Registro del Grupo NADYA-SENPE de Nutrición Enteral Domiciliaria en España: años 2018 y 2019 / The NADYA-SENPE Home Enteral Nutrition Registry in Spain: years 2018 and 2019

Objetivo: exponer los resultados del registro de nutrición enteral domiciliaria (NED) de los años 2018 y 2019 del Grupo NADYA-SENPE. Material y métodos: se recopilaron los pacientes introducidos en el registro desde el 1 de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2018 y en las mismas fechas para 2019, procediendo al análisis descriptivo y analítico de los datos. Resultados: en el año 2018 se registraron 4756 pacientes activos con una tasa de prevalencia de 101,79 pacientes/millón de habitantes; en 2019 fueron 4633 con una tasa de prevalencia de 98,51 pacientes/millón de habitantes. Procedían de 46 hospitales. Fueron el 51,3 % los varones registrados y la edad mediana fue de 71,0 años en ambos periodos. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue el de enfermedad neurológica que cursa con afagia o disfagia severa (58,7 % y 58,2 %), respectivamente. La causa principal de finalización de los episodios fue el fallecimiento. Los pacientes pediátricos registrados fueron 116 en 2018 y 115 en 2019. Las niñas representaron el 57,8 % y 59,1 %, respectivamente, en cada uno de los periodos. La edad mediana de inicio de la NED fue de 5 y 7 meses. El grupo diagnóstico más registrado (42,2 % y 42,6 %) se englobó dentro del grupo de otras patologías, seguido de la enfermedad neurológica que cursa con afagia o disfagia severa de los niños (41,4 % y 41,7 %). Se alimentaban a través de gastrostomía el 46,6 % y 46,1 %, respectivamente, en cada uno de los periodos. Conclusiones: el registro de NED del grupo NADYA-SENPE sigue operativo de forma ininterrumpida desde sus inicios. El número de pacientes registrados y el de hospitales participantes permanece estable en el último bienio analizado (AU)

Aim: to present the results of the Spanish home enteral nutrition (HEN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE group for the years 2018 and 2019. Material and methods: from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 the home enteral nutrition registry was recorded, and afterwards a further descriptive and analytical analysis was done. Results: in 2018, 4756 active patients were registered and the prevalence was 101.79 patients per one million inhabitants; in 2019 there were 4633 patients with a prevalence of 98.51 patients per one million inhabitants. They originated in 46 hospitals: 51.3 % were male, and median age was 71.0 years in both periods. The most frequent diagnosis was a neurological disorder that presents with aphagia or severe dysphagia — 58.7 % and 58.2 %, respectively. The main cause of episode termination was death. A total of 116 pediatric patients were registered in 2018 and 115 in 2019. Females represented 57.8 % and 59.1 %, respectively, in each of the periods. Median age at the beginning of HEN was 5 and 7 months. The most commonly recordered diagnostic group (42.2 % and 42.6 %) was included within the other pathologies group, followed by neurological disorders that present with aphagia or severe dysphagia in 41.4 % and 41.7 % of children. The route of administration was gastrostomy in 46.6 % and 46.1 %, respectively, in each of the periods. Conclusions: the NED registry of the NADYA-SENPE group continues to operate uninterruptedly since its inception. The number of registered patients and the number of participating hospitals remained stable in the last biennium analyzed (AU)

Outcomes of dietary management approaches in active ulcerative colitis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The dietary management of active ulcerative colitis (UC) is currently poorly understood. Due to the lack of clinical guidelines for this population, diet choice may be based on the personal judgement of the clinician, and without sound evidence. The aim of this systematic review was to appraise the current literature on the dietary management of individuals with active UC, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, to determine if clinical outcomes differ by diet prescription. METHOD: PUBMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science and SCOPUS were comprehensively searched during March and April 2020. Eligible trials recruited adults with active UC comparing different methods of dietary management, including enteral nutrition (EN), total parenteral nutrition (TPN), elimination diets and standard oral diets, in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. RESULTS: 10 studies met inclusion criteria of this qualitative synthesis. No difference was found between EN, TPN and bowel rest in terms of disease activity measures when compared to a standard oral diet. The results of this study also showed promising potential for the use of elimination diets in the outpatient setting with four studies finding a significant difference in disease activity measures between the intervention diet and control. CONCLUSION: There is no strong evidence to support the use of any specific dietary prescription to improve clinical outcomes for individuals with active UC. A number of low quality studies suggest benefit of following an elimination diet, however, additional high quality studies are required before any more specific recommendations can be made.

Efecto de la COVID-19 en la prescripción dietoterapéutica durante el primer semestre de 2020 en la Comunidad de Madrid / Effect of COVID-19 on dietotherapeutic prescription during the first half of 2020 in the Community of Madrid

Objetivos: el objetivo de este estudio es analizar el impacto de la COVID-19 en el primer semestre del año 2020, con respecto a la prescripción de soportes nutricionales enterales, y su gasto en la Comunidad de Madrid. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo y comparativo del consumo de productos de nutrición enteral prescritos en recetas oficiales electrónicas durante el primer semestre de los años 2019 y 2020 en los hospitales públicos de la Comunidad de Madrid. Resultados: al analizar la prescripción del número de envases totales durante el periodo estudiado, por meses, se observa un incremento del 8 % en la prescripción durante el mes de marzo, comparado con los meses previos (p < 0,001), seguido de un descenso del 9 % en los meses de abril y mayo (p < 0,001). El comportamiento de la evolución del gasto sigue el mismo patrón, con un incremento en el mes de marzo (p < 0.001) y un descenso en los meses de abril y mayo de similar magnitud (ambos, p < 0,001). Al analizar por grupos de edades, el grupo de edad de más de 75 años fue el grupo con la mayor caída en las prescripciones (33,1 % mayor que entre los menores de 75) en los meses de abril y mayo de 2020 (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: la COVID-19 afectó de forma importante a la prescripción del soporte nutricional, especialmente en el grupo de mayor edad. El seguimiento de la enfermedad nos permitirá profundizar en el papel de la nutrición a corto y largo plazo. (AU)

Objectives: the aim of the study was to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on enteral nutrition prescription in the Community of Madrid during the first semester of 2020. Material and methods: this is a descriptive study of enteral nutrition prescription in the first semester of 2020 and its comparison with the first semester of 2019. We included all the prescriptions in public hospitals of the Community of Madrid as recorded in public electronic databases. Results: there was an 8 % increase in the number of enteral nutrition prescriptions in March 2020 when compared with the previous months (p < 0.001). Then, in April and May 2020 we observed a 9 % decrease in enteral nutrition prescriptions (p < 0.001). Total costs in enteral nutrition showed a similar pattern, with an increase in March 2020 (p < 0.001) and a decrease in April and May 2020 (p < 0.001). When analyzing the data by patient age, those above 75 y.o. showed the highest decrease in enteral nutrition prescriptions (33.1 % higher than for those under 75 y.o.) in April and May 2020 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: the irruption of COVID-19 had a relevant impact on enteral nutrition prescription, especially among the elderly. Follow-up is needed to assess the long-term consequences of this in nutritional therapy. (AU)

[Results of a survey aimed at dietitians-nutritionists on the management of clinical nutrition teams during the COVID-19 pandemic in hospitals in Catalonia]. / Resultados de una encuesta dirigida a dietistas-nutricionistas sobre la gestión de los equipos de nutrición clínica durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en centros hospitalarios de Cataluña.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has had direct implications for clinical nutrition teams (NT), both at an organizational and healthcare level. Since March 2020, expert recommendations on nutritional intervention for patients with COVID-19 have been available. Objectives: to describe the nutritional intervention that has been carried out in patients with COVID-19, to estimate the presence of clinical dietitians-nutritionists (DN) in hospitals in Catalonia, and to know the organization of NTs. Methods: a cross-sectional study through an online survey directed to clinical DNs at hospitals in Catalonia (March 2021) was made. Results: the surveys of 36 NTs, made up of 104 DNs, have been analysed. A total of 44.44 % of NTs had to interrupt or reduce some of their usual activities during the pandemic. When nutritional screening was used, it was carried out early (24-48 h) in 56.25 % of cases, and the most common tool was the NRS-2002 (66.67 %). In 41.67 % of NTs a specific hospital diet was established, this being generally hyperproteic (89.66 %). Oral nutritional supplementation was systematically prescribed by 41.67 % of NTs, prioritizing hyperproteic (97.14 %) and hypercaloric (74.29 %) formulas. It is estimated that clinical DNs are present in approximately 61.54 % of public acute hospitals in Catalonia. Conclusions: the results reflect the adaptive capacity of NTs, reorganizing and redistributing their usual tasks and establishing infrequent measures to ensure nutritional support.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la pandemia por COVID-19 ha tenido implicaciones directas en los equipos de nutrición (EN) clínica a nivel tanto organizativo como asistencial. Desde marzo de 2020 se dispone de recomendaciones de expertos sobre la intervención nutricional en pacientes con COVID-19. Objetivos: describir la intervención nutricional que se ha llevado a cabo en los pacientes con COVID-19, estimar la presencia de dietistas-nutricionistas (DN) clínicos en los hospitales de Cataluña y conocer la organización de los EN. Métodos: estudio transversal realizado a través de una encuesta online dirigida a los DN clínicos de los hospitales de Cataluña (marzo 2021). Resultados: se han analizado las encuestas de 36 EN, formados por 104 DN. El 44,44 % de los EN han tenido que dejar de hacer o reducir alguna de sus actividades habituales durante la pandemia. Cuando se ha empleado el cribado nutricional, este se ha realizado de forma precoz (24-48 h) en el 56,25 % de los casos y la herramienta más común ha sido el NRS-2002 (66,67 %). El 41,67 % de los EN han instaurado una dieta hospitalaria específica, siendo esta generalmente hiperproteica (89,66 %). El 41,67 % de los EN han pautado la suplementación nutricional oral de forma sistemática, priorizando las fórmulas hiperproteicas (97,14 %) e hipercalóricas (74,29 %). Se estima que la figura del DN clínico está presente en aproximadamente el 61,54 % de los hospitales de agudos públicos de Cataluña. Conclusiones: los resultados reflejan la capacidad de adaptación de los EN, reorganizando y redistribuyendo sus tareas habituales e instaurando medidas poco habituales para asegurar el soporte nutricional.

[Effect of COVID-19 on dietotherapeutic prescription during the first half of 2020 in the Community of Madrid]. / Efecto de la COVID-19 en la prescripción dietoterapéutica durante el primer semestre de 2020 en la Comunidad de Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: Objectives: the aim of the study was to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on enteral nutrition prescription in the Community of Madrid during the first semester of 2020. Material and Methods: this is a descriptive study of enteral nutrition prescription in the first semester of 2020 and its comparison with the first semester of 2019. We included all the prescriptions in public hospitals of the Community of Madrid as recorded in public electronic databases. Results: there was an 8 % increase in the number of enteral nutrition prescriptions in March 2020 when compared with the previous months (p < 0.001). Then, in April and May 2020 we observed a 9 % decrease in enteral nutrition prescriptions (p < 0.001). Total costs in enteral nutrition showed a similar pattern, with an increase in March 2020 (p < 0.001) and a decrease in April and May 2020 (p < 0.001). When analyzing the data by patient age, those above 75 y.o. showed the highest decrease in enteral nutrition prescriptions (33.1 % higher than for those under 75 y.o.) in April and May 2020 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: the irruption of COVID-19 had a relevant impact on enteral nutrition prescription, especially among the elderly. Follow-up is needed to assess the long-term consequences of this in nutritional therapy.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivos: el objetivo de este estudio es analizar el impacto de la COVID-19 en el primer semestre del año 2020, con respecto a la prescripción de soportes nutricionales enterales, y su gasto en la Comunidad de Madrid. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo y comparativo del consumo de productos de nutrición enteral prescritos en recetas oficiales electrónicas durante el primer semestre de los años 2019 y 2020 en los hospitales públicos de la Comunidad de Madrid. Resultados: al analizar la prescripción del número de envases totales durante el periodo estudiado, por meses, se observa un incremento del 8 % en la prescripción durante el mes de marzo, comparado con los meses previos (p < 0,001), seguido de un descenso del 9 % en los meses de abril y mayo (p < 0,001). El comportamiento de la evolución del gasto sigue el mismo patrón, con un incremento en el mes de marzo (p < 0.001) y un descenso en los meses de abril y mayo de similar magnitud (ambos, p < 0,001). Al analizar por grupos de edades, el grupo de edad de más de 75 años fue el grupo con la mayor caída en las prescripciones (33,1 % mayor que entre los menores de 75) en los meses de abril y mayo de 2020 (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: la COVID-19 afectó de forma importante a la prescripción del soporte nutricional, especialmente en el grupo de mayor edad. El seguimiento de la enfermedad nos permitirá profundizar en el papel de la nutrición a corto y largo plazo.

A systematic review of the definitions and prevalence of feeding intolerance in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Feeding intolerance (FI) is a common phenomenon experienced in preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units, as well as being a focus of many research studies into feeding methods, particularly in relation to comorbidities. There is no widely accepted definition of FI. This systematic review aimed to explore the range of definitions used for FI and provide an estimate of the prevalence amongst preterm infants. METHODS: Searches were completed on MEDLINE (includes the Cochrane library), Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, NHS Evidence and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria; preterm infants in neonatal units, a clear definition of FI, >10 patients and be available in English language. Case reports were excluded. RESULTS: One hundred studies were included. Definitions of FI were inconsistent. Studies were grouped according to definition used into: Group A - measuring gastric residual volume (GRV) only; group B - GRV and abdominal distension (AD); group C - GRV, AD and gastrointestinal symptoms (GI) which included any of vomiting, bilious vomiting and blood in stool; group D- GRV and GI; group E - AD and GI; group F - GI only and group G - any other elements used. Meta-analysis demonstrated that prevalence of FI between groups varied from 15 to 30% with an overall prevalence of 27% (95% confidence interval 23-31%). Group A had the highest prevalence. Review of time to full enteral feed was performed (37 studies) which demonstrated a range of 11.3-18.3 days depending on which FI definition used. DISCUSSION: Definitions of FI in research are inconsistent, a similar finding to that seen in studies in both paediatric and adult critical care populations. The difficulty of defining FI in the preterm population is the concern regarding necrotising enterocolitis, with some studies using an overlap in their definitions, despite differing pathophysiology and management. Due to the heterogeneity of data obtained in this review regarding definitions used, further robust research is required in order to conclude which elements which should be used to define FI in this population. PROSPERO NUMBER: CRD42019155596. Registered November 2019.

Efficacy and Safety of Enteral Recombinant Human Insulin for Reduction of Time-to-Full Enteral Feeding in Preterm Infants: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Infants born very prematurely have functionally and structurally immature gastrointestinal tracts. OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and tolerability of administration of enteral recombinant human (rh) insulin on formula fed preterm infants and to assess whether enteral administration of rh-insulin enhances gastrointestinal tract maturation by reducing the time to reach full enteral feeding. METHODS: A phase 2, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was conducted. Premature infants (26-33 weeks gestation) were randomized 1:1 to receive insulin 400 µU/ml mixed with enteral feeding or placebo added to their formula. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the number of days required to achieve full enteral feeding. Safety outcomes included adverse events and blood glucose levels. RESULTS: The study consisted of 33 infants randomized for the safety population and 31 for efficacy analysis. The mean time to full enteral feeding was 6.37 days (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 4.59-8.15) in the enteral rh-insulin treatment group (n=16) and 8.00 days (95%CI 6.20-9.80) in the placebo group (n=15), which represents a statistically significant reduction of 1.63 days (95%CI 0.29-2.97; P = 0.023). There was no difference in blood glucose levels between the groups and none of the participants experienced hypoglycemia. Adverse events occurred in 9/17 (53%) infants in the enteral rh-insulin group and 12/16 (75%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Our trial demonstrated that administration of enteral rh-insulin as supplement to enteral nutrition significantly reduced time to achieve full enteral feeding in preterm infants with a gestational age of 26-33 weeks.

Racial and geographic disparities with gastrostomy tube placement in dementia and parkinsonian disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients with advanced dementia and Parkinson's disease and related disorders (PDRD) are receiving gastrostomy tube (GT) placement annually, despite its lack of proven benefit for preventing aspiration, enhancing nutrition, or prolonging survival. Given clinical practice variability in the care of people with neurodegenerative disorders, we sought to examine racial and geographic disparities in GT placement for these populations in the United States. METHOD: Data were extracted from a publicly-available national database using diagnostic and procedural codes from 2006 to 2010. GT placement rates and odds ratios were calculated for two groups: PDRD and non-parkinsonian dementia (NPD). RESULTS: In the PDRD group, odds of GT placement were higher among patients coded as Black (OR 1.69, CI 0.80-3.56, p = 0.17) and Asian (OR 2.17, CI 0.70-6.78, p = 0.18) than Whites; although these tendencies did not reach statistical significance. In the NPD group, GT placement among Black patients was significantly more likely (OR 2.88, CI 1.90-4.36, p < 0.001) than their white counterparts, while Asian patients were significantly less likely (OR 0.12, CI 0.02-0.91, p = 0.04). Compared to the Northeast region, there were significantly lower odds of GT placement in the Midwest region (OR 0.37, CI 0.24-0.58, p < 0.001) in the NPD group only. No difference in odds was observed between the sexes in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed geographic and racial disparities in GT placement among PDRD and NPD patients. Further studies should aim to clarify best practices for GT placement in PDRD and causes of practice differences within and between PDRD and NPD groups.

Patients with enteral nutrition at risk of refeeding syndrome show electrolyte abnormalities at admission in the Emergency Department.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a metabolic complication in the initial phase of nutritional therapy (NT). Studies evaluating electrolyte abnormalities among patients at risk for RFS undergoing NT in the Emergency Department (ED) are scarce. Objective: to explore the occurrence of electrolyte abnormalities among patients at risk for RFS with enteral nutrition admitted to the ED. Material and methods: a retrospective cohort study that evaluated 440 adult patients undergoing NT, admitted to the ED of a public tertiary teaching hospital regarding RFS risk. Additional eligibility criteria included nutritional assessment by registered dietitians and at least one dose of an electrolyte (sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphate, calcium) ordered by physicians. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results: RFS risk criteria identified 83 (18.9 %) (65.1 % elderly, aged 64.2 ± 11.6 years, 65.1 % male; body mass index, 17.3 ± 3.5 kg/m²) patients at risk, of which 25 (30.1 %) had phosphorus, 48 (57.8 %) magnesium, and 60 (72.3 %) calcium dosages within the first week. All patients at risk for RFS had potassium and sodium evaluations. In those patients were serum levels were checked, hypophosphatemia was identified in 10 (40.0 %), hypomagnesemia in 12 (25.0 %) and hypokalemia in 13 (15.7 %) patients. Almost half of phosphorus assessments resulted from advice by registered dietitians to the staff. Conclusion: electrolyte evaluation was not ordered in all at-risk patients on NT. Despite the small sample, hypophosphatemia was a very common condition among this group. This study highlights the importance of RFS risk screening awareness among NT patients, and the important role of registered dietitians in this context. Larger sample studies are needed to confirm these results.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el síndrome de realimentación (SR) es una complicación metabólica de la fase inicial del soporte nutricional (SN). Los estudios que evalúan trastornos electrolíticos en pacientes con riesgo de desarrollar SR y sometidos a NT en el servicio de Urgencias (SU) son escasos. Objetivo: explorar la aparición de trastornos electrolíticos en pacientes con riesgo de desarrollar SR con nutrición enteral, ingresados en Urgencias. Material y método: cohorte retrospectiva que evaluó 440 pacientes adultos con SN ingresados en el SU en cuanto al riesgo de desarrollar SR. Los criterios de elegibilidad fueron una evaluación nutricional por dietistas y al menos una dosis de un electrólito (sodio, potasio, magnesio, fosfato, cálcio) a petición de los médicos. Resultados: se identificaron 83 (18,9 %) pacientes con riesgo (65,1 % ancianos, edad de 64,2 ± 11,6 años, 65,1 % de varones; índice de masa corporal, 17,3 ± 3,5 kg/m²), de los que 25 (30,1 %) habían recibido dosis de fósforo, 48 (57,8 %) magnesio y 60 (72,3 %) calcio. Todos los pacientes tenían evaluaciones de potasio y sodio. Entre los pacientes en los que se midieron niveles séricos, se encontró hipofosfatemia en 10 (40,0 %), hipomagnesemia en 12 (25,0 %) e hipopotasemia en 13 (15,7 %). Aproximadamente, la mitad de las evaluaciones de fósforo se llevaron a cabo por consejo de los nutricionistas al personal médico. Conclusión: no se ordenó la evaluación de electrólitos en todos los pacientes con riesgo de SR en SN. A pesar de la pequeña muestra, la hipofosfatemia fue una condición muy común en este grupo. Este estudio destaca la importancia de la concienciación sobre el cribado del riesgo de SR en los pacientes con SN y el importante papel de los nutricionistas en este contexto. Se necesitan estudios con muestras grandes para confirmar estos resultados.

Prophylactic gastrostomy in locally advanced head and neck cancer: results of a national survey among radiation oncologists.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional complications in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (LA-HNC) treated by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) often lead to placement of a prophylactic gastrostomy (PG) tube, while indication lacks harmonization. Our aim was to explore the current PG tube utilization among Belgian radiation oncology centers. METHODS: A survey was distributed to all 24 Belgian Radiation oncology departments, with questions about the number of patient treated per year, whether the PG indication is discussed at the multidisciplinary board, placement technique, time of starting nutrition and removal, its impact on swallowing function and importance of clinical factors. For the latter Relative Importance and Discordance Indexes were calculated to describe the ranking and agreement. RESULTS: All 24 centers submitted the questionnaire. Twenty three treat more than 20 head and neck (HNC) patients per year, while four (1 in 21-50; 3 in 51-100) are not discussing the gastrostomy tube indication at the multidisciplinary board. For the latter, endoscopic placement (68%) is the dominant technique, followed by the radiologic (16%) and laparoscopic (16%) methods. Seventy-five percent start the enteral nutrition when clinically indicated, 17% immediately and 8% from the start of radiotherapy. Majority of specialists (19/24) keep the gastrostomy tube until the patient assume an adequate oral feeding. Fifteen centres are considering PG decrease swallowing function. Regarding factors and their importance in the decision for the PG, foreseen irradiated volume reached highest importance, followed by 'anatomical site', 'patients' choice' and 'postoperative versus definitive' and 'local expertise', with decreasing importance respectively. Disagreement indexes showed moderate variation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a PG tube for LAHNC patients treated by CCRT shows disparity at national level. Prospective studies are needed to ensure proper indication of this supportive measure.

Feeding during neonatal therapeutic hypothermia, assessed using routinely collected National Neonatal Research Database data: a retrospective, UK population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic hypothermia is standard of care in high-income countries for babies born with signs of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, but optimal feeding during treatment is uncertain and practice is variable. This study aimed to assess the association between feeding during therapeutic hypothermia and clinically important outcomes. METHODS: We did a population-level retrospective cohort study using the UK National Neonatal Research Database. We included all babies admitted to National Health Service neonatal units in England, Scotland, and Wales between Jan 1, 2010, and Dec 31, 2017, who received therapeutic hypothermia for 72 h or died during this period. For analysis, we created matched groups using propensity scores and compared outcomes in babies who were fed versus unfed enterally during therapeutic hypothermia. The primary outcome was severe necrotising enterocolitis, either confirmed at surgery or causing death. Secondary outcomes include pragmatically defined necrotising enterocolitis (a recorded diagnosis of necrotising enterocolitis in babies who received at least 5 consecutive days of antibiotics while also nil by mouth during their neonatal unit stay), late-onset infection (pragmatically defined as 5 consecutive days of antibiotic treatment commencing after day 3), survival to discharge, measures of breastmilk feeding, and length of stay in neonatal unit. FINDINGS: 6030 babies received therapeutic hypothermia, of whom 1873 (31·1%) were fed during treatment. Seven (0·1%) babies were diagnosed with severe necrotising enterocolitis and the number was too small for further analyses. We selected 3236 (53·7%) babies for the matched feeding analysis (1618 pairs), achieving a good balance for all recorded background variables. Pragmatically defined necrotising enterocolitis was rare in both groups (incidence 0·5%, 95% CI 0·2-0·9] in the fed group vs 1·1% [0·7-1·4] in the unfed group). The enterally fed group had fewer pragmatically defined late-onset infections (difference -11·6% [95% CI -14·0 to -9·3]; p<0·0001), higher survival to discharge (5·2% [3·9-6·6]; p<0·0001), higher proportion of breastfeeding at discharge (8·0% [5·1-10·8]; p<0·0001), and shorter neonatal unit stays (-2·2 [-3·0 to -1·2] days; p<0·0001) compared with the unfed group. INTERPRETATION: Necrotising enterocolitis is rare in babies receiving therapeutic hypothermia. Enteral feeding during hypothermia is safe and associated with beneficial outcomes compared with not feeding, although residual confounding could not be completely ruled out. Our findings support starting milk feeds during therapeutic hypothermia. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme 16/79/13.

Nutritional practice in critically ill COVID-19 patients: A multicenter ambidirectional cohort study in Wuhan and Jingzhou.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic is spreading all over the world. With the number of cases increasing rapidly, the epidemiological data on the nutritional practice is scarce. In this study, we aim to describe the clinical characteristics and nutritional practice in a cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: This is a multicenter, ambidirectional cohort study conducted at 11 hospitals in Hubei Province, China. All eligible critical COVID-19 patients in the study hospital intensive care units at 00:00, March 6th, 2020, were included. Data collection was performed via written case report forms. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients were identified and enrolled, of whom eight died during the 28-day outcome follow- up period. The median interval between hospital admission and the study day was 24 (interquartile range, 13- 26) days and 52.2% (23 of 44) of patients were on invasive mechanical ventilation. The median nutrition risk in critically ill (mNUTRIC) score was 3 (interquartile range, 2-5) on the study day. During the enrolment day, 68.2% (30 of 44) of patients received enteral nutrition (EN), while 6.8% (3 of 44) received parenteral nutrition (PN) alone. Nausea and aspiration were uncommon, with a prevalence of 11.4% (5 of 44) and 6.8% (3 of 44), respectively. As for energy delivery, 69.7% (23 of 33) of patients receiving EN and/or PN were achieving their prescribed targets. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that EN was frequently applied in critical COVID-19 patients. Energy delivery may be suboptimal in this study requiring more attention.

Early Enteral Nutrition in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID-19 Infection.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition therapy is essential in critically ill adults. Little is known about appropriate nutrition therapy in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study in adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection receiving mechanical ventilation. Data regarding patient demographics and nutrition therapy were collected. Patients that received enteral nutrition within 24 hours of starting mechanical ventilation were compared with patients starting enteral nutrition later. The primary outcome was inpatient length of stay. Propensity score matching was conducted to control for baseline differences in patient groups. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five patients were included in final analysis. Patients who received enteral nutrition within 24 hours received a significantly greater daily amount of calories (17.5 vs 15.2 kcal/kg, P = .015) and protein (1.04 vs 0.85 g/kg, P = .003). There was no difference in length of stay (18.5 vs 23.5 days, P = .37). The propensity score analysis included 100 patients. Following propensity scoring, significant differences in daily calorie (17.7 [4.6] vs 15.1 [5.1] kcal/kg/d, P = .009) and protein (1.03 [0.35] vs 0.86 [0.38] g/kg/d, P = .014) provision remained. No differences in length of stay or other outcomes were noted in the propensity score analysis. CONCLUSION: Initiation of enteral nutrition within 24 hours was not associated with improved outcomes in mechanically ventilated adults with COVID-19. No harm was detected either. Future research should seek to clarify optimal timing of enteral nutrition initiation in patients with COVID-19 who require mechanical ventilation.

Practice patterns and adherence to nutrition guidelines in acute pancreatitis: An international physician survey.

BACKGROUND: There is agreement among GI society guidelines for recommending early oral nutrition with non-liquid diet in patients with mild acute pancreatitis (AP). There is less agreement regarding administration of tube feedings (TF) in AP. Data on physicians' adherence to nutrition guidelines and practice variations are limited. AIMS: To report practice patterns in the nutritional management of different severity profiles of AP. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous electronic survey among physician members of the International Association of Pancreatology and the American Pancreatic Association. We assessed nutrition practices based on severity of AP, and asked relevant questions regarding the preferred administration strategies for enteral nutrition. Responses were compared by practice location and subspecialty. RESULTS: A total of 178 physicians, mostly medical pancreatologists (40.4%) and surgeons (34.8%) from Europe (43.4%) and North America (32%) responded. Overall, only 26.7% initiated oral nutrition in mild AP on day 1, 40.9% waited >48 h, and 57.3% initiated nutrition with liquid diets. Physicians reported frequently using TF in patients with moderately-severe (30-75%, depending on the amount and location of necrosis) and severe AP (75-80%). Two-thirds of physicians preferred initiating TF after 48 h, administering it post-pylorically, and using semi-elemental or polymeric formulas. Median TF duration was 11 days (IQR, 7-21). Significant variations were noted based on geographic location and physician subspecialty for several aspects of nutritional practices in both mild and non-mild AP. CONCLUSION: Adherence to oral nutrition guideline recommendations for mild AP is low. There is significant variability in the use of TF in AP. Our study highlights opportunities for improving consistency of nutrition care in AP and identify potential areas for research.

Application effect of initiation of enteral nutrition at different time periods after surgery in neonates with complex congenital heart disease: A retrospective analysis.

ABSTRACT: Early enteral nutrition (EN) promotes the recovery of critically ill patients, but the initiation time for EN in neonates after cardiac surgery remains unclear.This study aimed to investigate the effect of initiation time of EN after cardiac surgery in neonates with complex congenital heart disease (CHD).Neonates with complex CHD admitted to the CICU from January 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the 24-hour Group (initiated at 24 hours after surgery in 2015) (n = 32) and 6-hour Group (initiated at 6 hours after surgery in 2016 and 2017) (n = 66). Data on the postoperative feeding intolerance, nutrition-related laboratory tests (albumin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein), and clinical outcomes (including duration of mechanical ventilation, CICU stay, and postoperative hospital stay) were collected.The incidence of feeding intolerance was 56.3% in 24-hour Group and 39.4%, respectively (P = .116). As compared to 24-hour Group, prealbumin and retinol binding protein levels were higher (160.7 ±â€Š64.3 vs 135.2 ±â€Š28.9 mg/L, P = .043 for prealbumin; 30.7 ±â€Š17.7 vs 23.0 ±â€Š14.1 g/L P = .054 for retinol-binding protein). The duration of CICU stay (9.4 ±â€Š4.5 vs 13.3 ±â€Š10.4 day, P = .049) and hospital stay (11.6 ±â€Š3.0 vs 15.8 ±â€Š10.3 day, P = .028) were shorter in 6-hour Group.Early EN improves nutritional status and clinical outcomes in neonates with complex CHD undergoing cardiac surgery, without significant feeding intolerance.

Nasogastric tube feeding after transoral robotic surgery for oropharynx carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the need for and predictors of nasogastric tube feeding (NGTF) use and duration after transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. For 95 OPSCC patients undergoing TORS with or without concurrent unilateral or bilateral neck dissections (ND), we evaluated NGTF use and duration, along with demographic, clinical, histopathologic, and treatment risk factors. RESULTS: 23.2% (22/95) of patients received NGTF. Univariate analysis found that NGTF was significantly more likely in larger tumor specimens (mean: 2.32 cm vs. 1.84 cm; p = 0.043) and after concurrent bilateral (46.7%) compared to unilateral (17.4%) ND (p = 0.043). Multivariable analysis also found increased tumor size (p = 0.035) and concurrent bilateral ND (p = 0.04) to be significant risk factors for NGTF. The following were not statistically significantly associated with NGTF use: sex, age, smoking history, HPV status, base of tongue (BOT) resection (20%) vs. radical tonsillectomy (25.9%), pT2 (27.0%) vs. pT1 (20.4%) vs pT0 (16.7%), BOT with (28.6%) vs. without epiglottis resection (22.2%), and surgery for additional margins the same day (27.3%) (all p > 0.1). Patients who underwent NGTF had a mean duration of 18 days (2-96, SD: 20.7 days) with 12 (55.6%) having over 2 weeks of use. No significant predictors of longer duration of NGTF were identified. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients undergoing TORS do not need NGTF. When NGTF is needed, the duration of use is usually longer than 14 days. Larger tumor size and concurrent bilateral ND are risk factors for NGTF.

Semi-elemental versus polymeric formula for enteral nutrition in brain-injured critically ill patients: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The properties of semi-elemental enteral nutrition might theoretically improve gastrointestinal tolerance in brain-injured patients, known to suffer gastroparesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerance of a semi-elemental versus a polymeric formula for enteral nutrition (EN) in brain-injured critically ill patients. METHODS: Prospective, randomized study including brain-injured adult patients [Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤ 8] with an expected duration of mechanical ventilation > 48 h. INTERVENTION: an enteral semi-elemental (SE group) or polymeric (P group) formula. EN was started within 36 h after admission to the intensive care unit and was delivered according to a standardized nurse-driven protocol. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who received both 60% of the daily energy goal at 3 days and 100% of the daily energy goal at 5 days after inclusion. Tolerance of EN was assessed by the rate of gastroparesis, vomiting and diarrhea. RESULTS: Respectively, 100 and 95 patients were analyzed in the SE and P groups: Age (57[44-65] versus 55[40-65] years) and GCS (6[3-7] versus 5[3-7]) did not differ between groups. The percentage of patients achieving the primary endpoint was similar (46% and 48%, respectively; relative risk (RR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.05 (0.78-1.42); p = 0.73). The mean daily energy intake was, respectively, 20.2 ± 6.3 versus 21.0 ± 6.5 kcal/kg/day (p = 0.42). Protein intakes were 1.3 ± 0.4 versus 1.1 ± 0.3 g/kg/day (p < 0.0001). Respectively, 18% versus 12% patients presented gastroparesis (p = 0.21), and 16% versus 8% patients suffered from diarrhea (p = 0.11). No patient presented vomiting in either group. CONCLUSION: Semi-elemental compared to polymeric formula did not improve daily energy intake or gastrointestinal tolerance of enteral nutrition. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT/ID-RCB 2012-A00078-35 (registered January 17, 2012).

Supply of enteral diets in the Espirito Santo state public health system in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Background: Brazil includes food as a social right, making the State responsible to the courts for the sufficient and adequate supply of enteral food. Objectives: to evaluate the supply of enteral diets in pharmacies in the state of Espirito Santo. Methods: to do this, we used the forms filled out by patients or legal representatives, containing medical records, to analyze the nutritional and social profiles of the users over two years, and the compliance of the administrative processes with the ordinance that instituted enteral food supplies was verified. Results: the sample was comprised of 204 patients receiving enteral nutrition, and the administrative procedures required to supply these patients were surveyed in seven (7/9) pharmacies. The data showed that the most common group was that of women (51 %), who were white (51 %), legally represented (91 %), and 73.5 years old (11 to 109 years). Information regarding missing anthropometric data, use of terms and calculations for obtaining enteral food other than those recommended, incomplete documents, alterations to the physical examinations suggestive of error, and nonobservance of inclusion and exclusion criteria were collected for this study. Conclusions: this study revealed that there were gaps in the process of enteral diet supply by the Espírito Santo pharmacies, both concerning compliance with the protocol and patient follow-up by the professional who assists both the patient and the pharmacist who provides the input.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: Brasil incluyó la alimentación como un derecho social, haciendo que el Estado sea responsable ante los tribunales del suministro suficiente y adecuado de alimentos. Objetivos: evaluar el suministro de dietas enterales en las farmacias estatales de Espírito Santo. Métodos: para hacer esto utilizamos los formularios cumplimentados por los pacientes y representantes legales que contienen registros médicos con el fin de analizar los perfiles nutricionales y sociales de los usuarios durante dos años; además, se verificó el cumplimiento de los procesos administrativos con la ordenanza que instituyó el suministro de alimentos. Resultados: la muestra comprendió 204 pacientes que recibieron nutrición enteral, investigándose los procedimientos administrativos requeridos para suministrar a estos pacientes en siete (7/ 9) farmacias. Los datos mostraron que el grupo más común era el de mujeres (51 %), de raza blanca (51 %) y representadas legalmente (91 %), de 73,5 años de edad (11 a 109 años). Para este estudio se recopiló información sobre los datos antropométricos faltantes, el uso de términos y cálculos para obtener alimentos distintos a los recomendados, documentos incompletos, alteraciones en los exámenes físicos sugestivos de error y la no observancia de los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Conclusiones: este estudio reveló que había vacíos en el proceso de suministro de dietas enterales por parte de las farmacias de Espírito Santo en lo que respecta tanto al cumplimiento del protocolo como al seguimiento del paciente por el profesional que lo atiende y el farmacéutico que proporciona la información.