simulation model.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: A recent meta-analysis showed that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in parenteral nutrition (PN) regimens is associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in infection rate, and length of hospital stay (LOS) in medical and surgical patients admitted to the ICU and in surgical patients not admitted to the ICU. The objective of this present study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to standard PN regimens in four European countries (Italy, France, Germany and the UK) from the healthcare provider perspective. METHODS: Using a discrete event simulation scheme, a patient-level simulation model was developed, based on outcomes from the Italian ICU patient population and published literature. Comparative efficacy data for PN regimens containing omega-3 fatty acids versus standard PN regimens was taken from the meta-analysis of published randomised clinical trials (n = 23 studies with a total of 1502 patients), and hospital LOS reduction was further processed in order to split the reduction in ICU stay from that in-ward stays for patients admitted to the ICU. Country-specific cost data was obtained for Italian, French, German and UK healthcare systems. Clinical outcomes included in the model were death rates, nosocomial infection rates, and ICU/hospital LOS. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were undertaken to test the reliability of results. RESULTS: PN regimens containing omega-3 fatty acids were more effective on average than standard PN both in ICU and in non-ICU patients in the four countries considered, reducing infection rates and overall LOS, and resulting in a lower total cost per patient. Overall costs for patients receiving PN regimens containing omega-3 fatty acids were between €14 144 to €19 825 per ICU patient and €5484 to €14 232 per non-ICU patient, translating into savings of between €3972 and €4897 per ICU patient and savings of between €561 and €1762 per non-ICU patient. Treatment costs were completely offset by the reduction in hospital stay costs and antibiotic costs. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the supplementation of PN regimens with omega-3 fatty acids would be cost effective in Italian, French, German and UK hospitals.

n-3 fatty acid-enriched parenteral nutrition regimens in elective surgical and ICU patients: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies and a meta-analysis in surgical patients indicate that supplementing parenteral nutrition regimens with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is associated with improved laboratory and clinical outcomes in the setting of hyper-inflammatory conditions. Refined or synthetic fish oils are commonly used as a source of EPA and DHA. The objective of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate n-3 PUFA-enriched parenteral nutrition regimens in elective surgical and intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS: Medline was searched for randomized controlled trials comparing n-3 PUFA-enriched lipid emulsions with standard non-enriched lipid emulsions (i.e. soybean oil, MCT/LCT or olive/soybean oil emulsions) in surgical and ICU patients receiving parenteral nutrition. Extracted data were pooled by means of both random and fixed effects models, and subgroup analyses were carried forward to compare findings in ICU versus non-ICU patients. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies (n = 1502 patients: n = 762 admitted to the ICU) were included. No statistically significant difference in mortality rate was found between patients receiving n-3 PUFA-enriched lipid emulsions and those receiving standard lipid emulsions (RR = 0.89; 0.59, 1.33), possibly reflecting a relatively low underlying mortality risk. However, n-3 PUFA-enriched emulsions are associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in the infection rate (RR = 0.61; 0.45, 0.84) and the lengths of stay, both in the ICU (-1.92; -3.27, -0.58) and in hospital overall (-3.29; -5.13, -1.45). Other beneficial effects included reduced markers of inflammation, improved lung gas exchange, liver function, antioxidant status and fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids, and a trend towards less impairment of kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm and extend previous findings, indicating that n-3 PUFAs-enriched parenteral nutrition regimens are safe and effective in reducing the infection rate and hospital/ICU stay in surgical and ICU patients.

Anticancer actions of omega-3 fatty acids--current state and future perspectives.

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega3-FA) were shown to attenuate growth and induce apoptosis in a variety of human cancer cell lines derived from colonic, pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancer. In addition, recent findings indicate that omega3-FA act synergistically with chemotherapeutic agents and may also be used to enhance tumour radiosensitivity. The mechanisms underlying the anti-tumour effects of omega3-FA are complex. Incorporation of omega3-FA in biological membranes alters the profile of lipid mediators generated during inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, omega3-FA act as ligands of nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors that attenuate transcription of NF-kappaB-dependent genes. Thereby, the cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E(2)-dependent production of pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor and levels of anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and bcl-X(L) are decreased. Eicosanoid-independent pro-apoptotic pathways include enhanced lipid peroxidation, modulation of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and enhanced production of reactive oxygen species as well as activation of p53. This review article will give a comprehensive overview over the pleiotropic actions of omega3-FA and will discuss the potential of omega3-FA and derivatives like conjugated eicosapentaenoic acid as important nutritional adjuvant therapeutics in the management of various human cancer diseases and the impact of nutritional omega-3 FA on cancer prevention.

Pharmaconutrition with omega-3 fatty acids: status quo and further perspectives.

Beneficial rapid onset effects of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil on host defense compensatory fit into the comprehensive pathophysiology of critical illness. Because of balanced pro- and anti-inflammatory effects on a variety of host defense subsystems even septic patients had earlier recovery and improved survival. This review focuses in a compressed view on the beneficial aspects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on diverse organ functions, host defense and on balanced pro - and anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical impact of fish oil based pharmaconutrition during critical inflammation processes and immune response in humans is thoroughly discussed.

Lipoproteins in inflammation and sepsis. II. Clinical aspects.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation and sepsis are accompanied by severe metabolic alterations, including insulin resistance together with increased levels of triglycerides (TGs) and decreases in high- and low-density lipoproteins. Clinical studies have clearly established a link between lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation. Lipoproteins were shown to neutralize LPS and to exert direct anti-inflammatory actions. High- and low-density lipoproteins are thus thought to be important regulators of the host immune response during endotoxemia, which may also have the potential of improving the care of patients with Gram-negative sepsis. DISCUSSION: Nutritional lipids supplied during critical illness have been shown to modulate the host response to inflammation. In particular, inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids seems to have beneficial effects on cellular immunity and helps to maintain the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines thereby preventing hyperinflammatory complications. In addition to improvements in the profile of lipid mediators generated, omega-3 fatty acids act as activating ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and directly inhibit nuclear factor kappaB mediated proinflammatory signaling. We present an overview on the alterations in the metabolism of serum lipoproteins during sepsis and present data from clinical studies and discuss the significance of nutritional lipids and their role in immunomodulation with special emphasis on omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acid effects on biochemical indices following cancer surgery.

Epidemiological studies have indicated that a high intake of saturated fat and/or animal fat increases the risk of colon and breast cancer. Laboratory and clinical investigations have shown a reduced risk of colon carcinogenesis after alimentation with omega-3 fatty acids, as found in fish oil. Mechanisms accounting for these anti-tumor effects are reduced levels of PGE(2) and inducible NO synthase as well as an increased lipid peroxidation, or translation inhibition with subsequent cell cycle arrest. Further, omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid is capable of down-regulating the production and effect of a number of mediators of cachexia, such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha and proteolysis-inducing factor. In patients with advanced cancer, it is possible to increase energy and protein intake via an enteral or parenteral route, but this seems to have little impact on progressive weight loss. Fish oil administration improved patients' conditions in cancer cachexia and during radio- and chemotherapy. In patients undergoing tumor resection surgery we observed improvement of liver and pancreas biochemical indices when omega-3 fatty acids were administered. This paper is a review of recent developments in the field of nutrition in cancer patients with emphasis on the acute phase response following cancer surgery and the beneficial aspects of fish oil administration.

Omega-3 fatty acids improve the diagnosis-related clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Supplementation of clinical nutrition with omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil exerts immune-modulating and organ-protective effects, even after short-term application. The aim of this study was to evaluate dose-dependent effects of parenteral supplementation of a 10% fish oil emulsion (Omegaven, Fresenius-Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) on diagnosis- and organ failure-related outcome. DESIGN: Prospective, open label, multiple-center trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 661 patients from 82 German hospitals receiving total parenteral nutrition for > or =3 days were enrolled in this study. The sample included 255 patients after major abdominal surgery, 276 with peritonitis and abdominal sepsis, 16 with nonabdominal sepsis, 59 after multiple trauma, 18 with severe head injury, and 37 with other diagnoses. The primary study end point was survival; secondary end points were length of hospital stay and use of antibiotics with respect to the primary diagnosis and the extent of organ failure. Multiple quasi-linear and logistic regression models were used for calculating diagnosis-related fish oil doses associated with best outcome. RESULTS: The patients enrolled in this survey were (mean +/- sd) 62.8 +/- 16.5 yrs old, with a body mass index of 25.1 +/- 4.2 and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II score of 32.2 +/- 13.6. Length of hospital stay was 29.1 +/- 18.7 days (12.5 +/- 14.8 days in the intensive care unit). Total parenteral nutrition, including fish oil (mean, 0.11 g.kg(-1).day(-1)), was administered for 8.7 +/- 7.5 days and lowered hospital mortality as predicted by Simplified Acute Physiology Score II from 18.9% (95% confidence interval, 17.4-20.4%) to 12.0% (p < .001). The fish oil dose.kg.day did correlate with beneficial outcome (intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, mortality). Fish oil had the most favorable effects on survival, infection rates, and length of stay when administered in doses between 0.1 and 0.2 g.kg(-1).day(-1). Lower antibiotic demand by 26% was observed when doses of 0.15-0.2 g.kg(-1).day(-1) were infused as compared with doses of <0.05 g.kg(-1).day(-1). After peritonitis and abdominal sepsis, multiple quasi-linear regression models revealed a fish oil dose for minimizing intensive care unit stay of 0.23 g.kg(-1).day(-1) and an inverse linear relationship between dosage and intensive care unit stay in major abdominal surgery. CONCLUSION: Administration of omega-3 fatty acid may reduce mortality, antibiotic use, and length of hospital stay in different diseases. Effects and effect sizes related to fish oil doses are diagnosis dependent. In view of the lack of substantial study literature concerning diagnosis-related nutritional single-substrate intervention in the critically ill, the present data can be used in formulating hypotheses and may serve as reference doses for randomized, controlled studies, which may, for instance, confirm the value of omega-3 fatty acid in the adjunctive therapy of peritonitis and abdominal sepsis.

Omega-3 fatty acids improve liver and pancreas function in postoperative cancer patients.

Epidemiologic studies have indicated that high intake of saturated fat and/or animal fat increases the risk of colon and breast cancer. Omega-3 PUFAs in fish oil (FO) can inhibit the growth of human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. These effects are related to the uptake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into the cellular substrate pool and their competitive metabolism with arachidonic acid (AA) at the cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase levels. The metabolites of EPA and DHA have less inflammatory and immunosuppressant potency than the substances derived from AA. Based on previous experimental data, we hypothesized that FO supplementation after major abdominal cancer surgery would improve hepatic and pancreatic function. Ours was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial on 44 patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery, randomly assigned to receive total parenteral nutrition (TPN) supplemented with either soybean oil (SO 1.0 g/kg body weight daily, n = 20) for 5 days or a combination of FO and SO (FO 0.2 + SO 0.8 g/kg body weight daily, n = 24). Compared to pure SO supplementation in the postoperative period, FO significantly reduced ASAT [0.8 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.1 mmol/(l. sec)], ALAT [0.9 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.1 mmol/(l. sec)], bilirubin (16.1 +/- 5.3 vs. 6.9 +/- 0.6 mmol/l), LDH (7.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 6.7 +/- 0.4 mmol/(l. sec) and lipase (0.6 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.4 +/- 0.1 micromol/(l. sec) in the postoperative course. Moreover, patients with increased risk of sepsis (IL-6/IL-10 ratio >8) showed a tendency to shorter ICU stay (18 hr) under omega-3 PUFA treatment. Weight loss as encountered after the SO emulsion of 1.1 +/- 2.2 kg was absent in the FO group. After major abdominal tumor surgery, FO supplementation improved liver and pancreas function, which might have contributed to the faster recovery of patients.

Fish or chips?

Cell membranes are not simply barriers separating intracellular from extracellular space. Rather, they represent a dynamic high-turnover system that adapts to current demands. During inflammation, prostaglandins and leukotrienes are formed from membrane-derived phospholipids. Encouraging improvements in critically ill patients were observed after nutritional replacement of long-chain omega-6 fatty acids with long-chain omega-3-fatty acids, contained in fish oil.