The impact of low-energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula on gastrointestinal symptoms and weight in children with neurological impairment: a multicentre retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Neurological impairment (NI) relates to disorders of the central nervous system. The specific aetiology of NI varies but includes genetic, congenital abnormalities or brain injury. In children with severe NI, feeding impairments can lead to undernutrition, and some children require a feeding tube. Although tube feeding improves overall nutritional status, it has also been associated with excess body fat. Commercially available enteral formulas that are low in energy, hydrolysed and nutritionally adequate for protein and micronutrients are available to mitigate gastrointestinal symptoms and obesity. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicentre study of children who attended NI clinics between January 2022 and July 2023. Data were collected before and 1 month after receiving a low-energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula (0.6 kcal/mL) on demographic data (age, sex, ethnicity and NI diagnosis), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, weight-for-age Z-score, height-for-age Z-score, body mass index [BMI] Z-score) and feed regimen (feed volume, total fluids and type of formula/supplements). RESULTS: Dietitians collected data on 28 children, the median age was 7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 3, 8). The most frequently recorded NI was cerebral palsy, in 13 of 28 children (48%). Before the formula switch, the most frequently reported gastrointestinal symptom was constipation, in 13 of 28 children. Within 1 month of switching to a low-energy, hydrolysed formula, 10 of the 13 (77%) children reported an improvement in constipation. Before the formula switch, all 28 children were experiencing excessive weight gain. After the formula was switched to low-energy, hydrolysed formula, dietitians reported that 20 of the 28 (76%) children's weight either stabilised or reduced after 1 month. There was no statistically significant difference in weight-for-age Z-score or BMI Z-scores postswitch of formula (p-value 0.1 and 0.09, respectively). Fibre intake increased significantly from 3.3 to 8.1 g/day (p-value < 0.01) after formula switch. The number of children whose feed regimens were simplified after switching to a low-energy, partially hydrolysed formula was 24 of 28 (91%). CONCLUSIONS: Children with an NI who have gastrointestinal symptoms may benefit from a low-energy, hydrolysed enteral formula to maximise feed tolerance and promote healthy weight gain. In addition, changing to a low-energy, hydrolysed formula may simplify feed regimens by eliminating the need for additional electrolytes, multivitamins and fluid boluses. Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about the effectiveness and availability of a low-energy, hydrolysed formula.

Amino acid-based enteral nutrition is effective for pediatric Crohn's disease: a multicenter prospective study.

Background: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) therapy effectively induces remission in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). However, this may depend on the type of enteral formula used. Moreover, data on the efficacy of amino acid-based EEN are limited. Thus, we aimed to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of amino acid-based formulas for EEN in pediatric patients with active CD. Methods: Patients with active CD aged between 6 and 17 years were recruited into this prospective study from four hospitals in China between March 2019 and December 2021. Patients received EEN for 8 weeks. Inflammatory and nutrition-associated indices were evaluated at 0, 4, and 8 weeks after treatment. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables before and after intervention, respectively. Results: Twenty-four patients were included in the analysis. After an 8-week intervention period, the CD activity index significantly decreased (26.3 ± 12.2 vs 7.1 ± 8.3, P < 0.001). Most patients (66.7%) achieved complete clinical remission. Among the 22 patients who had ulcers and erosions diagnosed endoscopically at baseline, 10 (45.5%) achieved complete mucosal healing. The degree of thickening of the intestinal wall was significantly reduced after EEN intervention, with a transmural healing rate of 42.9%. Furthermore, the serum inflammatory markers decreased and there was a significant improvement in the nutrition-related indices (P < 0.05). There were no severe adverse effects. Conclusions: Amino acid-based EEN is effective and safe for treating pediatric-onset CD. Studies with larger sample sizes and mechanistic and follow-up studies are required to further validate these findings.

Blenderized tube feedings: Practice recommendations from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Prior to the 1970s, blending food and liquids and putting them through an enteral access device (EAD) was the most common form of enteral nutrition (EN). However, in the 1970s, blenderized tube feedings (BTFs) became less popular due to the emergence of modern commercial enteral formulas (CEFs). Recently, a cultural shift toward consuming a natural diet, consisting of whole foods, has led to a resurgence in the use of BTF. The increasing use of BTF in a variety of patient care settings identifies a need for practice recommendations that provide guidance for nutrition professionals and patients. Members of the American Society for Parental and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Enteral Nutrition Committee identified salient clinical questions concerning BTF, conducted a comprehensive literature search, and subsequently developed practice recommendations pertaining to the use of BTF. This paper was approved by the ASPEN 2022-2023 Board of Directors.

Comparison of micronutrients in adult enteral formulas widely used in clinical practice.

In recent decades, great progress in the area of enteral nutrition has provided a large variety and commercial availability of enteral formulas, usually produced by the nutrition divisions of several pharmaceutical or dairy manufacturers, with specific compositions for each type of disease or patient condition. Despite the widespread use of enteral formulas, both in hospitals and at home, studies performed on the micronutrient compositions of adult enteral formulas are few in China. The content of micronutrients in 31 commercially available adult enteral formulas in the Chinese market was compared with the Chinese dietary reference intakes (DRIs), the tolerable upper limits (UL), the limit requirements in Food Safety National Standards General Rules of Foods for Special Medical Purposes (GB 29922-2013), and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) micronutrient guideline (2022). The micronutrient content was calculated by multiplying the value provided on the nutrition label for each product by the daily energy dose of 1500 and 1800 Kcal/day. The research results showed that most adult enteral formulas were generally suitable for patients on long-term total enteral nutrition support in the Chinese market, and foods for special medical purpose (FSMP) formulas were more suitable than enteral nutrition preparation (ENP) formulas. However, the vitamin D, vitamin K, and iron content in these formulas should be appropriately increased to the limit recommended by the ESPEN micronutrient guideline. The results could provide a basis for manufacturers to research and develop more suitable enteral formulas and help clinical dietitians administer more effective enteral nutrition support for patients on long-term total enteral nutrition in clinical practice, especially individualized treatment.

Experience with the management of patients requiring home enteral nutrition in routine clinical practice in Spain: the ECONES study / Experiencia en el manejo de pacientes que requieren nutrición enteral domiciliaria en la práctica clínica habitual en España: el estudio ECONES

Introduction: enteral nutrition is an effective method for restoring the nutritional status in patients unable to eat or fulfil nutritional requirements orally. Objectives: the ECONES study aimed to describe the treatment of patients requiring home enteral nutrition (HEN) in routine practice and the experience of specialists with the high-protein hypercaloric formula 2.0 with fiber IS50 (HP/HC 2.0). Methods: Spanish specialists answered a 38-questions survey about their last six patients with HEN and their treatment with HP/HC 2.0 formula. Results: the formulas were chosen based on the patients’ requirements. HP/HC 2.0 was administered in a mean of 31.5 % of patients, and for a mean of 42.2 % of those, it was selected since the beginning of treatment. According to 92.4 % of specialists, the HP/HC 2.0 was considered as adequate based on nutritional requirements. Among adverse reactions, specialists reported diarrhea, bloating and constipation. Specialists reported that caregivers (90.6 %) stated that HP/HC 2.0 was well tolerated by patients (90.6 %) and expressed comfort with the frequency (75.3 %) and administration time (82.9 %).Conclusions: according to the specialists, formulas are chosen based on patients’ characteristics. Patients with high nutritional needs benefit from the HP/HC 2.0 formula as it allows volume restriction, presents few adverse events, and improves the quality of life of the patients. (AU)

Introducción: la nutrición enteral es un método eficaz para restaurar el estado nutricional en pacientes que no pueden comer o satisfacer los requerimientos nutricionales por vía oral.Objetivos: el estudio ECONES tuvo como objetivo describir el tratamiento de pacientes que requieren nutrición enteral domiciliaria (NED) en la práctica habitual y la experiencia de especialistas con la fórmula hipercalórica hiperproteica 2.0 con fibra IS50 (HP/HC 2.0).Métodos: los especialistas españoles respondieron a un cuestionario de 38 preguntas sobre sus últimos seis pacientes con NED y su tratamiento con fórmula HP/HC 2.0.Resultados: las fórmulas fueron elegidas en función de los requerimientos de los pacientes. Se administró HP/HC 2.0 en una media del 31,5 % de los pacientes, y se seleccionó desde el inicio del tratamiento para una media del 42,2 %. Según el 92,4 % de los especialistas, se consideró la HP/HC 2.0 adecuada en función de las necesidades nutricionales. Entre los acontecimientos adversos, destacaron la diarrea, hinchazón y estreñimiento. Los especialistas indicaron que los cuidadores (90,6 %) afirmaron que la HP/HC 2.0 fue bien tolerada por los pacientes (90,6 %) y expresaron comodidad con la frecuencia (75,3 %) y con el tiempo de administración (82,9 %).Conclusiones: según los especialistas, las fórmulas se eligen en función de las características de los pacientes. Los pacientes con altas necesidades nutricionales se benefician de la fórmula HP/HC 2.0, ya que permite la restricción de volumen, presenta pocos acontecimientos adversos y mejora la calidad de vida de los pacientes. (AU)

Guía Práctica EsPEN: nutrición enteral domiciliaria / ESPEN practical guideline: Home enteral nutrition

Esta guía práctica de la European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) proporciona información a médicos, enfermeras, dietistas, farmacéuticos, cuidadores y otros proveedores de nutrición enteral domiciliaria (NED) de forma concisa, sobre las indicaciones y contraindicaciones de la NED, así como sobre su administración y seguimiento. Esta guía también ofrece información a los pacientes interesados que necesiten NED. La nutrición parenteral domiciliaria no está incluida, pero se abordará en otra guía de la ESPEN. La guía se basa en la guía científica de la ESPEN publicada anteriormente, que consta de 61 recomendaciones (que se han reproducido y renumerado), junto con los comentarios asociados (que se han resumido en relación a la guía científica). Se indican los grados de evidencia y los niveles de consenso. La ESPEN encargó y financió la guía y seleccionó también a los miembros del grupo.(AU)

This ESPEN practical guideline will inform physicians, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, caregivers and other home enteral nutrition (HEN) providersin a concise way about the indications and contraindications for HEN, as well as its implementation and monitoring. This guideline will also informinterested patients requiring HEN. Home parenteral nutrition is not included but will be addressed in a separate ESPEN guideline. The guideline isbased on the ESPEN scientific guideline published before, which consists of 61 recommendations that have been reproduced and renumbered,along with the associated commentaries that have been shorted compared to the scientific guideline. Evidence grades and consensus levels areindicated. The guideline was commissioned and financially supported by ESPEN and the members of the guideline group were selected by ESPEN.(AU)

Early Tube Feeding Improves Nutritional Outcomes in Children with Neurological Disabilities: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Tube feeding is a life-saving treatment for children with neurological disabilities (ND), who often suffer from malnutrition and feeding disorders. Nonetheless, it is still not widely used. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of exclusive tube feeding in a cohort of ND children. All consecutive ND children who started tube feeding at our center within the last 5 years were included in this retrospective study. Weight-for-age, body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) Z-scores, and symptoms were collected at baseline (V0), 6 (V1), and 12 months (V2) after gastrostomy placement. Fifty children (62% males) were included. The ND-underlying disease was genetic (n = 29, 58%), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (n = 17, 34%), or metabolic (n = 4, 8%). Indications for tube feeding were malnutrition (n = 35, 70%), recurrent respiratory infections (n = 11, 22%), or both (n = 4, 8%). Enteral formulae were polymeric (n = 29, 58%), semi-elemental (n = 17, 34%), hypercaloric (n = 3, 6%), or elemental (n = 1, 2%). Homemade blended feed was offered to three children (6%) in addition to the formula. Weight and BMI increased over the study period. Except for constipation, all symptoms (cough, vomiting, and diarrhea) improved at 6 and 12 months (p < 0.05). Non-serious complications (n = 8; track disruption, granuloma, and skin infection) were observed. Longer disease duration (p < 0.001) at the start of tube feeding was associated with the absence of normalization of nutritional status (BMI Z-score > 2 SD) at 12 months. Tube feeding with commercially available enteral formulae should be started as early as possible for better outcomes.

Intermittent bolus versus continuous feeding in children receiving an enteral formula with food derived ingredients: A national multicentre retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A perceived factor believed to have an impact on feed tolerance relates to the mode in which nutrition is delivered regarding intermittent bolus or continuous feeding. Enteral formulas with food derived ingredients have been developed to help address some of the many feeding issues experienced by children who are tube fed. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of different feeding modes in children who are fed with an enteral formula with food derived ingredients. METHODS: Data was collected by paediatric dietitians from dietetic records over a month period on children who had switched to an enteral formula with food derived ingredients. Data was inputted to a Microsoft form to capture the impact of varying modes of feeding (intermittent bolus/continuous/combination) on gastrointestinal and anthropometric outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-three children were recruited between March 2021 to July 2021 across four National Health Service Trusts. Children who were continuously fed saw the greatest reported improvement in retching, abdominal pain and loose stools. Children who were fed intermittent bolus reported the greatest increase in weight (p-value 0.003). Over 90% of dietitians reported nutritional goals were achieved after switching formula; children who were fed continuously reported the highest achievement to meet dietitian's nutritional goals. CONCLUSION: Enteral formulas with food derived ingredients are well tolerated and effective in achieving weight gain and meeting dietetic goals whether delivered continuously or as intermittent bolus feed. The clinical situation will determine the most appropriate and effective feeding mode and should be guided by the dietitian and medical team.

[Interaction of Phenytoin with Enteral Formulas, Proteins, and Dietary Fiber in Vitro and in Vivo].

Simultaneous administration of enteral formula and phenytoin in the clinical setting is known to reduce the plasma concentration of phenytoin. In this study, we examined the binding of phenytoin with enteral formulas and its components by quantifying the free phenytoin concentration. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of enteral formulas on gastrointestinal absorption of phenytoin in rats. The free phenytoin rate was reduced in vitro when phenytoin and enteral formula or pectin, a dietary fiber in enteral formulas, were co-administered. In vivo, when phenytoin and the enteral formula Mei Balance R® were co-administered, the time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) after oral administration was significantly increased. Moreover, the area under the phenytoin concentration-time curve from time zero to 6 h (AUC0-6 h) was significantly increased by co-administration of phenytoin with the enteral formula PG Soft EJ®. These results showed the gastrointestinal absorption of phenytoin differs according to the type of enteral formula. In addition, we found the first time that plasma phenytoin levels increase when combined with enteral formula. Among the components of enteral formulas, in particular, milk protein delayed the absorption of phenytoin. Moreover, milk protein, casein and carrageenan tended to increase AUC0-6 h. These results suggest the change in phenytoin concentration is due not only to the binding of enteral formula but also to the disintegration of components such as protein. Therefore, when co-administrated of phenytoin and enteral formula, phenytoin must be monitored frequently according to the enteral formula interaction.

Clinical Usefulness of Blenderized Food for Selenium Deficiency in Pediatric Patients with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the preventive or therapeutic effects of blenderized food (BF) on selenium deficiency in pediatric patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID). METHODS: The medical records of all 40 consecutive pediatric patients with SMID who underwent nutritional assessment were retrospectively reviewed and compared between two groups: the enteral formula (EF) group and the BF group fed with BF providing more than 10% of total caloric intake. Next, for the selenium-deficient patients who were newly started on blenderized tube feeds after the first nutritional assessment, improvement of selenium deficiency and change of dietary contents were assessed. RESULTS: The BF group patients had a significantly lower prevalence of selenium deficiency and higher serum selenium levels than the EF group patients. In all 7 selenium-deficient patients who started blenderized tube feeds after the first nutritional assessment, serum selenium levels were significantly increased at the second nutritional assessment, even though total selenium intake, selenium intake by EF, and total caloric intake did not differ significantly, and, in fact, caloric intake was significantly decreased by EF. CONCLUSION: Combined feeding of BFs can be useful for prevention and therapy of selenium deficiency in pediatric SMID patients.

A real-life study of the medium to long-term effectiveness of a hypercaloric, hyperproteic enteral nutrition formula specifically for patients with diabetes on biochemical parameters of metabolic control and nutritional status.

INTRODUCTION: Although current recommendations suggest the use of specific formulas in enteral nutrition in people with diabetes, there is little evidence of their long-term effectiveness in glycemic control. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term efficacy (24 weeks) of a specific high-protein hypercaloric enteral nutrition formula for people with diabetes in glycemic control and in their improvement in nutritional status. METHODOLOGY: This was a multicenter, prospective, observational, real-life study of patients with long-term enteral nutrition prescription through gastrostomy or nasogastric tube who received a high protein hypercaloric formula specific for diabetes. Once the participant's informed consent was obtained and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were verified, data relating to glycemic control, inflammation parameters, biochemical data, nutritional status and gastrointestinal tolerance at 0, 12 and 24 weeks were collected. RESULTS: 112 patients were recruited, 44.6% women, age 75.0 (12.0) years and a mean time of evolution of diabetes of 18.1 (9.5) years. The percentage of patients with malnutrition according to VGS decreased throughout the treatment from 78.6% to 29.9% (p < 0.001). Glycemic and HbA1c levels were significantly reduced at 12 and 24 weeks (Blood glucose 155.9-139.0-133.9 mg/dl, p < 0.001; HbA1c 7.7-7.3-7.1%, p < 0.001) while no significant changes were observed in cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, or glomerular filtration. A significant increase in variables related to nutritional status was observed: weight, the BMI, albumin, prealbumin and transferrin, and CRP levels were significantly reduced and the CRP/Albumin ratio decreased. Gastrointestinal tolerance was good, the number of patients with moderate-severe symptoms was small, and did not change throughout the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our real-life study suggests that the use of a specific hyperprotein hypercaloric formula for diabetes during a 6-month nutritional treatment allows adequate glycemic control and nutritional evolution, with good gastrointestinal tolerance.

Real food in enteral nutrition for chronically ill children: overview and practical clinical cases.

BACKGROUND: Many feeding strategies may be used in chronically ill children on enteral nutrition. Interest is currently growing in real food-based enteral nutrition. A new tube feeding formula with real food ingredients is currently commercially available in Europe. CASE REPORTS: By focusing on four clinical cases, this article illustrates the use of a tube feeding formula with real food ingredients in pediatric patients with various complex conditions. The formula contains a milk-based mixture of peas, green beans, peaches, carrots, and chicken, and provides 1.2 kcal/ml. It was offered under medical supervision and after full consideration of all feeding options. CONCLUSIONS: Formula choice appears to be based on clinical experience and must be individualized to patients' characteristics and needs. Real food-containing formulas seem to improve tolerance and feeding outcomes as well as promote family inclusion and mealtime engagement, but further studies are warranted.

ESPEN practical guideline: Home enteral nutrition.

This ESPEN practical guideline will inform physicians, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, caregivers and other home enteral nutrition (HEN) providers in a concise way about the indications and contraindications for HEN, as well as its implementation and monitoring. This guideline will also inform interested patients requiring HEN. Home parenteral nutrition is not included but will be addressed in a separate ESPEN guideline. The guideline is based on the ESPEN scientific guideline published before, which consists of 61 recommendations that have been reproduced and renumbered, along with the associated commentaries that have been shorted compared to the scientific guideline. Evidence grades and consensus levels are indicated. The guideline was commissioned and financially supported by ESPEN and the members of the guideline group were selected by ESPEN.

Monitor gastrointestinal tolerance in children who have switched to an "enteral formula with food-derived ingredients": A national, multicenter retrospective chart review (RICIMIX study).

BACKGROUND: Enteral tube feeding intolerances, such as diarrhea, are commonly reported in children. In the pediatric population, interest is growing in the use of blended diets for the management of enteral feeding intolerances. Fiber within a blended diet stimulates the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn produce short-chain fatty acids, which are utilized as energy substrates for enterocytes. Enteral formula manufacturers have responded to this trend towards "real-food" blended diets and developed an enteral formula with food-derived ingredients. The aim of this study was to collect data relating to feed tolerance in children who had switched to an "enteral formula with food-derived ingredients." METHODS: A national multicenter retrospective study. RESULTS: Dietitians collected data from 43 medically unwell children between March 2021 and July 2021. Significant improvements were reported in children who had switched to an "enteral formula with food-derived ingredients" in retching 17 of 18 children (95%), flatulence 6 of 8 children (85%), loose stools 10 of 11 children (90%), and constipation 10 of 11 children (90%). These improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms were reflected in weight change during the one month period measurements were collected (baseline, 19.5 kg [SD, 9]; 1 month, 20.1 kg [SD, 9]; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: We have observed beneficial outcomes in medically complex children who have switched to an "enteral formula with food-derived ingredients." Our data should motivate healthcare professionals to implement more research to better evaluate the clinical impact and mechanisms of action of blended diets and enteral formulas with food-derived ingredients.

Macronutrients and energy in home-prepared enteral tube feeding: Comparison between food composition table estimates, nutrition labels, and laboratory analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of home enteral nutrition depends on the supply and delivery of the prescribed nutrients. This study compared the macronutrient and energy values of home-prepared enteral tube feeding analyzed in the laboratory with the same information calculated from labels and food composition tables. METHODS: A total of 107 enteral formulations were analyzed: 66 commercial enteral formulas (CEFs), 19 homemade enteral preparations, and 22 blended enteral preparations (BEPs). The values of macronutrients and energy and the ratio between the values found in the laboratory and the calculated values were all evaluated. The tolerance limit of acceptable variation was 20%. The results were subjected to chemometric methods using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). RESULTS: In the three categories of the enteral formulations, the calculated values for protein and fat were higher than those obtained in the laboratory. The calculated values for energy were higher than those obtained in the laboratory for the BEPs and CEFs. The CEFs had the highest percentage within the limit of acceptable variation for carbohydrate and protein, whereas the BEPs presented the lowest values for fat and energy. In the exploratory analysis of data using PCA and HCA, it was possible to verify similarities and discrepancies between the enteral formulations analyzed in the laboratory with those calculated from the labels and food composition tables. CONCLUSION: The enteral formulations showed differences between the values of macronutrients and energy analyzed in the laboratory and those calculated from labels and/or food composition tables.

The effect of wheat germ-enriched enteral formula on clinical and anthropometric factors in mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nutritional support is considered as an important therapeutic strategy among critically ill patients. To evaluate the effect of a wheat germ-enriched formula in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial study was conducted on 100 patients admitted to the ICU. Patients randomly received a wheat germ-enriched formula or a standard formula from the first day of admission until weaning from the ventilator. Then, the duration of mechanical ventilation, the length of ICU, hospital admission, body composition and mortality rate were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Based on the results, wheat germ-enriched formula caused a significant reduction in the length of mechanical ventilation (29.80 ± 21.99 days vs. 36.48 ± 8.78 days, P < 0.001), the ICU length of stay (32.92 ± 21.04 days vs. 37.70 ± 8.76, P < 0.001), and the SOFA score (4.60 ± 1.28 vs. 5.68 ± 1.25, P < 0.001) compared to the control group. However, the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in the basal metabolic rate, mid upper arm circumference, skeletal muscle mass, body cell mass, and GCS score compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Finally, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the hospital length of stay, ICU mortality, and body fat percentage (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In general, wheat germ enriched formula may exert beneficial effect on clinical and anthropomorphic variables in patients admitted to the ICU. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Urmia University of Medical Sciences under number IR.umsu.rec.1396.88 and registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Website as IRCT20171221037983N3.

Evaluation of slurry sampling preparation of enteral nutrition formulations for multielement determination using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

An analytical procedure for the multielement determination in enteral nutrition formulations employing slurry sampling and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) is proposed. A two-level full-factorial design was applied to assess the influence of the presence of stabilizing agents (HNO3, Triton X-100 and ethanol) on the composition of the slurry. Multiple response was established as a dependent variable. The experimental conditions for the preparation of the slurry were: 2.0 mL of sample and 8.0 mL of 10% (v/v) HNO3. The limits of detection (LOD) were 5; 9; and 10 µg L-1 for Cu, Fe, Zn, respectively. For P, and K, the LOD were 8 and 24 mg L-1, respectively. The method was applied for the analysis of three enteral nutrition formulation samples and the obtained concentrations ranges were (in mg L-1): 0.41-0.43 (Cu), 2.0-2.9 (Fe), 1.7-3.1 (Zn), 682-1409 (K), and 217-344 (P).

A real-life study of the medium to long-term effectiveness of a hypercaloric, hyperproteic enteral nutrition formula specifically for patients with diabetes on biochemical parameters of metabolic control and nutritional status. / Estudio en vida real de la efectividad a medio-largo plazo en parámetros bioquímicos de control metabólico y estado nutricional de una fórmula de nutrición enteral hipercalórica hiperproteica específica para pacientes con diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Although current recommendations suggest the use of specific formulas in enteral nutrition in people with diabetes, there is little evidence of their long-term effectiveness in glycemic control. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term efficacy (24 weeks) of a specific high-protein hypercaloric enteral nutrition formula for people with diabetes in glycemic control and in their improvement in nutritional status. METHODOLOGY: This was a multicenter, prospective, observational, real-life study of patients with long-term enteral nutrition prescription through gastrostomy or nasogastric tube who received a high protein hypercaloric formula specific for diabetes. Once the participant's informed consent was obtained and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were verified, data relating to glycemic control, inflammation parameters, biochemical data, nutritional status and gastrointestinal tolerance at 0, 12 and 24 weeks were collected. RESULTS: 112 patients were recruited, 44.6% women, age 75.0 (12.0) years and a mean time of evolution of diabetes of 18.1 (9.5) years. The percentage of patients with malnutrition according to VGS decreased throughout the treatment from 78.6% to 29.9% (P<.001). Glycemic and HbA1c levels were significantly reduced at 12 and 24 weeks (Blood glucose 155.9-139.0-133.9mg/dl, P<.001; HbA1c 7.7-7.3-7.1%, P<.001) while no significant changes were observed in cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, or glomerular filtration. A significant increase in variables related to nutritional status was observed: weight, the BMI, albumin, prealbumin and transferrin, and CRP levels were significantly reduced and the CRP / Albumin ratio decreased. Gastrointestinal tolerance was good, the number of patients with moderate-severe symptoms was small, and did not change throughout the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our real-life study suggests that the use of a specific hyperprotein hypercaloric formula for diabetes during a 6-month nutritional treatment allows adequate glycemic control and nutritional evolution, with good gastrointestinal tolerance.

Risk factors of malnutrition in children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID) are at a high risk of malnutrition and often require tube feeding to maintain their nutritional status. However, determining their energy requirements is difficult since inadequate dietary intake, severe neurological impairment, respiratory assistance, and cognitive impairment are all factors that affect malnutrition in SMID. AIM: This study investigated the factors affecting malnutrition and identified problems affecting the nutritional status of children with SMID. METHODS: Forty-two children with SMID with oral motor dysfunction who were receiving home medical care at one of four hospitals were enrolled. Their nutritional status was assessed using a 3-day dietary record, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests. The clinical findings associated with malnutrition were compared, and a body mass index (BMI) z-score less than -2SD was defined as malnutrition. The relationship between BMI z-score and other potential predictors was also investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-three (79%) children received tube feeding, and 20 (48%) experienced malnutrition. The median age of the malnourished children was older than that of non-malnourished children. Respiratory assistance was significantly correlated with higher BMI z-score, independent of other potential confounders such as nutrition method, muscle tonus, and energy intake. Cholesterol levels were significantly higher in children receiving a standard infant formula beyond 3 years of age than in those who switched to enteral formula before 3 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition in children with SMID was mainly associated with age or respiratory condition. Energy requirements should be regularly re-evaluated with considering these factors.

An Evaluation of the Nutritional Value and Physical Properties of Blenderised Enteral Nutrition Formula: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although there are merits in using commercial "enteral nutrition formula" (ENF) compared with blended ENF, there is a growing preference for the use of blended ENF in many countries globally. However, the nutritional value and physical properties of blended ENF compared with commercial ENF may be limiting its use. We have not found any evidence of a meta-analysis on the nutritional value of blended diets in the adult population. AIM: The aim of this review was to compare the nutritional value, physical properties, and clinical outcomes of blended ENF with commercial ENF. METHODS: The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses were used for this review. The search strategy was based on a Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome framework. The following databases; Pubmed, EMBASE, PSYCInfo, and Google scholar were searched for articles of interest using keywords, Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) and Boolean operators (AND/OR) from the inception of each database until 23 February 2020. The articles were evaluated for quality. RESULTS: Based on the systematic review and meta-analysis, four distinct themes were identified; Nutritional value, Physical properties, Clinical outcomes; and Adverse events. The findings of this review showed inconsistencies in the macronutrient and micronutrient values of the blenderised ENF compared with the commercial ENF. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the blenderised ENF and the commercial ENF in relation to the fat and protein contents of the diets. However, the blenderised ENF was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the commercial ENF regarding the energy content of the diets, with an overall mean difference of -29.17 Kcal/100 mL (95% CI, -51.12, -7.22) and carbohydrate content with an overall mean difference of -5.32 g/100 mL (95% CI, -7.64, -3.00). In terms of sodium, potassium, and vitamin A, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the blenderised and commercial ENF, although significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the two diets with respect to calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, and vitamin C contents. Furthermore, the blenderised ENF showed significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of viscosity and osmolality than the commercial ENF. The significantly lower levels of some of the macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients in the blenderised ENF compared with the commercial ENF and the difference in the expected nutritional values may be due to the fact blenderised ENF is produced from common foods. Thus, the type of foodstuffs, cooking, and processing methods may lead to loss of nutrients and energy density. The deficits in the energy content and some of the macro- and micro-nutrients in the blenderised ENF compared with commercial ENF may have implications for patients' health and clinical outcomes. The clinical implications of the underdelivering of nutrients may include increased risk of undernutrition, including energy malnutrition, which could have a negative effect on body composition and anthropometric parameters, morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, and costs. For outpatient care, this could increase the risk of hospital re-admission and homecare costs. Additionally, the higher viscosity and osmolality of the blenderised ENF compared with the commercial ENF can increase the risk of complications, including tube blockage, and impaired delivery of feed, water, and medications, with significant implications for patients' nutritional status and health outcomes. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis identified significant variability in the nutritional value of blenderised ENF compared with commercial ENF. Furthermore, the nutritional values of the blenderised ENF do not meet the expected recommended levels compared with commercial ENF and these may have implications for patients' nutritional status and health outcomes, including the effect on body composition, morbidity, mortality, hospital re-admission, and costs. Further studies are needed to elucidate the nutritional value of blenderised ENF on patients' clinical outcomes.