Development of quality of care interventions for adult patients on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) with a benign underlying disease using a two-round Delphi approach

S3-Leitlinie Heimenterale und heimparenterale Ernährung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Ernährungsmedizin (DGEM)

Medizinische Ernährungstherapie, die enterale und parenterale Ernährung umfasst, ist ein wesentlicher Teil der Ernährungstherapie. Medizinische Ernährungstherapie beschränkt sich nicht auf die Krankenhausbehandlung, sondern kann effektiv und sicher auch zu Hause eingesetzt werden. Dadurch hat sich der Stellenwert der Medizinischen Ernährungstherapie deutlich erhöht und ist zu einem wichtigen Bestandteil der Therapie vieler chronischer Erkrankungen geworden. Für Menschen mit chronischem Darmversagen, z. B. wegen Kurzdarmsyndrom ist die Medizinische Ernährungstherapie sogar lebensrettend. In der Leitlinie wird die Evidenz für die Medizinische Ernährungstherapie in 161 Empfehlungen dargestellt. Die Leitlinie wendet sich in erster Linie an Ärzte, Ernährungsfachkräfte und Pflegekräfte, sie dient der Information für Pharmazeuten und anderes Fachpersonal, kann aber auch für den interessierten Laien hilfreich sein.

Non-interventional, 5-year retrospective data of home parenteral nutrition in patients with benign chronic intestinal failure: Analysis of an Italian nurse registry (SERECARE II)

OBJECTIVE

This study is an assessment of home parenteral nutrition service performance and safety and efficacy outcomes in patients with benign chronic intestinal failure.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, non-interventional, and multicenter study. Data were collected by trained nurses and recorded in a dedicated registry (SERECARE).

RESULTS

From January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2018, data from a total of 683 patients with benign chronic intestinal failure were entered in the registry. Patients included 208 pediatric (53.8% male; median age = 4.0 y) and 475 adult (47.6% male; median age = 59.0 y) participants. On average, patients were visited 5.4 ± 4.5 times and received 1.4 ± 0.8 training sessions. Retraining was not common and mostly due to change of therapy or change of caregiver. Of 939 complications, 40.9% were related to the central venous catheter and were mostly infectious (n = 182) and mechanical (n = 187). The rate of infectious and mechanical complications per 1000 catheter days decreased over 5 y (0.30-0.15 and 0.33 -0.19, respectively). The rate of complications per 1000 catheter days and the mean complications per patient were higher in pediatric than in adult patients. The hospitalization rate was 1.01 per patient throughout the study period. These data were similar to those registered in a previous study period (2002-2011) (n = 1.53 per patient). Changes over time in the efficacy variables were mostly small and non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the importance of setting up and maintaining structured registries to monitor and improve home parenteral nutrition care. Safety outcomes have improved over the years, most likely due to the underlying efficient nursing service.

ESPEN guideline on chronic intestinal failure in adults - Update 2023

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In 2016, ESPEN published the guideline for Chronic Intestinal Failure (CIF) in adults. An updated version of ESPEN guidelines on CIF due to benign disease in adults was devised in order to incorporate new evidence since the publication of the previous ESPEN guidelines.

METHODS

The grading system of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) was used to grade the literature. Recommendations were graded according to the levels of evidence available as A (strong), B (conditional), 0 (weak) and Good practice points (GPP). The recommendations of the 2016 guideline (graded using the GRADE system) which were still valid, because no studies supporting an update were retrieved, were reworded and re-graded accordingly.

RESULTS

The recommendations of the 2016 guideline were reviewed, particularly focusing on definitions, and new chapters were included to devise recommendations on IF centers, chronic enterocutaneous fistulas, costs of IF, caring for CIF patients during pregnancy, transition of patients from pediatric to adult centers. The new guideline consist of 149 recommendations and 16 statements which were voted for consensus by ESPEN members, online in July 2022 and at conference during the annual Congress in September 2022. The Grade of recommendation is GPP for 96 (64.4%) of the recommendations, 0 for 29 (19.5%), B for 19 (12.7%), and A for only five (3.4%). The grade of consensus is "strong consensus" for 148 (99.3%) and "consensus" for one (0.7%) recommendation. The grade of consensus for the statements is "strong consensus" for 14 (87.5%) and "consensus" for two (12.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

It is confirmed that CIF management requires complex technologies, multidisciplinary and multiprofessional activity, and expertise to care for the underlying gastrointestinal disease and to provide HPN support. Most of the recommendations were graded as GPP, but almost all received a strong consensus.

Quality of Life in the Management of Home Parenteral Nutrition

INTRODUCTION

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a rare but challenging therapy for patients with mostly severe underlying diseases. We aimed to investigate patient-reported health-related quality of life (QOL) of patients receiving HPN and its development over time in particular.

METHODS

We assessed QOL of HPN patients in a prospective multicenter observational study (SWISSHPN II study). We designed a questionnaire to record symptoms and negative impacts of HPN and completed the validated Optum® SF-36v2® Health Survey with the patients.

RESULTS

Seventy patients (50% women) on HPN were included. HPN commonly affected feelings of dependency (n = 49, 70%), traveling/leaving home (n = 37, 53%), attending cultural and social events (n = 25, 36%), and sleep (n = 22, 31%). Most frequently reported symptoms were diarrhea (n = 30, 43%), polyuria (n = 28, 40%), nausea/emesis (n = 27, 39%), dysgeusia (n = 23, 33%), and cramps (n = 20, 29%). At baseline, mean (standard deviation) SF-36v2® physical and mental health component summary scores (PCS and MCS) were 45 (20) and 57 (19), respectively, and there was a trend toward improvement in PCS over the study period, while MCS remained stable. Satisfaction with health care professionals involved in HPN care was high.

CONCLUSION

QOL is a crucial and decisive aspect of HPN patient care. Symptoms related to the underlying disease and PN are frequent. Impaired social life and an ambivalent attitude toward the life-saving therapy are major concerns for these patients and should be addressed in their care.

ESPEN practical guideline: Home parenteral nutrition

This guideline will inform physicians, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, caregivers and other home parenteral nutrition (HPN) providers, as well as healthcare administrators and policy makers, about appropriate and safe HPN provision. This guideline will also inform patients requiring HPN. The guideline is based on previous published guidelines and provides an update of current evidence and expert opinion; it consists of 71 recommendations that address the indications for HPN, central venous access device (CVAD) and infusion pump, infusion catheter and CVAD site care, nutritional admixtures, program monitoring and management. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews and single clinical trials based on clinical questions were searched according to the PICO format. The evidence was evaluated and used to develop clinical recommendations implementing Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology. The guideline was commissioned and financially supported by ESPEN and members of the guideline group were selected by ESPEN.

Longitudinal evolution of catheter-related bloodstream infections, kidney function and liver status in a nationwide adult intestinal failure cohort

OBJECTIVES

The development of intestinal failure-related complications in Finnish adults is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI), and the longitudinal changes in biochemical liver and kidney tests in a nationwide cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The search for Finnish adults with intestinal failure (IF) utilized a survey to Finnish health-care providers (n = 111) with the potential to provide long-term parenteral support (PS) for adult IF. Our nationwide, cross-sectional cohort included all IF patients aged ≥ 18 years who had received PS for ≥ 120 d in 2017. Data regarding CRBSI and biochemical liver and kidney tests were collected from patient records at the start of PS up to the latest available measurement in 2017.

RESULTS

In the nationwide cohort of 52 patients, the CRBSI incidence was 1.35/1000 catheter days. Seventy-three percent of CRBSI in a long-term catheter led to catheter replacement. During a median PS duration of 27.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 11.3-57.3) months, a statistically significant median change occurred in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; -8.5 ml/min/1.73 m², IQR -30-7, p = .005) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP; 26 U/l, IQR -11-95, p = .019). In a multiple regression model for eGFR at data collection, baseline eGFR and age were strong explanatory variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of CRBSI, but not treatment strategies, in this nationwide adult IF population correspond well to those reported from specialized centers. Decreased kidney function and abnormal liver test results are frequent findings, and even more so over time, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring.

ESPEN guideline on home parenteral nutrition

This guideline will inform physicians, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, caregivers and other home parenteral nutrition (HPN) providers, as well as healthcare administrators and policy makers, about appropriate and safe HPN provision. This guideline will also inform patients requiring HPN. The guideline is based on previous published guidelines and provides an update of current evidence and expert opinion; it consists of 71 recommendations that address the indications for HPN, central venous access device (CVAD) and infusion pump, infusion line and CVAD site care, nutritional admixtures, program monitoring and management. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews and single clinical trials based on clinical questions were searched according to the PICO format. The evidence was evaluated and used to develop clinical recommendations implementing Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology. The guideline was commissioned and financially supported by ESPEN and members of the guideline group were selected by ESPEN.

Non-interventional, retrospective data of long-term home parenteral nutrition in patients with benign diseases: Analysis of a nurse register (SERECARE)

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) service in patients with benign chronic intestinal failure (CIF).

METHODS

This was a 10-y retrospective, non-interventional, multicenter study conducted with adult and pediatric patients with CIF who received HPN service. We analyzed data prospectively collected from a dedicated register by HPN nurses.

RESULTS

From January 2002 to December 2011 a total of 794 patients (49.7% male, median age 1 y for children and 57 y for adults) were included in the analysis. Over the 10-y period, 723 central venous catheter (CVC) complications occurred, of which 394 were infectious (54.5%), 297 were mechanical (41.1%), and 32 (3.3%) were defined as CVC-related thrombosis. The complication rate was higher in children (1.11 per patient) than in adults (0.70 per patient). During the observation period, the rates of both infectious and mechanical complications showed a global declining trend and ∼75% of patients had neither infectious nor mechanical CVC complications. HPN efficacy was evaluated in 301 patients with a minimum follow-up of 36 mo. Body mass index and Karnofsky score showed that the median growth significantly increased (P < 0.001) over baseline for adults and pediatric patients in the 0 to 2 age range.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a structured register has proved to be a key strategy for monitoring the outcomes of long-term treatment, improving time efficiency, and preventing potential malpractice. To our knowledge, this is the largest survey ever documented; the results were consistent despite the heterogeneity of the centers because of duly applied standard rules and protocols.

Patients' experiences with home parenteral nutrition: A grounded theory study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Parenteral nutrition (PN) provides nourishment and hydration as an intravenous infusion to patients with intestinal failure (IF). The aim of the study is to generate theory that explains the experiences of adult patients living with home parenteral nutrition (HPN) and complex medication regimens.

METHODS

A grounded theory methodology was used to explore the experiences of twelve patients receiving HPN. A semi-structured interview was conducted and recorded in each participant's home setting. Each interview was transcribed verbatim. The simultaneous process of data collection and analysis was followed reflecting the principles of the constant comparative approach.

RESULTS

A total of 15 patients gave written consent, with 12 of them agreeing to be interviewed. All the participants had previously undergone surgery as a result of chronic ill health or sudden illness. Analysis revealed two core categories: stoma and HPN, and these were supported by the subcategories: maintaining stoma output, access to toilets, managing dietary changes, maintaining the HPN infusion routine, access to technical help to set up an HPN infusion, mobility with HPN equipment and general health changes. The strategy of living with loss was demonstrated by all the participants, and this was supported by the action strategies of maintaining daily activities and social interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study generates new understanding and insight into the views and experiences of patients receiving HPN in the UK. The findings from these participants have been shown to resonate with the Kubler-Ross Model [1] of the five stages of grief. The theory of living with loss was generated by the use of a grounded theory methodology. This small scale exploratory study reveals opportunities for improvements in practice to be considered by the nutrition support team (NST) and other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's hospital stay prior to discharge on HPN.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in Adults Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition: Substantial Differences in Incidence Comparing a Strict Microbiological to a Clinically Based Diagnosis

BACKGROUND

A common complication in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). The CRBSI incidence has been advocated as an outcome parameter assessing the quality of care. This study aimed to illustrate how the use of different CRBSI definitions affects the reported incidence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an observational study based on the Copenhagen intestinal failure database, all clinically reported CRBSIs from 2002-2013 were compared with data from the affiliated microbiological database according to recommended CRBSI criteria.

RESULTS

Clinically, 1034 CRBSIs were observed in 548 adults receiving HPN for 1410 catheter-years. Thus, the clinically assessed CRBSI incidence was 1.95/1000 catheter-days. However, based on the microbiological evaluation, only 47% of our episodes fulfilled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and European Society for Clinical Nutrition (ESPEN) CRBSI criteria. Employing a catheter-salvaging strategy, 40% of the CRBSI diagnoses were supported by the paired blood culture positivity criteria and only 6% by a positive catheter tip. In 53%, CRBSIs were categorized as a clinical or "probable CRBSI" diagnosis. In 20% of all episodes, missing information/blood cultures hampered a CDC/ESPEN CRBSI diagnosis. Thereby, according to CDC/ESPEN CRBSI definitions, the incidence was 0.92/1000 days or 46% lower than clinically assessed.

CONCLUSION

This study illustrates the practical and methodological challenges and great variability in reporting of the CRBSI incidence. Nonetheless, it is recommended as a marker of the quality of care. Consensus regarding CRBSI definitions is a prerequisite for a meaningful comparison of this important outcome parameter between HPN centers.

Parenteral nutrition: indications and safe management

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of what parenteral nutrition (PN) is and when its use is required. It will describe the process of nutritional assessment, and considerations when choosing venous access. The different approaches to provision of PN solutions in hospital will be discussed. Catheter-related and metabolic complications can occur during delivery of PN; there will be a discussion of the different types of complications and how these can be avoided or minimised. Finally, the pivotal role of the nurse in the assessment and ongoing care of patients who require PN will be highlighted, including skills required to administer PN safely.

ESPEN guidelines on chronic intestinal failure in adults

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Chronic Intestinal Failure (CIF) is the long-lasting reduction of gut function, below the minimum necessary for the absorption of macronutrients and/or water and electrolytes, such that intravenous supplementation is required to maintain health and/or growth. CIF is the rarest organ failure. Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is the primary treatment for CIF. No guidelines (GLs) have been developed that address the global management of CIF. These GLs have been devised to generate comprehensive recommendations for safe and effective management of adult patients with CIF.

METHODS

The GLs were developed by the Home Artificial Nutrition & Chronic Intestinal Failure Special Interest Group of ESPEN. The GRADE system was used for assigning strength of evidence. Recommendations were discussed, submitted to Delphi rounds, and accepted in an online survey of ESPEN members.

RESULTS

The following topics were addressed: management of HPN; parenteral nutrition formulation; intestinal rehabilitation, medical therapies, and non-transplant surgery, for short bowel syndrome, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and radiation enteritis; intestinal transplantation; prevention/treatment of CVC-related infection, CVC-related occlusion/thrombosis; intestinal failure-associated liver disease, gallbladder sludge and stones, renal failure and metabolic bone disease. Literature search provided 623 full papers. Only 12% were controlled studies or meta-analyses. A total of 112 recommendations are given: grade of evidence, very low for 51%, low for 39%, moderate for 8%, and high for 2%; strength of recommendation: strong for 63%, weak for 37%.

CONCLUSIONS

CIF management requires complex technologies, multidisciplinary and multiprofessional activity, and expertise to care for both the underlying gastrointestinal disease and to provide HPN support. The rarity of the condition impairs the development of RCTs. As a consequence, most of the recommendations have a low or very low grade of evidence. However, two-thirds of the recommendations are considered strong. Specialized management and organization underpin these recommendations.