Influence of an aggressive early enteral nutrition protocol on nitrogen balance in critically ill children

Timing of enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition in the PICU

The timing of nutrition support initiation has the potential to positively impact nutrition and clinical outcomes in infants and children with critical illness. Early enteral nutrition within 24-48 h and attainment of both a 60% energy and protein goal by the end of the first week of pediatric intensive care unit admission are reported to be significantly associated with improved survival in large observational studies. The results of one randomized controlled trial demonstrated increased morbidity in infants and children with critical illness assigned to early vs delayed supplemental parenteral nutrition. Observational studies in this population also suggest increased mortality with exclusive parenteral nutrition and worse nutrition outcomes when parenteral nutrition is delayed. Subsequently, current nutrition support guidelines recommend early enteral nutrition and avoidance of early parenteral nutrition, although the available evidence used to create the guidelines was inadequate to inform bedside nutrition support practice to improve outcomes. These guidelines are limited by the included studies with small numbers and heterogeneity of patients and research design that confound study outcomes and interpretation. This article provides a narrative review of the timing of nutrition support on outcomes in infants and children with critical illness, strategies to optimize timing and adequacy of nutrition support, and literature gaps, including the timing of parenteral nutrition initiation for children with malnutrition and those with contraindications to enteral nutrition and accurate measurement of energy requirements.

Early vs late enteral nutrition in pediatric intensive care unit: Barriers, benefits, and complications

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to define the existing barriers for early enteral nutrition (EEN) in critically ill children and to analyze the differences in nutrient supply, complications, and outcomes between EEN and late EN (LEN).

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter observational, prospective study including critically ill children receiving EN. Variables analyzed included demographic and anthropometric features, caloric and nutrient supply, outcomes, and complications according to the EN onset. Patients were classified into two groups according to the start of EN: 24-EEN vs EN started after 24 h (24-LEN) and 48-EEN vs EN started after 48 h (48-LEN).

RESULTS

Sixty-eight children were enrolled; 22.1% received 24-EEN, and 67.6% received 48-EEN. EN was most frequently delayed in patients older than 12 months, in patients with cardiac disease, and in those requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). Children in the 24-EEN group had shorter duration of MV compared with those in the 24-LEN group (P = 0.04). The 48-EEN group received a higher caloric intake (P = 0.04), reached the caloric target earlier (P < 0.01), and had lower incidence of constipation (P = 0.01) than the 48-LEN group. There was a positive correlation between the time required to reach the maximum caloric intake and the length of pediatric intensive care stay (r = 0.46; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

EEN may improve nutrient delivery, reduce time on MV, and prevent constipation in critically ill children. No relevant differences between 24-EEN and 48-EEN were found. Cardiac disease, MV, and age older than 12 months were risk factors associated with LEN.

Bolus Gastric Feeds Improve Nutritional Delivery to Mechanically Ventilated Pediatric Medical Patients: Results of the COntinuous vs BOlus (COBO2) Multi-Center Trial

BACKGROUND

Comparison of bolus (BGF) versus continuous gastric feeding (CGF) with respect to timing and delivery of energy and protein in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients has not been investigated. We hypothesized that bolus delivery would shorten time to goal nutrition and increase the percentage of goal feeds delivered.

METHODS

Multi-center, prospective, randomized comparative effectiveness trial conducted in seven Pediatric ICUs (PICUs). Eligibility criteria: 1 month - 12 years of age, intubated within 24 hours of PICU admission, expected duration of ventilation at least 48 hours, eligible to begin enteral nutrition within 48 hours.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

acute or chronic gastrointestinal pathology, or acute surgery.

RESULTS

We enrolled 158 mechanically ventilated children between October 2015 and April 2018; 147 patients were included in the analysis (BGF = 72, CGF = 75). The BGF group was slightly older than CGF, otherwise the two groups had similar demographic characteristics. There was no difference in the percentage of patients in each group that achieved goal feeds. Time to goal feeds was shorter in the BGF [Hazard Ratio 1.5 (CI 1.02-2.33); P = 0.0387]. Median percentage of target kilocalories [median kcal 0.78 vs 0.59; p = <.0001], and median percentage of protein delivered [median pro 0.77 vs 0.59; p = <.0001] was higher for BGF patients. There was no difference in serial oxygen saturation index between groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated shorter time to achieve goal nutrition via BGF compared to CGF in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients. This resulted in increased delivery of target energy and nutrition. Further study is needed in other PICU populations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Early Enteral Nutrition Is Associated With Improved Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Children: A Secondary Analysis of Nutrition Support in the Heart and Lung Failure-Pediatric Insulin Titration Trial

OBJECTIVES

The impact of early enteral nutrition on clinical outcomes in critically ill children has not been adequately described. We hypothesized that early enteral nutrition is associated with improved clinical outcomes in critically ill children.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of the Heart and Lung Failure-Pediatric Insulin Titration randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Thirty-five PICUs.

PATIENTS

Critically ill children with hyperglycemia requiring inotropic support and/or invasive mechanical ventilation who were enrolled for at least 48 hours with complete nutrition data.

INTERVENTIONS

Subjects received nutrition via guidelines that emphasized enteral nutrition and were classified into early enteral nutrition (enteral nutrition within 48 hr of study randomization) and no early enteral nutrition (enteral nutrition after 48 hr of study randomization, or no enteral nutrition at any time).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 608 eligible subjects, 331 (54%) received early enteral nutrition. Both early enteral nutrition and no early enteral nutrition groups had similar daily caloric intake over the first 8 study days (median, 36 vs 36 kcal/kg/d; p = 0.93). After controlling for age, body mass index z scores, primary reason for ICU admission, severity of illness, and mean Vasopressor-Inotrope Score at the time of randomization, and adjusting for site, early enteral nutrition was associated with lower 90-day hospital mortality (8% vs 17%; p = 0.007), more ICU-free days (median, 20 vs 17 d; p = 0.02), more hospital-free days (median, 8 vs 0 d; p = 0.003), more ventilator-free days (median, 21 vs 19 d; p = 0.003), and less organ dysfunction (median maximum Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction, 11 vs 12; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill children with hyperglycemia requiring inotropic support and/or mechanical ventilation, early enteral nutrition was independently associated with better clinical outcomes.

Nutritional support for children during critical illness: European Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC) metabolism, endocrine and nutrition section position statement and clinical recommendations

Background

Nutritional support is considered essential for the outcome of paediatric critical illness. There is a lack of methodologically sound trials to provide evidence-based guidelines leading to diverse practices in PICUs worldwide. Acknowledging these limitations, we aimed to summarize the available literature and provide practical guidance for the paediatric critical care clinicians around important clinical questions many of which are not covered by previous guidelines.

Objective

To provide an ESPNIC position statement and make clinical recommendations for the assessment and nutritional support in critically ill infants and children.

Design

The metabolism, endocrine and nutrition (MEN) section of the European Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC) generated 15 clinical questions regarding different aspects of nutrition in critically ill children. After a systematic literature search, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) grading system was applied to assess the quality of the evidence, conducting meta-analyses where possible, to generate statements and clinical recommendations, which were then voted on electronically. Strong consensus (> 95% agreement) and consensus (> 75% agreement) on these statements and recommendations was measured through modified Delphi voting rounds.

Results

The final 15 clinical questions generated a total of 7261 abstracts, of which 142 publications were identified relevant to develop 32 recommendations. A strong consensus was reached in 21 (66%) and consensus was reached in 11 (34%) of the recommendations. Only 11 meta-analyses could be performed on 5 questions.

Conclusions

We present a position statement and clinical practice recommendations. The general level of evidence of the available literature was low. We have summarised this and provided a practical guidance for the paediatric critical care clinicians around important clinical questions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00134-019-05922-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

New simple low-cost surgical approach to complex jejuno-ileal atresia

We report our experience of staged operations in the surgical treatment of complex jejuno-ileal atresia. Our study examined transgastric deflation of the proximal segment and feeding jejunostomy through the distal segment as a first stage followed by a definitive restoration of continuity secondarily at a tertiary centre over a period of three years. A cohort of 21 cases were studied. None suffered with intestinal perforation or volvulus. Tube plugging was seen in three patients who were relieved by flushing. Tube replacement was not required. One patient developed necrotising enterocolitis and died. Sepsis was seen in three. The age at the second operation was 56.2 ± 6.6 days. There was no complication after this second procedure. We therefore recommend this staged management for complex jejuno-ileal atresia, but suggest further studies.

Metabolic and Nutritional Characteristics of Long-Stay Critically Ill Patients

Background: insufficient feeding is frequent in the intensive care unit (ICU), which results in poor outcomes. Little is known about the nutrition pattern of patients requiring prolonged ICU stays. The aims of our study are to describe the demographic, metabolic, and nutritional specificities of chronically critically ill (CCI) patients defined by an ICU stay >2 weeks, and to identify an early risk factor. Methods: analysis of consecutive patients prospectively admitted to the CCI program, with the following variables: demographic characteristics, Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS-2002) score, total daily energy from nutritional and non-nutritional sources, protein and glucose intakes, all arterial blood glucose values, length of ICU and hospital stay, and outcome (ICU and 90-day survival). Two phases were considered for the analysis: the first 10 days, and the next 20 days of the ICU stay. Statistics: parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: 150 patients, aged 60 ± 15 years were prospectively included. Median (Q1, Q3) length of ICU stay was 31 (26, 46) days. The mortality was 18% at ICU discharge and 35.3% at 90 days. Non-survivors were older (p = 0.024), tended to have a higher SAPSII score (p = 0.072), with a significantly higher NRS score (p = 0.033). Enteral nutrition predominated, while combined feeding was minimally used. All patients received energy and protein below the ICU’s protocol recommendation. The proportion of days with fasting was 10.8%, being significantly higher in non-survivors (2 versus 3 days; p = 0.038). Higher protein delivery was associated with an increase in prealbumin over time (r² = 0.19, p = 0.027). Conclusions: High NRS scores may identify patients at highest risk of poor outcome when exposed to underfeeding. Further studies are required to evaluate a nutrition strategy for patients with high NRS, addressing combined parenteral nutrition and protein delivery.

Energy Balance in Critically Ill Children With Severe Sepsis Using Indirect Calorimetry: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Energy needs in critically ill children are dynamic and variable. Data on energy balance in children with severe sepsis using indirect calorimetry (IC) is lacking. Thus, we planned to study the energy needs and balance of this cohort.

METHODS

Prospective observational study conducted in ventilated children aged 5 to 12 years, admitted in pediatric intensive care unit with severe sepsis from May 2016 to June 2017. Measured resting energy expenditure (mREE) was measured with IC (Quark RMR, COSMED) till 7 days or pediatric intensive care unit discharge. Predicted energy expenditure (pREE) was estimated using Schofield, Harris and Benedict, and FAO/WHO/UNU equations. Primary outcome was to study the daily energy balance. Secondary outcome was to determine nitrogen balance and agreement of mREE with pREE.

RESULTS

Forty children (24 boys) with median age of 7 (5.2, 10) years were enrolled. All received enteral nutrition; 35 (87.5%) received inotropic support. Median ventilation-free days were 19 days and 4 children died (10%). A total of 176 IC measurements were obtained with an average of 4 per patient. The mean mREE was 51 ± 17 kcal/kg and mean respiratory quotient was 0.77 ± 0.07. There was persistent negative energy balance from days 1 to 7 and negative nitrogen balance from days 1 to 5. There was poor agreement of pREE with mREE using Bland Altman plots. None of severity of illness scores (PRISM III, daily Sequential Organ Function Assessment, daily Vasoactive Inotropic Score) showed correlation with mREE.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent negative energy and nitrogen balance exist during acute phase of severe sepsis. Predictive equations are inaccurate compared with IC as the criterion standard.

Medical Nutrition Terminology and Regulations in the United States and Europe-A Scoping Review: Report of the ISPOR Nutrition Economics Special Interest Group

BACKGROUND

The term medical nutrition (MN) refers to nutritional products used under medical supervision to manage disease- or condition-related dietary needs. Standardized MN definitions, aligned with regulatory definitions, are needed to facilitate outcomes research and economic evaluation of interventions with MN.

OBJECTIVES

Ascertain how MN terms are defined, relevant regulations are applied, and to what extent MN is valued.

METHODS

ISPOR's Nutrition Economics Special Interest Group conducted a scoping review of scientific literature on European and US MN terminology and regulations, published between January 2000 and August 2015, and pertinent professional and regulatory Web sites. Data were extracted, reviewed, and reconciled using two-person teams in a two-step process. The literature search was updated before manuscript completion.

RESULTS

Of the initial 1687 literature abstracts and 222 Web sites identified, 459 records were included in the analysis, of which 308 used MN terms and 100 provided definitions. More than 13 primary disease groups as per International Classification of Disease, Revision 10 categories were included. The most frequently mentioned and defined terms were enteral nutrition and malnutrition. Less than 5% of the records referenced any MN regulation. The health economic impact of MN was rarely and insufficiently (n = 19 [4.1%]) assessed, although an increase in economic analyses was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

MN terminology is not consistently defined, relevant European and US regulations are rarely cited, and economic evaluations are infrequently conducted. We recommend adopting consensus MN terms and definitions, for example, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism consensus guideline 2017, as a foundation for developing reliable and standardized medical nutrition economic methodologies.

The Association of Nutrition Status Expressed as Body Mass Index z Score With Outcomes in Children With Severe Sepsis: A Secondary Analysis From the Sepsis Prevalence, Outcomes, and Therapies (SPROUT) Study

OBJECTIVES

The impact of nutrition status on outcomes in pediatric severe sepsis is unclear. We studied the association of nutrition status (expressed as body mass index z score) with outcomes in pediatric severe sepsis.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of the Sepsis Prevalence, Outcomes, and Therapies study. Patient characteristics, ICU interventions, and outcomes were compared across nutrition status categories (expressed as age- and sex-adjusted body mass index z scores using World Health Organization standards). Multivariable regression models were developed to determine adjusted differences in all-cause ICU mortality and ICU length of stay by nutrition status.

SETTING

One-hundred twenty-eight PICUs across 26 countries.

PATIENTS

Children less than 18 years with severe sepsis enrolled in the Sepsis Prevalence, Outcomes, and Therapies study (n = 567).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Nutrition status data were available for 417 patients. Severe undernutrition was seen in Europe (25%), Asia (20%), South Africa (17%), and South America (10%), with severe overnutrition seen in Australia/New Zealand (17%) and North America (14%). Severe undernutrition was independently associated with all-cause ICU mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2-7.7; p = 0.02), whereas severe overnutrition in survivors was independently associated with longer ICU length of stay (1.6 d; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable variation in nutrition status for children with severe sepsis treated across this selected network of PICUs from different geographic regions. Severe undernutrition was independently associated with higher all-cause ICU mortality in children with severe sepsis. Severe overnutrition was independently associated with greater ICU length of stay in childhood survivors of severe sepsis.

The science and art of pediatric critical care nutrition

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nutritional status and nutrient delivery during critical illness impact clinical outcomes. We have reviewed recent studies that may guide best practices regarding nutrition therapy in critically ill children.

RECENT FINDINGS

Malnutrition is prevalent in the pediatric ICU population, and is associated with worse outcomes. Nutrition support teams, dedicated dietitians, and educational programs facilitate surveillance for existing malnutrition and nutrition risk, but specific tools for the pediatric ICU population are lacking. Estimation of macronutrient requirements is often inaccurate; novel strategies to accurately determine energy expenditure are being explored. Indirect calorimetry remains the reference method for measuring energy expenditure. Enteral nutrition is the preferred route for nutrition in patients with a functioning gut. Early enteral nutrition and delivery of adequate macronutrients, particularly protein, have been associated with improved clinical outcomes. Delivery of enteral nutrition is often interrupted because of fasting around procedures and perceived intolerance. Objective measures for detection and management of intolerance to nutrient intake are required. In low-risk patients who are able to tolerate enteral nutrition, supplemental parenteral nutrition may be delayed during the first week of critical illness.

SUMMARY

Systematic research and consensus-based practices are expected to promote optimal nutritional practices in critically ill children with the potential to improve clinical outcomes.

Adherence to a Nurse-Driven Feeding Protocol in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) often experience prolonged periods without nutrition support, which may result in hospital-induced malnutrition and longer length of stay. Nurse-driven feeding protocols have been developed to prevent unnecessary interruptions or delays to nutrition support. The primary objective of this study was to identify compliance and reasons for noncompliance to a feeding protocol at a tertiary care hospital PICU in Canada. The secondary aim was to determine the mean time (hours) spent without any form of nutrition and to identify reasons for time spent without nutrition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective cohort audit, consisting of 150 consecutive PICU admissions (January-February 2016). Exclusion criteria consisted of patient mortality within 48 hours (n = 1) and patients who were still admitted at the end of the data collection timeframe (n = 7). The remaining cohort consisted of 142 consecutive admissions. Data collection took place in real time and included patient demographics, diagnostic categories, time spent without nutrition, reasons for interruptions to nutrition support, and reasons for noncompliance to the protocol. Observations were obtained through paper and computer charts and conversing with clinicians.

RESULTS

There was a 95% compliance rate to the protocol and an average of 25.6 hours spent without nutrition per patient. The most prevalent reason for noncompliance was an avoidable delay to restart feeds before/after procedures or after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

A nurse-driven feeding protocol may reduce time spent without nutrition. Future research is required to examine the relationship between adherence to feeding protocols and clinical outcomes.

Body Composition Changes in Severely Burned Children During ICU Hospitalization

OBJECTIVES

Prolonged hospitalization due to burn injury results in physical inactivity and muscle weakness. However, how these changes are distributed among body parts is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of body composition changes in different anatomical regions during ICU hospitalization.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Children's burn hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty-four severely burned children admitted to our institution between 2000 and 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry within 2 weeks after injury and 2 weeks before discharge to determine body composition changes. No subject underwent anabolic intervention. We analyzed changes of bone mineral content, bone mineral density, total fat mass, total mass, and total lean mass of the entire body and specifically analyzed the changes between the upper and lower limbs.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

In the 24 patients, age was 10 ± 5 years, total body surface area burned was 59% ± 17%, time between dual-energy x-ray absorptiometries was 34 ± 21 days, and length of stay was 39 ± 24 days. We found a significant (p < 0.001) average loss of 3% of lean mass in the whole body; this loss was significantly greater (p < 0.001) in the upper extremities (17%) than in the lower extremities (7%). We also observed a remodeling of the fat compartments, with a significant whole-body increase in fat mass (p < 0.001) that was greater in the truncal region (p < 0.0001) and in the lower limbs (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ICU hospitalization is associated with greater lean mass loss in the upper limbs of burned children. Mobilization programs should include early mobilization of upper limbs to restore upper extremity function.

Impact of the structure and dose of protein intake on clinical and metabolic outcomes in critically ill children: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the effects of structure/type and total amount of protein intake on protein balance and clinical outcomes in critically ill children.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of relevant literature on Embase, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences. A partial gray literature search was undertaken and the reference lists of the selected articles were searched manually. Observational and clinical trials that evaluated the total protein intake, structure of the protein source, or both, in critically ill children were included. Nitrogen balance and clinical outcomes (mortality, length of stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation) were the main outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

We found 18 eligible studies, of which 17 assessed the quantity and one described protein structure in relation to the outcomes. In all, 2118 pediatric critically ill patients <18 y of age were included. The total daily protein intake ranged from 0.67 to 4.7 g/kg. Average daily total protein intake >1.1 g/kg, especially >1.5 g/kg, was associated with positive protein balance and lower mortality.

CONCLUSION

In critically ill children, total daily protein intake >1.1 g/kg was associated with positive effects on clinical outcomes and protein balance. The existing data are not sufficient for determining the optimal structure of protein delivered by enteral route in critically ill children.

Protein Requirements of the Critically Ill Pediatric Patient

This article includes a review of protein needs in children during health and illness, as well as a detailed discussion of protein metabolism, including nitrogen balance during critical illness, and assessment and prescription/delivery of protein to critically ill children. The determination of protein requirements in children has been difficult and challenging. The protein needs in healthy children should be based on the amount needed to ensure adequate growth during infancy and childhood. Compared with adults, children require a continuous supply of nutrients to maintain growth. The protein requirement is expressed in average requirements and dietary reference intake, which represents values that cover the needs of 97.5% of the population. Critically ill children have an increased protein turnover due to an increase in whole-body protein synthesis and breakdown with protein degradation leading to loss of lean body mass (LBM) and development of growth failure, malnutrition, and worse clinical outcomes. The results of protein balance studies in critically ill children indicate higher protein needs, with infants and younger children requiring higher intakes per body weight compared with older children. Monitoring the side effects of increased protein intake should be performed. Recent studies found a survival benefit in critically ill children who received a higher percentage of prescribed energy and protein goal by the enteral route. Future randomized studies should evaluate the effect of protein dosing in different age groups on patient outcomes, including LBM, muscle structure and function, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and mortality.

Implementation of Nutrition Support Guidelines May Affect Energy and Protein Intake in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Critically ill children are at risk of developing malnutrition, and undernutrition is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

The study evaluated changes in the energy and protein intake before and after implementation of nutrition support (NS) guidelines for a pediatric critical care unit (PICU).

DESIGN

This retrospective study documented energy and protein intake for the first 8 days of PICU stay. Basal metabolic rate and protein needs were estimated by Schofield and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Guidelines, respectively.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Three hundred thirty-five children from August to December 2012 (pre-implementation) and 185 from October to December 2013 (post-implementation).

INTERVENTION

Implementation of NS Guidelines.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in actual energy and protein intake in the post- compared with the pre-Implementation period.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED

Unpaired t tests, Pearson's χ(2) (unadjusted analysis) were used. Logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for protein and energy intake, adjusted for age, sex, and Pediatric Risk of Mortality score.

RESULTS

After the implementation of guidelines, significant improvements were seen during days 5 through 8 in energy intake among children 2 years of age and older, and in protein intake in both age groups (P<0.05). For the 8-day period, statistically or clinically significant improvements occurred in the cumulative protein deficit/kg/day, as follows: younger than 2-year-olds, -1.5±0.7 g/kg/day vs -1.3±0.8 g/kg/day, P=0.02; 2-year-olds or older, -1.0±0.6 g/kg/day vs -0.7±0.8 g/kg/day, P=0.01; and for the energy deficit/kg/d in 2-year-olds and older, -17.2±13.6 kcal/kg/day vs -13.3±18.1 kcal/kg/day, unpaired t test, P=0.07, in the pre- vs post-implementation period, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of NS guidelines was associated with improvements in total energy in 2-year-olds and older and protein in younger than 2 and 2 years and older children by days 5 through 8, and protein deficits were significantly lower in the post- vs the pre-implementation period. The implementation of NS guidelines may have had a positive effect on improving NS in critically ill children.

Gastric Dysmotility in Critically Ill Children: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to review gastric dysmotility in critically ill children: 1) its pathophysiology, with a focus on critical care diseases and therapies that affect gastric motility, 2) diagnostic methodologies, and 3) current and future potential therapies.

DATA SOURCES

Eligible studies were identified from PubMed and MEDLINE.

STUDY SELECTION

Literature search included the following key terms: "gastric emptying," "gastric motility/dysmotility," "gastrointestinal motility/dysmotility," "nutrition intolerance," and "gastric residual volume."

DATA EXTRACTION

Studies since 1995 were extracted and reviewed for inclusion by the authors related to the physiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methodologies, and available therapies for gastric emptying.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Delayed gastric emptying, a common presentation of gastric dysmotility, is present in up to 50% of critically ill children. It is associated with the potential for aspiration, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and inadequate delivery of enteral nutrition and may affect the efficacy of enteral medications, all of which may be result in poor patient outcomes. Gastric motility is affected by critical illness and its associated therapies. Currently available diagnostic tools to identify gastric emptying at the bedside have not been systematically studied and applied in this cohort. Gastric residual volume measurement, used as an indirect marker of delayed gastric emptying in PICUs around the world, may be inaccurate.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric dysmotility is common in critically ill children and impacts patient safety and outcomes. However, it is poorly understood, inadequately defined, and current therapies are limited and based on scant evidence. Understanding gastric motility and developing accurate bedside measures and novel therapies for gastric emptying are highly desirable and need to be further investigated.

Impact of a nurse-led feeding protocol in a pediatric intensive care unit

Background:

To determine effectiveness of a nurse-led, volume-based feeding protocol in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), we evaluated patients’ nutrition adequacy pre- and post-protocol implementation.

Methods:

We conducted an observational study of patients admitted for more than three days in the PICU during pre- and post-feeding protocol periods. We recorded energy and protein intake and feed interruptions in patients started on enteral nutrition over the first seven days of admission. We excluded patients with septic shock requiring more than two inotropes, post-cardiac and post-gastrointestinal surgeries. To determine nutrition adequacy, actual energy and protein intakes were compared with calculated requirements, expressed as percentages.

Results:

We had a total of 40 patients (20 in the pre- and post-protocol groups, respectively) with median age of 9.4 (interquartile range (IQR) 2.8, 57) months. Median time to feed initiation was similar between groups (20.0 (IQR 17.0, 37.5) vs. 21.5 (IQR 10.5, 27.0) hours, p = 0.516). There was no difference in median energy (55 (IQR 12, 102) vs. 59 (IQR 25, 85) %, p = 0.645) and protein intake (53 (IQR 16, 124) vs. 73 (IQR 22, 137) %, p = 0.069) over the seven-day period between groups; the proportion of patients meeting their energy (10 vs. 35%, p = 0.127) and protein goal (15 vs. 30%, p = 0.451) by day three also did not differ significantly pre- and post-protocol implementation. The most common reasons for feed interruption were intubation/extubation and radiological procedures.

Conclusion:

Our current feeding protocol did not improve nutrient adequacy. The effectiveness of a more aggressive protocol in units where enteral nutrition is initiated within 24 hours should be investigated.

Enteral Nutrition in the PICU: Current Status and Ongoing Challenges

Malnutrition in the critically ill or injured child is associated with increased morbidities and mortality in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), whether present upon admission or acquired during the PICU stay. Particular subpopulations such as those with congenital heart disease or severe thermal injury are at highest risk for malnutrition which can worsen with illness progression. A growing body of evidence suggests the presence of a positive association between nutrition support during critical illness and patient outcomes. Enteral nutrition (EN), the preferred route of nutrient delivery, may be a crucial component of care provided in the PICU which modifies the response to critical illness or injury, resulting in improved outcomes. Numerous challenges exist in the delivery of the EN goal in critically ill children. These include accurate assessment of nutrient requirements, hemodynamic instability, feeding intolerance, feeding interruptions, and the lack of a standardized approach to nutrition support. This article describes the current state of the science and challenges related to EN prescription and delivery in the critically ill child. Suggestions for improving EN practice are then presented, in addition to a platform for further research inquiry.

Amino acid concentrations in critically ill children following cardiac surgery*

OBJECTIVE

Guidelines for administering amino acids to critically ill children are largely based on uncontrolled observational studies and expert opinion, without support from rigorous outcome studies. Also, data on circulating amino acid concentrations during critical illness are scarce. We thoroughly studied the time profiles of circulating amino acid concentrations in critically ill children who received standard nutritional care according to international guidelines.

DESIGN

This is a subanalysis of pediatric critically ill patients included in a large (n = 700) randomized controlled study on intensive insulin therapy.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a university hospital PICU.

PATIENTS

We studied 100 patients in PICU for at least 3 days following cardiac surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were assigned to intensive insulin therapy targeting normal-for-age fasting blood glucose concentrations or insulin infusion only to prevent excessive hyperglycemia.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured at admission, day 3, and day 7 in PICU. At admission, the concentrations of most amino acids were comparable to those reported for healthy children. Total amino acid concentrations remained stable during ICU stay, but individual amino acids showed different time profiles with eight of them showing an increase and five a decrease. Nonsurviving children had higher total amino acid concentrations and individual amino acids compared with survivors at admission and/or during ICU stay. Intensive insulin therapy lowered the concentrations of total amino acids and several individual amino acids. Neonates showed somewhat different amino acid profiles with rather increased concentrations from baseline with time in ICU for total amino acids and several individual amino acids as compared with older infants and children.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating amino acid concentrations in critically ill children after cardiac surgery differ according to survival status, blood glucose control with intensive insulin therapy, and age.

A Canadian survey of perceived barriers to initiation and continuation of enteral feeding in PICUs

OBJECTIVE

Clinicians believe nutrition support is important; however, delivery of enteral nutrition may be delayed or interrupted due to a lack of guidelines or perceived contraindications to administration. The aim of this national survey was to examine the knowledge and perceived barriers among clinicians which prevent enteral nutrition administration to PICU patients.

DESIGN

The survey consisted of 23 questions (19 primary and four branching). The survey was validated using a semistructured pilot test by three pediatric critical care intensivists and two pediatric critical care registered dietitians external to the study team.

SETTING

The survey was electronically distributed to clinicians in all PICUs across Canada.

POPULATION

One hundred sixty-two PICU clinicians, including 96 staff intensivists, eight clinical assistants, 36 fellows, and 22 registered dietitians from PICUs across Canada.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The survey was administered from January to March 2013. The response rate was 50% (55 staff intensivists, two clinical assistants, nine fellows, and 15 registered dietitians). There was high variability among clinicians regarding reasons to delay the onset of enteral nutrition or interrupt enteral nutrition administration. High variability (> 70% agreement and < 10% disagreement or vice versa) was found for some reasons to delay or interrupt enteral nutrition, including lactates (rising or > 2 or > 4 mmol/L), high gastric residual volumes, CT/MRI scans, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Sixty-eight percent of PICU clinicians reported no written feeding protocol to be in place.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there is high variability among clinicians regarding acceptable procedural and clinical barriers to enteral nutrition administration; this may be improved by a standardized feeding protocol. Therefore, further research must be conducted to provide clinicians with evidence to support their practices for enteral nutrition administration.

Nutrition Monitoring in the PICU

The ideal set of variables for nutritional monitoring that may correlate with patient outcomes has not been identified. This is particularly difficult in the PICU patient because many of the standard modes of nutritional monitoring, although well described and available, are fraught with difficulties. Thus, repeated anthropometric and laboratory markers must be jointly analyzed but individually interpreted according to disease and metabolic changes, in order to modify and monitor the nutritional treatment. In addition, isotope techniques are neither clinically feasible nor compatible with the multiple measurements needed to follow progression. On the other hand, indirect alternatives exist but may have pitfalls, of which the clinician must be aware. Risks exist for both overfeeding and underfeeding of PICU patients so that an accurate monitoring of energy expenditure, using targeted indirect calorimetry, is necessary to avoid either extreme. This is very important, since the monitoring of the nutritional status of the critically ill child serves as a guide to early and effective nutritional intervention.

Epidemiology of interruptions to nutrition support in critically ill children in the pediatric intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Nutrition support is often delayed or interrupted. The aim of this study is to identify reasons for and quantify time spent without nutrition in a mixed medical-surgical-cardiac pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected to describe the patient cohort (anthropometrics and diagnostic category) and nutrition practices (time to nutrition initiation; frequency, duration, and causes of interruptions; and overall caloric intake). Descriptive statistics were used; comparisons of groups were performed using an independent t test and P < .05 as significance.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) time to nutrition initiation was 22.8 (16.6) hours following admission; 35% of patients were initiated after >24 hours. Nutrition was interrupted 1.2 (2.0) times per patient. Time spent without nutrition due to interruptions was 11.6 (23.0) hours, up to 102 hours. Patients spent 42.4% (28.2%) of their median (range) PICU admission of 2.9 days (0.25-39 days) without any form of nutrition. Patients aged 0-6 months had a significantly higher mean number and duration of interruptions (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively) compared with children >6 months. Interruptions due to surgery and planned extubation lasted significantly longer than all other interruptions (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III scores were not correlated with percentage of length of stay spent without nutrition (r = 0.137).

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged time to nutrition initiation and interruptions in delivery caused pediatric patients to spend a high proportion of admission without nutrition support, preventing most from meeting energy requirements. Further research addressing specific patient outcomes is required to define optimal initiation times and appropriate procedural-specific fasting times.

Nutrition Management of the Critically Ill Pediatric Patient

Provision of optimal nutritional support to children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is important for optimizing nutritional management, yet challenging because of a variety of factors. Previous nutritional status, degree of malnutrition, and variability in disease states differ significantly among PICU patients. Although there are numerous benefits for enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill children, obstacles exist within the PICU that prevent the initiation and delivery of appropriate EN and parenteral nutritional (PN) support. Evidence-based nutrition care guidelines have been established to promote optimal nutrition support practice in PICU patients, including identification of those at greatest nutritional risk, initiating EN or PN in a timely manner, and providing EN as the preferred nutrition support modality for children with a functioning gastrointestinal tract. Strategies can be implemented to minimize avoidable delays or interruptions to the optimal delivery of PN and EN, including establishing nutrition support guidelines to promote consistency in practice, promoting clear and consistent communication among the PICU team via direct communication, unit rounds, and the medical record. The education of frontline PICU staff by trained professionals such as pediatric registered dietitians board certified in pediatric nutrition or nutrition support practice can also help promote improved nutritional support practice and outcomes. Specific strategies to optimize nutritional support and EN initiation and delivery at the author’s institution are also presented.

Nutrition support among critically ill children with AKI

BACKGROUND

Critically ill children are at high risk of underfeeding and AKI, which may lead to further nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to determine the adequacy of nutrition support during the first 5 days of intensive care unit (ICU) stay.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

A chart review of pediatric patients admitted to the pediatric ICU for >72 hours between August 2007 and March 2008 was conducted. Patients were classified as having no AKI versus AKI by modified pediatric RIFLE criteria. All nutrition was analyzed. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was estimated by the Schofield equation and protein needs by American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 167 patients, 102 were male and 65 were female (median age 1.4 years). Using the RIFLE criteria, 102 (61%) patients had no AKI, whereas 44 (26%) were classified as category R (risk), 12 (7%) as category I (injury), and 9 (5%) as category F (failure). The median 5-day energy intake was lower relative to estimated BMR. Overall protein provision (19%) was lower than energy provision (55%) compared with estimated needs (P<0.001). I/F patients were more likely to be fasted versus receiving enteral/parenteral nutrition (n=813 patient days) and to receive <90% of BMR (n=832 patient days) than No AKI/R patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Underfeeding, common in critically ill children, was accentuated in AKI. Protein underfeeding was greater than energy underfeeding in the first 5 days of PICU stay. Efforts should be made to provide adequate nutrition in ICU patients with AKI.

Nutrition support in critically ill children: underdelivery of energy and protein compared with current recommendations

Critically ill children are at high risk for developing nutritional deficiencies, and hospital undernutrition is known to be a risk factor for morbidity and mortality in children. This study's aims were to examine current nutrition practices and the adequacy of nutrition support in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). This retrospective chart review included 240 PICU patients admitted to PICU for longer than 48 hours and documented all intravenous (IV), parenteral, and enteral energy and protein for the first 8 days. Basal metabolic rate and protein requirements were estimated by Schofield equation and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Clinical Guidelines, respectively. Moderate/severe acute malnutrition was defined as weight for age greater than -2 z scores, and moderate/severe chronic malnutrition (growth stunting) was defined as height for age greater than -2 z scores, using 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. During the first 8 days of PICU stay, the actual energy intake for all patient-days was an average of 75.7% ± 56.7% of basal metabolic rate and was significantly lower than basal metabolic rate (P<0.001); the actual protein intake for all patient-days met an average of 40.4% ± 44.2% of protein requirements and was significantly lower than the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines (P<0.001). Delivery of energy and protein were inadequate on 60% and 85% of patient-days, respectively. Only 75% of estimated energy and 40% of protein requirements were met in the first 8 days of PICU stay. These data demonstrate a high prevalence of critically ill children who are not meeting their recommended levels of protein and energy. In order to avoid undernutrition of these children, providers must conduct ongoing assessment of protein and energy intake compared with protein and energy requirements.

Nutritional practices and their relationship to clinical outcomes in critically ill children--an international multicenter cohort study*

OBJECTIVES

To examine factors influencing the adequacy of energy and protein intake in the pediatric intensive care unit and to describe their relationship to clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated children.

DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS

We conducted an international prospective cohort study of consecutive children (ages 1 month to 18 yrs) requiring mechanical ventilation longer than 48 hrs in the pediatric intensive care unit. Nutritional practices were recorded during the pediatric intensive care unit stay for a maximum of 10 days, and patients were followed up for 60 days or until hospital discharge. Multivariate analysis, accounting for pediatric intensive care unit clustering and important confounding variables, was used to examine the impact of nutritional variables and pediatric intensive care unit characteristics on 60-day mortality and the prevalence of acquired infections.

MAIN RESULTS

31 pediatric intensive care units in academic hospitals in eight countries participated in this study. Five hundred patients with mean (SD) age 4.5 (5.1) yrs were enrolled and included in the analysis. Mortality at 60 days was 8.4%, and 107 of 500 (22%) patients acquired at least one infection during their pediatric intensive care unit stay. Over 30% of patients had severe malnutrition on admission, with body mass index z-score >2 (13.2%) or <-2 (17.1%) on admission. Mean prescribed goals for daily energy and protein intake were 64 kcals/kg and 1.7 g/kg respectively. Enteral nutrition was used in 67% of the patients and was initiated within 48 hrs of admission in the majority of patients. Enteral nutrition was subsequently interrupted on average for at least 2 days in 357 of 500 (71%) patients. Mean (SD) percentage daily nutritional intake (enteral nutrition) compared to prescribed goals was 38% for energy and 43% (44) for protein. A higher percentage of goal energy intake via enteral nutrition route was significantly associated with lower 60-day mortality (Odds ratio for increasing energy intake from 33.3% to 66.6% is 0.27 [0.11, 0.67], p = .002). Mortality was higher in patients who received parenteral nutrition (odds ratio 2.61 [1.3, 5.3], p = .008). Patients admitted to units that utilized a feeding protocol had a lower prevalence of acquired infections (odds ratio 0.18 [0.05, 0.64], p = .008), and this association was independent of the amount of energy or protein intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutrition delivery is generally inadequate in mechanically ventilated children across the world. Intake of a higher percentage of prescribed dietary energy goal via enteral route was associated with improved 60-day survival; conversely, parenteral nutrition use was associated with higher mortality. Pediatric intensive care units that utilized protocols for the initiation and advancement of enteral nutrient intake had a lower prevalence of acquired infections. Optimizing nutrition therapy is a potential avenue for improving clinical outcomes in critically ill children.

Systematic review of the influence of energy and protein intake on protein balance in critically ill children

OBJECTIVE

To examine the influence of protein and energy intakes on protein balance in children receiving mechanical ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit.

STUDY DESIGN

We hypothesized that higher energy and protein intakes are correlated with positive protein balance. We performed a systematic literature search to identify studies reporting protein balance in children requiring mechanical ventilation. Factors contributing to protein balance, including protein and energy intake, age, illness severity, study design, and feeding routes, were analyzed using a qualitative approach.

RESULTS

Nine studies met the entry criteria and were included in the final analysis. Positive nitrogen balance was reported in 6 of the studies, with a wide range of associated energy and protein intakes. Measures of central tendency for daily energy and protein intakes were significantly correlated with positive protein balance. A minimum intake of 57 kcal/kg/day and 1.5 g protein/kg/day were required to achieve positive protein balance.

CONCLUSION

We found a correlation between higher energy and protein intakes and achievement of positive protein balance in children receiving mechanical ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit. However, there is a paucity of interventional studies, and a variety of protocols have been used to determine nitrogen balance. Larger clinical trials with uniform methodology are needed to further examine the effect of energy and protein intake on protein balance, lean body mass, and clinical outcomes in children on mechanical ventilation.

Severity of illness influences the efficacy of enteral feeding route on clinical outcomes in patients with critical illness

BACKGROUND

Few trials have studied the influence of illness severity on clinical outcomes of different tube-feeding routes. Whether gastric or postpyloric feeding route is more beneficial to patients receiving enteral nutrition remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To test whether illness severity influences the efficacy of enteral feeding route on clinical outcomes in patients with critical illness.

DESIGN

A 2-year prospective, randomized, clinical study was conducted to assess the differences between the nasogastric (NG) and nasoduodenal (ND) tube feedings on clinical outcomes.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

One hundred one medical adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients requiring enteral nutrition were enrolled in this study.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomly assigned to the NG (n=51) or ND (n=50) feeding route during a 21-day study period. Illness severity was dichotomized as "less severe" and "more severe," with the cutoff set at Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 20.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Daily energy and protein intake, feeding complications (eg, gastric retention/vomiting/diarrhea/gastrointestinal bleeding), length of ICU stay, hospital mortality, nitrogen balance, albumin, and prealbumin.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Two-tailed Student t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze significant differences between variables in the study groups. Multiple regression was used to assess the effects of illness severity and enteral feeding routes on clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Among less severely ill patients, no differences existed between the NG and ND groups in daily energy and protein intake, feeding complications, length of ICU stay, and nitrogen balance. Among more severely ill patients, the NG group experienced lower energy and protein intake, more tube feeding complications, longer ICU stay, and poorer nitrogen balance than the ND group.

CONCLUSIONS

To optimize nutritional support and taking medical resources into account, the gastric feeding route is recommended for less severely ill patients and the postpyloric feeding route for more severely ill patients.

Association between illness severity and timing of initial enteral feeding in critically ill patients: a retrospective observational study

Background

Early enteral nutrition is recommended in cases of critical illness. It is unclear whether this recommendation is of most benefit to extremely ill patients. We aim to determine the association between illness severity and commencement of enteral feeding.

Methods

One hundred and eight critically ill patients were grouped as “less severe” and “more severe” for this cross-sectional, retrospective observational study. The cut off value was based on Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score 20. Patients who received enteral feeding within 48 h of medical intensive care unit (ICU) admission were considered early feeding cases otherwise they were assessed as late feeding cases. Feeding complications (gastric retention/vomiting/diarrhea/gastrointestinal bleeding), length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, ventilator-associated pneumonia, hospital mortality, nutritional intake, serum albumin, serum prealbumin, nitrogen balance (NB), and 24-h urinary urea nitrogen data were collected over 21 days.

Results

There were no differences in measured outcomes between early and late feedings for less severely ill patients. Among more severely ill patients, however, the early feeding group showed improved serum albumin (p = 0.036) and prealbumin (p = 0.014) but worsened NB (p = 0.01), more feeding complications (p = 0.005), and prolonged ICU stays (p = 0.005) compared to their late feeding counterparts.

Conclusions

There is a significant association between severity of illness and timing of enteral feeding initiation. In more severe illness, early feeding was associated with improved nutritional outcomes, while late feeding was associated with reduced feeding complications and length of ICU stay. However, the feeding complications of more severely ill early feeders can be handled without significantly affecting nutritional intake and there is no eventual difference in length of hospital stay or mortality between groups. Consequently, early feeding shows to be a more beneficial nutritional intervention option than late feeding in patients with more severe illness.

Establishing early enteral nutrition with the use of self-advancing postpyloric feeding tube in critically ill children

INTRODUCTION

Early nutrition support is an integral part of the care of critically ill children. Early enteral nutrition (EN) improves nitrogen balance and prevents bacterial translocation and gut mucosal atrophy. Adequate EN is often not achieved as gastric feeds are not tolerated and placing postpyloric feeding tubes can be difficult. Spontaneous transpyloric passage of standard feeding tubes without endoscopic intervention or use of anesthesia can range from 30%-80%. The authors report on their experience with a 14Fr polyurethane self-advancing jejunal feeding tube in a pediatric population. These tubes have been used in the adult population with success, but to the authors' knowledge, there have been no reports of its use in the pediatric age group.

CASE SERIES

The authors present 7 critically ill patients 8-19 years old, admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, in whom prolonged recovery, inability to tolerate gastric feeds, and dependence on ventilator were predicted at the outset. The jejunal feeding tube was successfully placed on first attempt at the bedside in all 7 patients within the first 24 hours without the use of a promotility agent or endoscopic intervention. Nutrition goal achieved within 48 hours of feeding tube placement was reported for each patient. This case series demonstrates that children fed via the small bowel reached their nutrition goal earlier and did not require parenteral nutrition.

CONCLUSION

The self-advancing jejunal feeding tube can be used effectively to establish early EN in critically ill children.

Malnutrition in the critically ill child: the importance of enteral nutrition

Malnutrition affects 50% of hospitalized children and 25-70% of the critically ill children. It increases the incidence of complications and mortality. Malnutrition is associated with an altered metabolism of certain substrates, increased metabolism and catabolism depending on the severity of the lesion, and reduced nutrient delivery. The objective should be to administer individualized nutrition to the critically ill child and to be able to adjust the nutrition continuously according to the metabolic changes and evolving nutritional status. It would appear reasonable to start enteral nutrition within the first 24 to 48 hours after admission, when oral feeding is not possible. Parenteral nutrition should only be used when enteral nutrition is contraindicated or is not tolerated. Energy delivery must be individually adjusted to energy expenditure (40-65 kcal/100 calories metabolized/day) with a protein delivery of 2.5-3 g/kg/day. Frequent monitoring of nutritional and metabolic parameters should be performed.

The impact of enteral feeding protocols on nutritional support in critically ill children

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that feeding protocols may assist in achieving optimal nutritional care in critically ill children. The present study aimed to assess the impact of enteral feeding protocols on nutritional support practices through a continuous auditing process over a defined period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective audit on nutritional practice was initiated in 1994-1995 on all ventilated patients who were admitted for more than a complete 24-h period in the paediatric intensive care unit. The audit was repeated 1997-1998, 2001 and 2005. The collection of data on outcomes included the time taken to initiate nutritional support, the proportion of patients fed via the enteral versus parenteral route, and the proportion of children reaching 50% and 70% of the estimated average requirement (EAR) by day 3. Feeding algorithms and protocols were introduced after each audit with a view to improving practices.

RESULTS

Over the study period, time taken to initiate nutrition support was reduced from 15 h (1994-1995), 8 h (1997-1998), 5.5 h (2001) to 4.5 h (2005). The proportion of patients on parenteral feeds was reduced from 11% (1994-1995) to 4% (2005). An increase was also documented in the percentage of patients receiving a daily energy provision of 50% and 70% of the EAR by day 3 after the initiation of nutritional support (6% in 1994-1995 to 21% in 2005 for 70% of EAR).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that feeding protocols improve nutritional practices in a paediatric intensive care unit. However, protocol introduction needs to be monitored regularly through audit.

Successful placement of postpyloric enteral tubes using electromagnetic guidance in critically ill children

OBJECTIVES

Initiation of postpyloric feeding is often delayed by difficulties in placement of enteral tubes. We evaluated the effectiveness of bedside postpyloric enteral tube (PET) placement using an electromagnetic (EM)-guided device. We hypothesized that: 1) EM-guided placement of PETs would be successful more often than standard blind placement with a shorter total time to successful placement and 2) the EM-guided technique would have similar overall costs to the standard technique.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort trial with serial control groups in a pediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary care children's hospital.

INTERVENTIONS

We collected data on a cohort of consecutive pediatric intensive care unit patients who underwent PET placement by standard blind technique followed by a cohort who underwent EM-guided placement. The primary outcome measure was successful placement determined by abdominal radiography.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

One hundred seven patients were evaluated in the trial: 57 in the standard group and 50 in the EM-guided group. Demographic data, percent intubated, and admission diagnosis were similar in both groups. Forty-one of 50 patients (82%) in the EM-guided group had successful placement compared with 22 of 57 in the standard group (38%) (p < 0.0001). The average time to successful placement was 1.7 vs. 21 hours in the EM-guided group and standard group, respectively (p < 0.0001). Children in the EM-guided group received fewer radiographs (p = 0.007) and were given more prokinetic drugs (p = 0.045). There were no episodes of pneumothorax in either group. After controlling for prokinetic drug use, EM-guided placement was more likely to result in successful placement than the standard blind technique (odds ratio 6.4, 95% confidence interval 2.5-16.3). An annual placement rate of 250 PETs by EM guidance, based on our institution's current utilization rates, is associated with a cost savings of $55.46 per PET placed.

CONCLUSION

EM guidance is an efficient and cost-effective method of bedside PET placement.

Nutritional goals, prescription and delivery in a pediatric intensive care unit

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare prescription and delivery of nutrition to predefined nutritional targets, and identify risk factors associated with inadequate nutritional intake.

METHODS

In 84 mechanically ventilated critically ill children with length of stay on the PICU of at least 3 days, we observed prescribed and delivered percentages of predefined targets for intake of calories and macronutrients during a 10-months study period. Factors associated with inadequate intake were identified.

RESULTS

On the third day of admission 92.9% of the patients received nutritional therapy. The caloric goal was reached on day 5, mainly supplied by fat and carbohydrates. Mean actual daily protein delivery was about 75% of the target during the entire study period. Use of catecholamines or neuromuscular blocking agents was a risk factor for caloric undernutrition, whereas there were no specific risk factors for overnutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional therapy should be started in the early phase of critical illness, including adequate supply of protein. In order to prevent deficits to accumulate, parenteral nutrition should be added in an early phase, if nutritional needs cannot be met by enteral nutrition.

[Energy expenditure in critically ill children: correlation with clinical characteristics, caloric intake, and predictive equations]

OBJECTIVE

To study energy expenditure (EE) in critically ill infants and children and its correlation with clinical characteristics, treatment, nutrition, caloric intake, and predicted energy expenditure calculated through theoretical formulas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted in critically ill infants and children. Indirect calorimetry measurements were performed using the calorimetry module of the S5 Datex monitor. Data on mechanical ventilation, nutrition, and caloric intake were registered. Theoretical equations of energy requirement (WHO/FAO, Harris-Benedict, Caldwell-Kennedy, Maffeis, Fleisch, Kleiber and Hunter) were calculated. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 12.0 package.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight EE determinations were performed in 43 critically ill infants and children aged between 10 days and 15 years old. Measured EE was 58.4 (18.4) kcal/kg/day, with wide individual variability. EE was significantly lower in infants and children who had undergone cardiac surgery than in the remainder. No correlation was found between EE and mechanical ventilation parameters, vasoactive drugs, sedatives, or muscle relaxants. A correlation was found between caloric intake and EE. In a high percentage of patients, predictive equations did not accurately estimate EE. The respiratory quotient was not useful to diagnose overfeeding or underfeeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Wide individual variability in EE was found in critically ill infants and children. Predictive equations did not accurately estimate EE. Indirect calorimetry measured by a specific module is a simple method that could allow generalized use of EE measurement in critically ill pediatric patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Early enteral administration of immunonutrition in critically ill children: results of a blinded randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

In a blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, we compared nitrogen balance (NB), nutritional indices, antioxidant catalysts, and outcome in critically ill children given an immune-enhancing formula (I) or conventional early enteral nutrition (C).

METHODS

Fifty patients, 103 +/- 7 months old, with disorders prompting admission to the pediatric intensive care unit, including sepsis, respiratory failure, and severe head injury, were enrolled in the study. Within 12 h of admission, patients were randomized to receive I (n=25) or C (n=25). Caloric intake was aimed at meeting patient's predicted basal metabolic rate by day 2 and predicted energy expenditure by day 4, irrespective of group assignment. Outcome endpoints and complications were recorded; NB, transthyretin, retinol-binding protein, transferrin, zinc, copper, and metabolic indices were measured on days 1 and 5 and compared with clinical and nutritional characteristics within and between groups.

RESULTS

Both diets achieved their initial targets of covering predicted basal metabolic rate by day 2 and predicted energy expenditure by day 4. Twenty four-hour NB became positive in 40% of patients in group C and occurred in 64% of patients in group I by day 5. Only in group I did the mean NB become positive by day 5 (0.07+/-0.07 g/kg versus -0.24+/-0.03 g/kg on day 1, P<0.001) compared with group C in which the mean NB remained negative (-0.06+/-0.04 g/kg versus -0.25+/-0.06 g/kg on day 1, P<0.001). By day 5, nutritional indices and antioxidant catalysts showed a higher increasing trend in group I compared with group C and higher osmolality (P<0.02), sodium (P<0.03), and urea (P<0.04). Diarrhea for group I (P<0.02) and gastric distention for group C (P<0.04) were the most frequently recorded complications. Mortality or length of stay did not differ between groups, but there was a trend for less gastric gram plus isolates (P<0.05) or for Candida species (P<0.04) and nosocomial infections in group I compared with group C.

CONCLUSIONS

Although less well tolerated, immunonutrition is a feasible method of early enteral nutrition in the pediatric intensive care unit. It has a favorable effect on nutritional indices and antioxidant catalysts, but not on outcome hard endpoints. Although it poses a higher metabolic burden to the patient, it shows a trend to improve colonization and infection rates. Appropriate modifications for specific age populations might improve its tolerability and benefits among critically ill children.

Outcomes in a pediatric intensive care unit before and after the implementation of a nutrition support team

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the effect of parenteral nutrition (PN) and enteral nutrition (EN) on in-pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) mortality before and after a continuous education program in nutrition support that leads to implementation of a nutrition support team (NST).

METHODS

We used a historical cohort study of infants hospitalized for >72 hours at the PICU from 1992 to 2003. Five periods were selected (P1 to P5), considering the modifications incorporated into the program: P1, without intervention; P2, basic themes and original articles discussion; P3, clinical and nursing staff participation; P4, clinical visits; P5, NST. The samples were compared in terms of sex, age, admitting service (ie, medical vs surgical), prognostic index of mortality, length of stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation, in-PICU mortality rate, and percentage of time receiving EN and PN for each patient. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at 0.05 level.

RESULTS

Progressive increase was observed in EN use (p = .0001), median values for which were 25% in P1 and rose to 67% by P5 in medical patients; there was no significant difference in surgical patients. A reduction was observed in PN use; in P1 medians were 73% and 69% for medical and surgical patients respectively, and decreased to 0% in P5 for both groups (p = .0001). There was significant reduction in-PICU mortality rate during P4 and P5 among medical patients (p < .001). The risk of death was 83% lower in patients that received EN for >50% of LOS (odds ratio, 0.17; confidence interval, 0.066-0.412; p = .000).

CONCLUSIONS

The program motivated an increase in EN and a decrease in PN use, mainly after implementation of NST and reduced in-PICU mortality rate.

Adequate feeding and the usefulness of the respiratory quotient in critically ill children

OBJECTIVE

We determined incidences of underfeeding and overfeeding in children who were admitted to a multidisciplinary tertiary pediatric intensive care and evaluated the usefulness of the respiratory quotient (RQ) obtained from indirect calorimetry to assess feeding adequacy.

METHODS

Children 18 y and younger who fulfilled the criteria for indirect calorimetry entered our prospective, observational study and were studied until day 14. Actual energy intake was recorded, compared with required energy intake (measured energy expenditure plus 10%), and classified as underfeeding (<90% of required), adequate feeding (90% to 110% of required), or overfeeding (>110% of required). We also evaluated the adequacy of a measured RQ lower than 0.85 to identify underfeeding, and an RQ higher than 1.0 to identify overfeeding.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight children underwent 195 calorimetric measurements. Underfeeding, adequate feeding, and overfeeding occurred on 21%, 10%, and 69% of days, respectively. An RQ lower than 0.85 to identify underfeeding showed low sensitivity (63%), high specificity (89%), and high negative predictive value (90%). An RQ higher than 1.0 to indicate overfeeding showed poor sensitivity (21%), but a high specificity (97%) and a high positive predictive value (93%). Food composition, notably high-carbohydrate intake, was responsible for an RQ exceeding 1.0 in the overfed group.

CONCLUSION

Children admitted to the intensive care unit receive adequate feeding on only 10% of measurement days during the first 2 wk of admission. The usefulness of RQ to monitor feeding adequacy is limited to identifying (carbohydrate) overfeeding and excluding underfeeding.