Early Trophic Enteral Nutrition Is Associated With Improved Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Septic Shock: A Retrospective Review.

PURPOSE: Current guidelines provide weak recommendations for starting enteral nutrition (EN) in patients with septic shock (on vasopressor support). Outcomes of patients receiving EN in septic shock on vasopressor support have not been well studied. We hypothesize that early trophic EN in mechanically ventilated patients with septic shock is associated with improved outcomes. METHODS: Single-center retrospective study of mechanically ventilated patients admitted with septic shock to identify patients receiving (1) no EN, (2) <600 kcal/d within 48 hours, and (3) ≥600 kcal/d within 48 hours. Outcomes studied included in-hospital mortality, length of intensive care unit stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation (DOMV), and complications of feeding intolerance. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were identified. In all, 15 received no EN, 37 received <600 kcal/d, and 14 received ≥600 kcal/d EN daily. Median LOS was 12, 5, and 13 days, respectively. The LOS was lower in patients receiving <600 kcal/d when compared to either no EN (P < .001) or those receiving ≥600 kcal/d (P < .001). Median DOMV was lower in patients receiving <600 kcal/d (median 3, P < .001) as compared to no EN (median 7, P < .001) or those receiving ≥600 kcal/d (median 7.5, P < .001). Mortality was not different. There were no significant complications among groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with septic shock, those receiving <600 kcal/d EN within 48 hours had lower DOMV and LOS when compared to those who did not receive EN or those who received ≥600 kcal/d. These observations provide strong justification for prospective evaluation of the effect of early trophic EN in patients with septic shock.

Back pain associated with centrally administered parenteral nutrition.

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is well recognized for its ability to provide nutrition to patients without the ability to digest enterally; however, PN must also be seen as a medication with associated adverse drug events similar to any other pharmacological agent that is administered to patients. Here we present a case report of localized lower back pain with central PN infusion. The initial areas of concern were the intravenous lipid emulsion, peripherally inserted central catheter placement, osmolarity of the formula, and the additives. The patient's back pain was ultimately felt to be an adverse reaction to the multivitamin component of the infusion based on an elimination trial of the PN components.

When is enteral nutrition indicated?

Enteral nutrition (EN) is a vital component of nutrition around the world. EN allows for delivery of nutrients to those who cannot maintain adequate nutrition by oral intake alone. Common questions regarding EN are when to initiate and in what scenarios it is safe. The answers to these questions are often complex and require an evidence-based approach. The Board of Directors of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) established an Enteral Nutrition Committtee to address the important questions surrounding the indications for EN. Consensus recommendations were established based on eight extremely clinically relevant questions regarding EN indications as deemed by the Enteral Nutrition Committee. These consensus recommendations may act as a guide for clinicians and stakeholders on difficult questions pertaining to indications for EN. This paper was approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors.

Nutrition Support During Prone Positioning: An Old Technique Reawakened by COVID-19.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a complex disease characterized by inflammation, resulting in diffuse alveolar damage, proliferation, and fibrosis, and carries a high mortality rate. Recently, the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has overwhelmed healthcare systems worldwide, as many patients have required hospitalization for the management of respiratory failure similar in nature to ARDS. In addition to lung-protective ventilation strategies aimed to maintain an oxygen saturation >90%, a ratio of partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen >200, a pH of 7.25-7.40, and a plateau pressure <35 cm H2 O, prone positioning has emerged as an effective treatment strategy for severe ARDS by improving oxygenation and secretion clearance. Although early nutrition assessment and intervention are recommended for acutely and critically ill patients, rotational therapy may present challenges in providing this care. Here, we will describe the pathophysiology of ARDS and the rationale for use of prone positioning and review the considerations and challenges of providing nutrition therapy for patients in the prone position.

Micronutrients in Liver Disease: Roles, Risk Factors for Deficiency, and Recommendations for Supplementation.

Micronutrients are essential components of the diet and are required to maintain fundamental bodily functions. Liver disease has a profound effect on nutrient intake, metabolism of nutrients, and nutrition status, often resulting in some degree of malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiency. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can impair metabolic processes at the cellular and biochemical level even before clinical and physical alterations are seen. It is essential that micronutrient status is evaluated as part of a comprehensive nutrition assessment for all patients with chronic or advanced liver disease. Early intervention to correct suspected or confirmed deficiencies may minimize symptoms and improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. In this narrative review, different types of liver disease and associated micronutrient abnormalities are outlined, and methods of micronutrient assessment and supplementation are discussed.

Phase 3 Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Early Trophic Enteral Nutrition With "No Enteral Nutrition" in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Septic Shock.

BACKGROUND: The optimal dose and timing of enteral nutrition (EN) in septic shock are unclear. METHODS: We conducted a phase 3 single-center randomized controlled pilot trial comparing early trophic EN with "no EN" in mechanically ventilated adults with septic shock, with the hypothesis that implementing a protocol comparing early trophic EN with "no EN" in patients with septic shock would be feasible. Patients were randomized to early trophic EN or "no EN" until off vasopressor for 3 hours. The primary outcome was feasibility in achieving >75% consent and compliance rate and <10% contamination rate. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one patients were eligible for enrollment, and 49 were available for consent. Thirty-one (86%) consented and were randomized and 100% of patients in the early EN arm and 94% in the "no EN" arm completed their protocols. While on vasopressors, early EN group received median 384 kcal, and the "no EN" group received median 0 kcal. Contamination rate was 0 in the early trophic EN arm and 6% in the "no EN" arm. The early EN group had median 25 intensive care unit-free days, as compared with 12 in the "no EN" arm (P = .014). The early EN arm had median 27 ventilator-free days, compared with 14 in "no EN" arm (P = .009). CONCLUSION: Our protocol comparing early trophic EN with "no EN" in septic shock was feasible. Early trophic EN may be beneficial, but a larger multicenter trial is warranted to confirm the observed clinical benefits seen in this trial.

Impact of Enteral Feeding on Vasoactive Support in Septic Shock: A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Introducing enteral nutrition (EN) during hemodynamic instability may induce the splanchnic steal phenomenon, which may worsen systemic oxygen delivery and increase vasopressor dose. We aimed to determine the change in vasopressor dose in septic shock patients who received concomitant EN. We hypothesize that EN delivery is not associated with worsening hemodynamic instability, as defined by an increase in vasopressor dose ≥50% at 24 hours. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational cohort study of adult patients with septic shock who were admitted to the intensive care unit from January 2015 to June 2015 and received EN. Vasopressor and EN parameters were collected at 6-hour intervals for the first 24 hours. RESULTS: Data were available for 28 consecutive patients. The mean age was 60 years (SD = 18), and 54% were females. Norepinephrine (NE) was used in 100%. EN and vasopressor overlap totaled 36 hours (interquartile range [IQR], 27-69). Median NE dose when starting EN was 5.9 µg/min (IQR, 3.88). Median change in dose from 0 to 6 hours was 0.85 µg/min (95% CI, 0.681.06; P = 0.136), corresponding to a median increase of 14.5%. Total NE duration was 60.5 hours (IQR, 47.5-75.5). No serious complications occurred. CONCLUSION: The median vasopressor dose did not increase by ≥50% during the first 24 hours of EN. This suggests early EN delivered during septic shock is not associated with worsening hemodynamic instability. Limitations include a small sample size and residual confounding. Prospective data are needed.

Barriers and Solutions to Delivery of Intensive Care Unit Nutrition Therapy.

Despite recommendations for early enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill patients, numerous factors contribute to incomplete delivery of EN, including insufficient nutrition risk screening in critically ill patients, underutilization of enteral feeding protocols, fixed rate-based enteral infusion targets with frequent EN interruption, and suboptimal provider practices regarding nutrition support therapy. The purpose of this narrative review is to identify common barriers to optimizing and delivering nutrition in critically ill patients, and suggest strategies and solutions to overcome barriers.

Process-Related Barriers to Optimizing Enteral Nutrition in a Tertiary Medical Intensive Care Unit.

PURPOSE: Enteral nutrition (EN) is the preferred route of nutrient delivery in critically ill patients. Research has consistently described an incomplete delivery of EN in critically ill patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate barriers to reach and maintain >90% prescribed EN among critically ill medical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort quality improvement study of patients ≥ 18 years of age admitted to a tertiary medical ICU and referred for EN from October 1-December 31, 2013. We excluded patients who received intermittent or bolus feeding. Demographic, clinical, and nutrition data were collected. Potential barriers to EN were categorized a priori. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients receiving 344 days of EN were included in the study. EN was initiated at a median of 32 hours (interquartile range, 18.5-75 hours) after ICU admission. Initiation and advancement of EN was identified as the most common reason for <90% prescribed intake. The top 5 interruption reasons were extubation, fasting for bedside procedure, loss of enteral access, gastric residual volume (0-499 mL), and radiology suite procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Suboptimal EN volume delivery continues to be an issue in critically ill patients. Our study identified initiation and advancement of EN as the most common reason for suboptimal EN volume delivery. Variation in practice was noted within several categories, and multiple reversible barriers to optimal EN delivery were identified. These data can serve as the impetus to modify practice models and workflow to optimize EN delivery among critically ill patients.

Enteral Nutrition for Adults in the Hospital Setting.

In patients unable to tolerate oral intake, multiple options of nutrient delivery are available to the clinician. Administration of enteral nutrition (EN) has long been considered the standard of care for nutrition support among patients unable to meet energy and protein requirements orally. Healthcare practitioners must make careful decisions related to ordering, administering, and monitoring EN therapy. In the hospital setting, the registered dietitian is a key resource in enteral formula selection and method of administration, monitoring for and troubleshooting EN-related complications, and transitioning to oral feeding. The hospital setting also presents many unique challenges in providing optimal nutrition to the enterally fed patient.