The Clinical Value of Parenteral Immunonutrition in Surgical Patients

Pharmaconutrition: Which substrates?

With the term "pharmaconutrition" or "immunonutrition" is intended the use of specific nutritional substrates having the ability of modulating specific mechanisms involved in several immune and inflammatory pathways. To achieve these goals, these substrates have to be administered with over physiologic dose. Glutamine and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, used as single substrate, did not show clear clinical advantages on solid endpoints such as postoperative complications. Despite several multiple substrate enteral feeds are available on the market, very few of them have been tested in randomized clinical trial to prove efficacy. The most extensive investigated formulation is a combination of arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, ribonucleic acid with or without glutamine. Several meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials have been conducted to compare the effects of enteral immunonutrition with control diets on post-surgical morbidity. The results consistently showed that the use of enteral multiple substrate formulas significantly reduced infectious complications and duration of hospitalization. In a more contemporary view, pharmaconutrition should be tested more accurately in the contest of enhanced recovery programs, during neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and in the prehabilitation setting.

Impact of Perioperative Immunonutrition on Postoperative Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Head and Neck or Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

To clarify whether perioperative immunonutrition is effective in adult patients with or without malnutrition undergoing elective surgery for head and neck (HAN) or gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

BACKGROUND

It is important to avoid postoperative complications in patients with cancer as they can compromise clinical outcomes. There is no consensus on the efficacy of perioperative immunonutrition in patients with or without malnutrition undergoing HAN or GI cancer surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science Core Selection, and Emcare from 1981 to 2022 using search terms related to immunonutrition and HAN or GI cancer. We included randomized controlled trials. Intervention was defined as immunonutritional therapy including arginine, n-3 omega fatty acids, or glutamine during the perioperative period. The control was defined as standard nutritional therapy. The primary outcomes were total postoperative and infectious complications, defined as events with a Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥ II that occurred within 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 4825 patients from 48 included studies, 19 had upper GI cancer, 9 had lower, and 8 had mixed cancer, whereas 12 had HAN cancers. Immunonutrition reduced the total postoperative complications (relative risk ratio: 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66-0.93; certainty of evidence: high) and infectious complications (relative risk ratio: 0.71; 95% CI, 0.61-0.82; certainty of evidence: high) compared with standard nutritional therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional intervention with perioperative immunonutrition in patients with HAN and GI cancers significantly reduced total postoperative complications and infectious complications.

Impact of Perioperative Immunonutrition on Postoperative Outcomes in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

There is no consensus on the efficacy of perioperative immunonutrition in patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer surgery. We clarified the impact of perioperative immunonutrition on postoperative outcomes in patients with upper GI cancers. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science Core Selection, and Emcare from 1981-2022 using search terms related to immunonutrition and upper GI cancer. We included randomized controlled trials. Intervention was defined as immunonutritional therapy, including arginine, n-3 omega fatty acids, or glutamine during the perioperative period. The control was defined as standard nutritional therapy. The primary outcomes were infectious complications, defined as events with a Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥ II that occurred within 30 days after surgery. After screening, 23 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and in the quantitative synthesis. The meta-analysis showed that immunonutrition reduced infectious complications (relative risk ratio: 0.72; 95% confidence interval: 0.57-0.92; certainty of evidence: Moderate) compared with standard nutritional therapy. In conclusion, nutritional intervention with perioperative immunonutrition in patients with upper GI cancers significantly reduced infectious complications. The effect of immunonutrition for upper GI cancers in reducing the risk of infectious complications was about 30%.

Nutrition as prevention for improved cancer health outcomes: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Among adults with cancer, malnutrition is associated with decreased treatment completion, more treatment harms and use of health care, and worse short-term survival. To inform the National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention workshop, "Nutrition as Prevention for Improved Cancer Health Outcomes," this systematic review examined the evidence for the effectiveness of providing nutrition interventions before or during cancer therapy to improve outcomes of cancer treatment.

METHODS

We identified randomized controlled trials enrolling at least 50 participants published from 2000 through July 2022. We provide a detailed evidence map for included studies and grouped studies by broad intervention and cancer types. We conducted risk of bias (RoB) and qualitative descriptions of outcomes for intervention and cancer types with a larger volume of literature.

RESULTS

From 9798 unique references, 206 randomized controlled trials from 219 publications met the inclusion criteria. Studies primarily focused on nonvitamin or mineral dietary supplements, nutrition support, and route or timing of inpatient nutrition interventions for gastrointestinal or head and neck cancers. Most studies evaluated changes in body weight or composition, adverse events from cancer treatment, length of hospital stay, or quality of life. Few studies were conducted within the United States. Among intervention and cancer types with a high volume of literature (n = 114), 49% (n = 56) were assessed as high RoB. Higher-quality studies (low or medium RoB) reported mixed results on the effect of nutrition interventions across cancer and treatment-related outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Methodological limitations of nutrition intervention studies surrounding cancer treatment impair translation of findings into clinical practice or guidelines.

Omega-3 fatty acids in parenteral nutrition - A systematic review with network meta-analysis on clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Accumulating scientific evidence supports the benefits of parenteral nutrition (PN) with fish oil (FO) containing intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) on clinical outcomes. Yet, the question of the most effective ILE remains controversial. We conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare and rank different types of ILEs in terms of their effects on infections, sepsis, ICU and hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality in adult patients.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to May 2022, investigating ILEs as a part of part of PN covering at least 70% of total energy provision. Lipid emulsions were classified in four categories: FO-ILEs, olive oil (OO)-ILEs, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)/soybean oil (SO)-ILEs, and pure SO-ILEs. Data were statistically combined through Bayesian NMA and the Surface Under the Cumulative RAnking (SUCRA) was calculated for all outcomes.

RESULTS

1651 publications were retrieved in the original search, 47 RCTs were included in the NMA. For FO-ILEs, very highly credible reductions in infection risk versus SO-ILEs [odds ratio (OR) = 0.43 90% credibility interval (CrI) (0.29-0.63)], MCT/soybean oil-ILEs [0.59 (0.43-0.82)], and OO-ILEs [0.56 (0.33-0.91)], and in sepsis risk versus SO-ILEs [0.22 (0.08-0.59)], as well as substantial reductions in hospital length of stay versus SO-ILEs [mean difference (MD) = -2.31 (-3.14 to -1.59) days] and MCT/SO-ILEs (-2.01 (-2.82 to -1.22 days) were shown. According to SUCRA score, FO-ILEs were ranked first for all five outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In hospitalized patients, FO-ILEs provide significant clinical benefits over all other types of ILEs, ranking first for all outcomes investigated.

REGISTRATION NO

PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022328660.

Effects of omega-3 supplementation on serum albumin, pre-albumin and the CRP/albumin ratio in hospitalized patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Low serum albumin and pre-albumin concentrations are associated with edema, infection, thrombosis, heart failure, and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was conducted to summarize the available findings on the impact of omega-3 supplementation on albumin, pre-albumin, and the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in hospitalized patients.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched from January 1990 to October 2021.

DATA EXTRACTION

Extracted data from 50 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total number of 3196 participants were analyzed using the random-effects model. The dose-dependent effect was also evaluated.

DATA ANALYSIS

Oral omega-3 supplementation significantly increased serum albumin concentrations in patients with cancer (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.33, P= 0.006), patients on dialysis (WMD: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.28, P= 0.042), and those with hypoalbuminemia (WMD: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.72, P = 0.033); however, there was no significant effect among patients with gastrointestinal or hepatologic diseases. Moreover, each 1000 mg/day increase in oral omega-3 supplementation resulted in elevated serum albumin levels in cancer patients (WMD: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.24, P < 0.001). In addition, a favorable effect of oral omega-3 supplementation on pre-albumin levels was observed among patients with cancer (WMD: 33.87; 95% CI: 12.34, 55.39, P = 0.002). A similar significant effect of parenteral omega-3 supplementation on pre-albumin concentrations was seen among those with gastrointestinal and hepatologic diseases as well (WMD: 23.30; 95% CI: 13.58, 33.03, P < 0.001). No significant effect of oral omega-3 supplementation on the CRP/albumin ratio was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, omega-3 fatty acids supplementation resulted in a favorable change in serum albumin and pre-albumin concentrations in hospitalized patients.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021285704.

Associations between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation and surgical prognosis in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Surgical resection remains the primary treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been reported to improve the prognosis of patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor surgery. This meta-analysis aims to explore the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs on GI cancer patients undergoing surgery.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library databases, EMBASE (until December 2021) was conducted. PRISMA checklist was followed. The data were analyzed by RevMan v5.3.0.

Results

A total of ten RCTs articles including 663 patients were studied. The analysis demonstrated that the n-3 PUFAs group significantly reduced levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P = 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.00001), tumor necrosis factor-ɑ (TNF-α) (P = 0.0003) compared with the control group. and higher levels of CD4⁺T cells (P = 0.03), CD8⁺T cells (P = 0.02) and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ratio (P = 0.03) compared with the control group. but there was no significant difference in infection complications rate (P = 0.50) and the level of prealbumin (P = 0.80), albumin (P = 0.21), retinol-binding protein(P = 0.80) between the two groups. In addition, the n-3 PUFAs group significantly reduced the length of hospital stay (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis shows that n-3 PUFAs can effectively improve the immune function of patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery, reduce inflammatory response and reduce the length of hospital stay, But it has no significant impact on the incidence of infectious-related complications and the level of nutrient protein.

The Effect of Amino Acids on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Arginine and Glutamine

Under stress conditions, the metabolic demand for nutrients increases, which, if not met, may slow down or indeed stop the wound from healing, thus, becoming chronic wounds. This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of arginine and glutamine supplementation on wound healing. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed for the systematic review and ten electronic databases were used. Five and 39 human studies met the inclusion criteria for arginine and glutamine, respectively. The overall meta-analysis demonstrated a significant effect of arginine supplementation on hydroxyproline content (MD: 4.49, 95% CI: 3.54, 4.45, p < 0.00001). Regarding glutamine supplementation, there was significant effect on nitrogen balance levels (MD: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.58, p < 0.0001), IL-6 levels (MD: −5.78, 95% CI: −8.71, −2.86, p = 0.0001), TNFα levels (MD: −8.15, 95% CI: −9.34, −6.96, p < 0.00001), lactulose/mannitol (L/M) ratio (MD: −0.01, 95% CI: −0.02, −0.01, p < 0.00001), patient mortality (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.72, p = 0.0004), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (MD: −1.10, 95% CI: −1.26, −0.93, p < 0.00001) and length of hospital stay (LOS) (MD: −2.65, 95% CI: −3.10, −2.21, p < 0.00001). Regarding T-cell lymphocytes, a slight decrease was observed, although it failed to reach significance (MD: −0.16, 95% CI: −0.33, 0.01, p = 0.07). Conclusion: The wound healing might be enhanced in one or at various stages by nutritional supplementation in the right dose.

Intravenous Glutamine Administration Improves Glucose Tolerance and Attenuates the Inflammatory Response in Diet-Induced Obese Mice after Sleeve Gastrectomy

Obesity is a health problem associated with many metabolic disorders. Weight reduction can effectively alleviate obesity-associated complications. Sleeve gastrectomy is a commonly used bariatric surgery and is considered safe and effective for improving outcomes. Glutamine (GLN) is an amino acid with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study used a mouse model of sleeve gastrectomy to investigate the impacts of intravenous GLN administration on glucose tolerance and adipocyte inflammation short-term after surgery. C57BL6 male mice were divided into normal control (NC) and high-fat diet groups. The high-fat diet provided 60% of energy from fat for 10 weeks to induce obesity. Mice fed the high-fat diet were then assigned to a sham (SH) or sleeve gastrectomy with saline (S) or GLN (G) groups. The S group was intravenously injected with saline, while the G group was administered GLN (0.75 g/kg body weight) via a tail vein postoperatively. Mice in the experimental groups were sacrificed on day 1 or 3 after the surgery. Results showed that obesity resulted in fat accumulation, elevated glucose levels, and adipokines production. Sleeve gastrectomy aggravated expressions of inflammatory cytokine and macrophage infiltration markers, cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), epidermal growth factor-like module-containing mucin-like hormone receptor-like 1 (EMR-1), and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, in adipose tissues. Treatment of obese mice with GLN downregulated hepatic proteomic profiles associated with the gluconeogenesis pathway and improved glucose tolerance. Moreover, macrophage infiltration and adipose tissue inflammation were attenuated after the sleeve gastrectomy. These findings imply that postoperative intravenous GLN administration may improve glucose tolerance and attenuate inflammation shortly after the bariatric surgery in subjects with obesity.

The Impact of Perioperative Glutamine-supplemented Parenteral Nutrition on Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of perioperative glutamine-supplemented parenteral nutrition (GLN-PN) on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register were searched to retrieve the eligible studies. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effect of GLN-PN and standard PN on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Clinical outcomes of interest were postoperative mortality, length of hospital stay, morbidity of infectious complication, and cumulative nitrogen balance. Statistical analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.0 software from the Cochrane Collaboration. Sixteen RCTs with 773 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed a significant decrease in the infectious complication rates of patients undergoing abdominal surgery receiving GLN-PN (risk ratio [RR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.72; P = 0.0004). The overall effect indicated glutamine significantly reduced the length of hospital stay in the form of alanyl-glutamine (weighted mean difference [WMD], -3.17; 95% CI, -5.51 to -0.82; P = 0.008) and in the form of glycyl-glutamine (WMD, -3.40; 95% CI, -5.82 to -0.97; P = 0.006). A positive effect in improving postoperative cumulative nitrogen balance was observed between groups (WMD, 7.40; 95% CI, 3.16 to 11.63; P = 0.0006), but no mortality (RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.21 to 11.9; P = 0.68). Perioperative GLN-PN is effective and safe to shorten the length of hospital stay, reduce the morbidity of postoperative infectious complications, and improve nitrogen balance in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Effects of specific nutrients on immune modulation in patients with gastrectomy

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal malignant neoplasms worldwide. The main treatment for GC is gastrectomy, which generally causes considerable metabolic stress to patients. To modulate cell function, maintain homeostasis of the immune response, reduce postoperative complications, and obtain favorable outcomes, physicians prescribe specific nutrients with immunomodulatory properties as supplementation to enteral or parenteral formulas, indicating immunonutrition. In the formulas, among the immunonutrients, glutamine, arginine, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are the most commonly used either alone or in combination. The present review summarizes and focuses on the evidence obtained from clinical trials and animal studies supporting the role of immunonutrients supplemented enterally or parenterally in total or subtotal gastrectomy. In addition, this review describes the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the protective action of these immunonutrients, which may contribute to therapeutic approaches to improve postoperative outcomes of gastrectomy. Combination of conventional therapy with immunonutrition seems to be a useful strategy to achieve synergistic effects in the treatment of GC patients.

Immunonutrition vs Standard Nutrition for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Part 1)

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of immunonutrition vs standard nutrition in cancer patients treated with surgery. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science were searched. Sixty-one randomized controlled trials were included. Immunonutrition was associated with a significantly reduced risk of postoperative infectious complications (risk ratio [RR] 0.71 [95% CI, 0.64-0.79]), including a reduced risk of wound infection (RR 0.72 [95% CI, 0.60-0.87]), respiratory tract infection (RR 0.70 [95% CI, 0.59-0.84]), and urinary tract infection (RR 0.69 [95% CI, 0.51-0.94]) as well as a decreased risk of anastomotic leakage (RR 0.70 [95% CI, 0.53-0.91]) and a reduced hospital stay (MD -2.12 days [95% CI -2.72 to -1.52]). No differences were found between the 2 groups with regard to sepsis or all-cause mortality. Subgroup analyses revealed that receiving arginine + nucleotides + ω-3 fatty acids and receiving enteral immunonutrition reduced the rates of wound infection and respiratory tract infection. The application of immunonutrition at 25-30 kcal/kg/d for 5-7 days reduced the rate of respiratory tract infection. Perioperative immunonutrition reduced the rate of wound infection. For malnourished patients, immunonutrition shortened the hospitalization time. Therefore, immunonutrition reduces postoperative infection complications and shortens hospital stays but does not reduce all-cause mortality. Patients who are malnourished before surgery who receive arginine + nucleotides + ω-3 fatty acids (25-30 kcal/kg/d) via the gastrointestinal tract during the perioperative period (5-7 days) may show better clinical efficacy.

Effect of Perioperative Nutritional Supplementation on Postoperative Complications-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Perioperative carbohydrate loading, increased protein intake, and immunonutrition may decrease postoperative complications. Studies on the topic have led to controversial results.

METHODS

We searched Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL up to August 2018 for randomized trials comparing the effect of perioperative nutritional supplements (intervention) versus control on postoperative complications in patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Secondary outcomes included infectious complications and length of hospital stay (LOS). Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled risk ratio (RR) of treatment effects. Pooled mean difference (MD) was used to compare LOS. Heterogeneity was assessed using I². Sources of heterogeneity were explored through subgroup analysis by nutritional supplementation protocol, type of surgery, and type of nutritional supplement. Risk of bias and quality of the evidence were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 3951 articles, we identified 56 trials (n = 6370). Perioperative nutrition was associated with a lower risk of postoperative complications (RR 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69-0.80); postoperative infections (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.64-0.79, n = 4582); and postoperative non-infectious complications (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.87, n = 4883). There were no significant heterogeneity outcomes analyzed (I² = 14%, 1%, and 7%, respectively). LOS was shorter for the intervention group, MD - 1.58 days; 95% CI - 1.83 to - 1.32; I² = 89%). Subgroup analysis did not identify sources of heterogeneity. The quality of evidence for postoperative complications was high and for LOS was moderate.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative nutritional optimization decreases the risk of postoperative infectious and non-infectious complications. It also decreases LOS in patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery, but these findings should be taken with caution given the high heterogeneity.

ω-3 Fatty-Acid Enriched Parenteral Nutrition in Hospitalized Patients: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated ω-3 fatty-acid enriched parenteral nutrition (PN) vs standard (non-ω-3 fatty-acid enriched) PN in adult hospitalized patients (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018110179). We included 49 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with intervention and control groups given ω-3 fatty acids and standard lipid emulsions, respectively, as part of PN covering ≥70% energy provision. The relative risk (RR) of infection (primary outcome; 24 RCTs) was 40% lower with ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN than standard PN (RR 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.72; P < 0.00001). Patients given ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN had reduced mean length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (10 RCTs; 1.95 days, 95% CI 0.42-3.49; P = 0.01) and reduced length of hospital stay (26 RCTs; 2.14 days, 95% CI 1.36-2.93; P < 0.00001). Risk of sepsis (9 RCTs) was reduced by 56% in those given ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.70; P = 0.0004). Mortality rate (co-primary outcome; 20 RCTs) showed a nonsignificant 16% reduction (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65-1.07; P = 0.15) for the ω-3 fatty-acid enriched group. In summary, ω-3 fatty-acid enriched PN is beneficial, reducing risk of infection and sepsis by 40% and 56%, respectively, and length of both ICU and hospital stay by about 2 days. Provision of ω-3-enriched lipid emulsions should be preferred over standard lipid emulsions in patients with an indication for PN.

Outcomes with perioperative fat emulsions containing omega-3 fatty acid: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

Results of a meta-analysis of data from clinical studies comparing patient outcomes and hospital length of stay (LOS) in surgical patients receiving fish oil (FO)-containing i.v. fat emulsions (IVFEs) versus non-FO-containing IVFEs are presented.

METHODS

Computerized searches of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Coch rane CENTRAL databases were performed in August 2014 to identify English-language articles on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing FO-containing and non-FO-containing IVFEs in adult surgical patients receiving parenteral nutrition. Selected articles were analyzed for methodological and publication bias and study heterogeneity (I² statistic).

RESULTS

Data from 19 RCTs (total n = 1,167) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with use of non-FO-containing IVFEs (products based in soybean oil [SO], medium-chain triglycerides, or olive oil), use of FO-containing IVFEs was associated with reduced infectious morbidity (odds ratio [OR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30-0.65; p < 0.0001; I² = 0%); the effect size was greatest for FO-containing versus SO-based IVFEs. Relative to use of SO-based IVFEs, use of FO-containing IVFEs was associated with a significant reduction in hospital LOS (weighted mean difference, -2.70 days; 95% CI, -3.60 to -1.79 days; p < 0.00001; I² = 0%).

CONCLUSION

The results of the meta-analysis indicated that FO-containing IVFEs could improve infectious morbidity and LOS. The overall effect of reducing infectious morbidity and LOS was found to be the greatest in comparison with the SO-based IVFEs.

How Anesthetic, Analgesic and Other Non-Surgical Techniques During Cancer Surgery Might Affect Postoperative Oncologic Outcomes: A Summary of Current State of Evidence

The question of whether anesthetic, analgesic or other perioperative intervention during cancer resection surgery might influence long-term oncologic outcomes has generated much attention over the past 13 years. A wealth of experimental and observational clinical data have been published, but the results of prospective, randomized clinical trials are awaited. The European Union supports a pan-European network of researchers, clinicians and industry partners engaged in this question (COST Action 15204: Euro-Periscope). In this narrative review, members of the Euro-Periscope network briefly summarize the current state of evidence pertaining to the potential effects of the most commonly deployed anesthetic and analgesic techniques and other non-surgical interventions during cancer resection surgery on tumor recurrence or metastasis.

Efficacy of perioperative immunonutrition in esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy

OBJECTIVE

Malnutrition is common in patients with esophageal cancer, resulting in increased postoperative complications and mortality. Although preoperative immunonutrition can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative infectious complications, its effect in patietns with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of perioperative immunonutritional support on the postoperative course and long-term survival of this group of patients.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized study enrolled 40 patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma undergoing esophagectomy. The patients were divided into two groups and received either immunomodulating enteral nutrition (IMPACT group; IG) or standard enteral nutrition (Ensure group; EG) continuously for 7 d before and 7 d after surgery. Nutritional status, such as rapid turnover protein, postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), postoperative hospital LOS, morbidity, and mortality were investigated prospectively.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient demographic characteristics between the two groups. Levels of retinol-binding protein, as a rapid-turnover protein, were significantly higher on postoperative day (POD) -1, 7, and 14 in the IG compared with the EG group (P = 0.009, P = 0.004, and P = 0.024, respectively). The incidence of postoperative infectious complications and changes to therapeutic antibiotics were significantly lower in the IG group than in the EG group (P = 0.048 and P = 0.012, respectively). There was no significant difference in postoperative ICU or postoperative hospital LOS between the two groups. The 5-y progression-free survival rates in the IG and EG groups were 75% and 64%, respectively (P = 0.188), and the overall survival rates were 68% and 55%, respectively (P = 0.187).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative immunonutrition may improve early postoperative nutritional status and reduce postoperative infectious complications in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy.

Meta-analysis of immunonutrition in major abdominal surgery

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of immunonutrition in major abdominal surgery with special regard to subgroups and influence of bias.

Methods

A systematic literature search from January 1985 to July 2015 was performed in MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL. Only RCTs investigating immunonutrition in major abdominal surgery were included. Outcomes evaluated were mortality, overall complications, infectious complications and length of hospital stay. The influence of different domains of bias was evaluated in sensitivity analyses. Evidence was rated according to the GRADE Working Group grading of evidence.

Results

A total of 83 RCTs with 7116 patients were included. Mortality was not altered by immunonutrition. Taking all trials into account, immunonutrition reduced overall complications (odds ratio (OR) 0·79, 95 per cent c.i. 0·66 to 0·94; P = 0·01), infectious complications (OR 0·58, 0·51 to 0·66; P &lt; 0·001) and shortened hospital stay (mean difference –1·79 (95 per cent c.i. –2·39 to –1·19) days; P &lt; 0·001) compared with control groups. However, these effects vanished after excluding trials at high and unclear risk of bias. Publication bias seemed to be present for infectious complications (P = 0·002). Non-industry-funded trials reported no positive effects for overall complications (OR 1·13, 0·88 to 1·46; P = 0·34), whereas those funded by industry reported large effects (OR 0·66, 0·48 to 0·91; P = 0·01).

Conclusion

Immunonutrition after major abdominal surgery did not seem to alter mortality (GRADE: high quality of evidence). Immunonutrition reduced overall complications, infectious complications and shortened hospital stay (GRADE: low to moderate). The existence of bias lowers confidence in the evidence (GRADE approach).

Lipids in the intensive care unit: Recommendations from the ESPEN Expert Group

This article summarizes the presentations given at an ESPEN Workshop on "Lipids in the ICU" held in Tel Aviv, Israel in November 2014 and subsequent discussions and updates. Lipids are an important component of enteral and parenteral nutrition support and provide essential fatty acids, a concentrated source of calories and building blocks for cell membranes. Whilst linoleic acid-rich vegetable oil-based enteral and parenteral nutrition is still widely used, newer lipid components such as medium-chain triglycerides and olive oil are safe and well tolerated. Fish oil (FO)-enriched enteral and parenteral nutrition appears to be well tolerated and confers additional clinical benefits, particularly in surgical patients, due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. Whilst the evidence base is not conclusive, there appears to be a potential for FO-enriched nutrition, particularly administered peri-operatively, to reduce the rate of complications and intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay in surgical ICU patients. The evidence for FO-enriched nutrition in non-surgical ICU patients is less clear regarding its clinical benefits and additional, well-designed large-scale clinical trials need to be conducted in this area. The ESPEN Expert Group supports the use of olive oil and FO in nutrition support in surgical and non-surgical ICU patients but considers that further research is required to provide a more robust evidence base.

Intravenous fish oil in critically ill and surgical patients - Historical remarks and critical appraisal

The purpose of this review is to explain the historical and clinical background for intravenous fish oil administration, to evaluate its results by using a product specific metaanalysis, and to stimulate further research in the immune-modulatory potential of fish oil. Concerning the immune-modulatory effects of fatty acids, a study revealed that ω-3 as well as ω-6 fatty acids would prolong transplant survival, and only a mixture with an ω-6:ω-3 ratio of 2.1:1 would give immune-neutral results. In 1998, the label of a newly registered fish oil emulsion also acknowledged this immune-neutral ratio in conjunction with ω-6 lipids. Also, two fish oil-supplemented fat emulsions, registered in 2004, used a similar ω-6:ω-3 ratio. Such an immune-neutral ω-6:ω-3 ratio denoted progress for most patients compared to pure ω-6 lipid emulsions. However, this immune-neutrality might on the other hand be responsible for the limited positive clinical results gained so far in critically ill and surgical patients where in most cases significance could only be shown for the pooled effect of numerous trials. Our product specific metaanalysis also did not reveal any differences, neither in infections rates nor in ICU or hospital length of stay. To evaluate the immune-modulatory effect of fish oil administered alone, new dose finding studies, reporting relevant clinical outcome parameters, are required. Precise mechanistic or physiological biomarkers for the indication of such a therapy should also be developed and validated.

COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF PERIOPERATIVE IMMUNONUTRITION IN GASTROINTESTINAL ONCOLOGIC SURGERY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Costs, length of hospital staying and morbidity are frequently and significantly increased as a result of infections and other complications following surgical procedure for gastrointestinal tract cancer. Recently, improving host defence mechanisms have become a target of interest. Immunonutrition aims at improving immunity, most likely providing key nutrients to maintain T-lymphocyte and other host defence.

AIM

To evaluate the immunonutrition in cancer patients who are operated by digestive diseases and assess the cost-effectiveness of this supplementation.

METHODS

This study consisted of a systematic review of the literature based on reference analyses retrieved from current databases such as PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO. The search strategy was defined by terms related to immunonutrition [immunonutrition, arginine, omega-3 and nucleotides] in combination with [costs, cost-effective and cost-effectiveness] as well as [gastrointestinal cancer surgery, oesophageal, gastric or pancreatic surgery] in English, Portuguese or Spanish language. For cost analyses, currencies used in the manuscripts were all converted to American dollars (US$) in order to uniform and facilitate comparison. Six prospective randomized studies were included in this review.

CONCLUSION

The cost-effectiveness was positive in most of studies, demonstrating that this diet can significantly reduce hospital costs in the North hemisphere. However, similar studies needed to be carried to determine such results among us.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Modern Parenteral Nutrition: A Review of the Current Evidence

Intravenous lipid emulsions are an essential component of parenteral nutrition regimens. Originally employed as an efficient non-glucose energy source to reduce the adverse effects of high glucose intake and provide essential fatty acids, lipid emulsions have assumed a larger therapeutic role due to research demonstrating the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on key metabolic functions, including inflammatory and immune response, coagulation, and cell signaling. Indeed, emerging evidence suggests that the effects of omega-3 PUFA on inflammation and immune response result in meaningful therapeutic benefits in surgical, cancer, and critically ill patients as well as patients requiring long-term parenteral nutrition. The present review provides an overview of the mechanisms of action through which omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA modulate the immune-inflammatory response and summarizes the current body of evidence regarding the clinical and pharmacoeconomic benefits of intravenous n-3 fatty acid-containing lipid emulsions in patients requiring parenteral nutrition.

Potential applications of fish oils rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of gastrointestinal cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Despite advances in chemotherapeutic agents and surgical approaches for its management, gastrointestinal cancer still accounts for 27% of new cancer cases and 35% of cancer related mortality worldwide. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities and are used as immuno-nutrients.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted to identify primary research reporting on applications of the omega-3 PUFAs in gastrointestinal cancer.

RESULTS

Reported laboratory studies indicate a clear role for omega-3 PUFAs in preventing cancer development at various stages including cancer cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, inflammation and metastasis. In clinical settings, omega-3 PUFAs have been reported to improve the immune response, maintain lean body mass, improve quality of life and improve overall survival in patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancer. In contrast to other GI cancers, there is a strong connection between inflammation and oesophageal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Little work has been done exploring the role for omega-3 PUFAs in oesophageal cancer prevention and management. The authors are conducting a clinical trial investigating the use of parenteral omega-3 PUFAs supplementary to the standard of care (epirubicin, oxaliplatin and capecitabine palliative chemotherapy) in patients with advanced oesophagogastric cancer as a promising new therapeutic approach.

Intravenous fish oil lipid emulsions in critically ill patients: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Intravenous fish oil (FO) lipid emulsions (LEs) are rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. We previously demonstrated that FO-containing LEs may be able to decrease mortality and ventilation days in patients who are critically ill. Since 2014, several additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of FO-containing LEs have been published. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to update our previous systematic review with the aim of elucidating the efficacy of FO-containing LEs on clinical outcomes of patients who are critically ill.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases from 1980 to 2014. We included four new RCTs conducted in critically ill adult patients in which researchers evaluated FO-containing LEs in parenterally or enterally fed patients.

RESULTS

A total of 10 RCTs (n = 733) met inclusion criteria. The mean methodological score was 8 (range, 3 to 12). No effect on overall mortality was found. When we aggregated the results of five RCTs in which infections were reported, we found that FO-containing LEs significantly reduced infections (risk ratio (RR) = 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.44 to 0.92; P = 0.02; heterogeneity I (2) = 0%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that predominantly enteral nutrition-based trials showed a tendency toward a reduction in mortality (RR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.40 to 1.18; P =0.18; heterogeneity I (2) =35%). High-quality trials showed a significant reduction in hospital length of stay (LOS) (weighted mean difference = -7.42; 95% CI, -11.89 to -2.94; P = 0.001), whereas low-quality trials had no effect (P = 0.45). The results of the test for subgroup differences in hospital LOS was significant (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

FO-containing LEs may be associated with a reduction in infections and also could be associated with a reduction in duration of ventilation and hospital LOS. Further large-scale RCTs are warranted and should be aimed at consolidating potential positive treatment effects.

Effect of glutamine dipeptide supplementation on primary outcomes for elective major surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate if glutamine (GLN) supplementation may affect primary outcomes in patients undergoing major elective abdominal operations, we performed a systematic literature review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published from 1983 to 2013 and comparing intravenous glutamine dipeptide supplementation to no supplementation in elective surgical abdominal procedures. A meta-analysis for each outcome (overall and infectious morbidity and length of stay) of interest was carried out. The effect size was estimated by the risk ratio (RR) or by the weighted mean difference (WMD). Nineteen RCTs were identified with a total of 1243 patients (640 receiving GLN and 603 controls). In general, the studies were underpowered and of medium or low quality. GLN supplementation did not affect overall morbidity (RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.36; p = 0.473) and infectious morbidity (RR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.38 to 1.07; p = 0.087). Patients treated with glutamine had a significant reduction in length of hospital stay (WMD = −2.67; 95% CI = −3.83 to −1.50; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, GLN supplementation appears to reduce hospital stay without affecting the rate of complications. The positive effect of GLN on time of hospitalization is difficult to interpret due to the lack of significant effects on surgery-related morbidity.

Perioperative immunonutrition in surgical cancer patients: a summary of a decade of research

BACKGROUND

Immunonutrition is assumed to enhance immune system function. In surgical patients, it is supposed to reduce postoperative complications. However, results of recent clinical trials have been puzzling and have not supported this theory.

AIM

The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of enteral and parenteral postoperative immunonutrition.

METHODS

After initial evaluation of 969 patients, the intent-to-treat analysis included 776 patients (female 407, male 466, mean age 61.1 years) undergoing gastric or pancreatic resections between 2001 and 2009. All patients were randomly assigned after surgery to one of the following groups: standard enteral nutrition (SEN), immunomodulating enteral nutrition (IMEN), standard parenteral nutrition (SPN), or immunomodulating parenteral nutrition (IMPN). All malnourished patients received preoperative parenteral nutrition. Number and type of postoperative complications, length of hospitalization (length of stay [LOS]), and vital organ function were assessed.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed in well-nourished patients, during either enteral or parenteral intervention, independent of the type of intervention (standard or immunomodulating). However, analysis of the malnourished group revealed the positive impact of enteral immunonutrition on reduction of postoperative complications (28.3 vs. 39.2 %, respectively; p = 0.043) and LOS (17.1 and 13.1 days, respectively; p < 0.05) compared with a standard enteral diet. The cross-analysis of SEN, IMEN, SPN, and IMPN was insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of postoperative nutrition was of no importance in well-nourished patients. However, in malnourished patients, enteral immunonutrition helped to improve treatment outcome. These findings suggest its use as a method of choice during the postoperative period.

Glutamine supplementation for critically ill adults

BACKGROUND

Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid which is abundant in the healthy human body. There are studies reporting that plasma glutamine levels are reduced in patients with critical illness or following major surgery, suggesting that glutamine may be a conditionally essential amino acid in situations of extreme stress. In the past decade, several clinical trials examining the effects of glutamine supplementation in patients with critical illness or receiving surgery have been done, and the systematic review of this clinical evidence has suggested that glutamine supplementation may reduce infection and mortality rates in patients with critical illness. However, two recent large-scale randomized clinical trials did not find any beneficial effects of glutamine supplementation in patients with critical illness.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to:1. assess the effects of glutamine supplementation in critically ill adults and in adults after major surgery on infection rate, mortality and other clinically relevant outcomes;2. investigate potential heterogeneity across different patient groups and different routes for providing nutrition.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Anaesthesia Review Group (CARG) Specialized Register; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library (2013, Issue 5); MEDLINE (1950 to May 2013); EMBASE (1980 to May 2013) and Web of Science (1945 to May 2013).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included controlled clinical trials with random or quasi-random allocation that examined glutamine supplementation versus no supplementation or placebo in adults with a critical illness or undergoing elective major surgery. We excluded cross-over trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted the relevant information from each included study using a standardized data extraction form. For infectious complications and mortality and morbidity outcomes we used risk ratio (RR) as the summary measure with the 95% confidence interval (CI). We calculated, where appropriate, the number needed to treat to benefit (NNTB) and the number needed to treat to harm (NNTH). We presented continuous data as the difference between means (MD) with the 95% CI.

MAIN RESULTS

Our search identified 1999 titles, of which 53 trials (57 articles) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The 53 included studies enrolled a total of 4671 participants with critical illness or undergoing elective major surgery. We analysed seven domains of potential risk of bias. In 10 studies the risk of bias was evaluated as low in all of the domains. Thirty-three trials (2303 patients) provided data on nosocomial infectious complications; pooling of these data suggested that glutamine supplementation reduced the infectious complications rate in adults with critical illness or undergoing elective major surgery (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.87, P ＜ 0.00001, I² = 8%, moderate quality evidence). Thirty-six studies reported short-term (hospital or less than one month) mortality. The combined rate of mortality from these studies was not statistically different between the groups receiving glutamine supplement and those receiving no supplement (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.02, P = 0.10, I² = 22%, low quality evidence). Eleven studies reported long-term (more than six months) mortality; meta-analysis of these studies (2277 participants) yielded a RR of 1.00 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.12, P = 0.94, I² = 30%, moderate quality evidence). Subgroup analysis of infectious complications and mortality outcomes did not find any statistically significant differences between the predefined groups. Hospital length of stay was reported in 36 studies. We found that the length of hospital stay was shorter in the intervention group than in the control group (MD -3.46 days, 95% CI -4.61 to -2.32, P < 0.0001, I² = 63%, low quality evidence). Slightly prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay was found in the glutamine supplemented group from 22 studies (2285 participants) (MD 0.18 days, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.29, P = 0.002, I² = 11%, moderate quality evidence). Days on mechanical ventilation (14 studies, 1297 participants) was found to be slightly shorter in the intervention group than in the control group (MD - 0.69 days, 95% CI -1.37 to -0.02, P = 0.04, I² = 18%, moderate quality evidence). There was no clear evidence of a difference between the groups for side effects and quality of life, however results were imprecise for serious adverse events and few studies reported on quality of life. Sensitivity analysis including only low risk of bias studies found that glutamine supplementation had beneficial effects in reducing the length of hospital stay (MD -2.9 days, 95% CI -5.3 to -0.5, P = 0.02, I² = 58%, eight studies) while there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for all of the other outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review found moderate evidence that glutamine supplementation reduced the infection rate and days on mechanical ventilation, and low quality evidence that glutamine supplementation reduced length of hospital stay in critically ill or surgical patients. It seems to have little or no effect on the risk of mortality and length of ICU stay, however. The effects on the risk of serious side effects were imprecise. The strength of evidence in this review was impaired by a high risk of overall bias, suspected publication bias, and moderate to substantial heterogeneity within the included studies.

Cost-effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in parenteral nutrition therapy in hospitals: a discrete event simulation model

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A recent meta-analysis showed that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in parenteral nutrition (PN) regimens is associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in infection rate, and length of hospital stay (LOS) in medical and surgical patients admitted to the ICU and in surgical patients not admitted to the ICU. The objective of this present study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to standard PN regimens in four European countries (Italy, France, Germany and the UK) from the healthcare provider perspective.

METHODS

Using a discrete event simulation scheme, a patient-level simulation model was developed, based on outcomes from the Italian ICU patient population and published literature. Comparative efficacy data for PN regimens containing omega-3 fatty acids versus standard PN regimens was taken from the meta-analysis of published randomised clinical trials (n = 23 studies with a total of 1502 patients), and hospital LOS reduction was further processed in order to split the reduction in ICU stay from that in-ward stays for patients admitted to the ICU. Country-specific cost data was obtained for Italian, French, German and UK healthcare systems. Clinical outcomes included in the model were death rates, nosocomial infection rates, and ICU/hospital LOS. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were undertaken to test the reliability of results.

RESULTS

PN regimens containing omega-3 fatty acids were more effective on average than standard PN both in ICU and in non-ICU patients in the four countries considered, reducing infection rates and overall LOS, and resulting in a lower total cost per patient. Overall costs for patients receiving PN regimens containing omega-3 fatty acids were between €14 144 to €19 825 per ICU patient and €5484 to €14 232 per non-ICU patient, translating into savings of between €3972 and €4897 per ICU patient and savings of between €561 and €1762 per non-ICU patient. Treatment costs were completely offset by the reduction in hospital stay costs and antibiotic costs. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the supplementation of PN regimens with omega-3 fatty acids would be cost effective in Italian, French, German and UK hospitals.

Alternative lipid emulsions in the critically ill: a systematic review of the evidence

PURPOSE

Parenteral lipid emulsions (LEs) are commonly rich in long-chain triglycerides derived from soybean oil (SO). SO-containing emulsions may promote systemic inflammation and therefore may adversely affect clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that alternative oil-based LEs (SO-sparing strategies) may improve clinical outcomes in critically ill adult patients compared to products containing SO emulsion only. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of parenteral SO-sparing strategies on clinical outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODS

We searched computerized databases from 1980 to 2013. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in critically ill adult patients that evaluated SO-sparing strategies versus SO-based LEs in the context of parenteral nutrition.

RESULTS

A total of 12 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. When the results of these RCTs were statistically aggregated, SO-sparing strategies were associated with clinically important reductions in mortality (risk ratio, RR 0.83; 95 % confidence intervals, CI 0.62, 1.11; P = 0.20), in duration of ventilation (weighted mean difference, WMD -2.57; 95 % CI -5.51, 0.37; P = 0.09), and in ICU length of stay (LOS) (WMD -2.31; 95 % CI -5.28, 0.66; P = 0.13) but none of these differences were statistically significant. SO-sparing strategies had no effect on infectious complications (RR 1.13; 95 % CI 0.87, 1.46; P = 0.35).

CONCLUSION

Alternative oil-based LEs may be associated with clinically important reductions in mortality, duration of ventilation, and ICU LOS but lack of statistical precision precludes any clinical recommendations at this time. Further research is warranted to confirm these potential positive treatment effects.

Parenteral fish oil lipid emulsions in the critically ill: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

ω-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in fish oils (FO) possess major anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunologic properties that could be beneficial during critical illness. We hypothesized that parenteral FO-containing emulsions may improve clinical outcomes in the critically ill.

METHODS

We searched computerized databases from 1980-2012. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in critically ill adult patients that evaluated FO-containing emulsions, either in the context of parenteral nutrition (PN) or enteral nutrition (EN).

RESULTS

A total of 6 RCTs (n = 390 patients) were included; the mean methodological score of all trials was 10 (range, 6-13). When the results of these studies were aggregated, FO-containing emulsions were associated with a trend toward a reduction in mortality (risk ratio [RR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-1.04; P = .08; heterogeneity I (2) = 0%) and a reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation (weighted mean difference in days [WMD], -1.41; 95% CI, -3.43 to 0.61; P = .17). However, this strategy had no effect on infections (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.42-1.36; P = .35) and intensive care unit length of stay (WMD, -0.46; 95% CI, -4.87 to 3.95; P = .84, heterogeneity I (2) = 75%).

CONCLUSION

FO-containing lipid emulsions may be able to decrease mortality and ventilation days in the critically ill. However, because of the paucity of clinical data, there is inadequate evidence to recommend the routine use of parenteral FO. Large, rigorously designed RCTs are required to elucidate the efficacy of parenteral FO in the critically ill.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of parenteral glutamine supplementation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Glutamine supplementation has been associated with reduced mortality, infections and hospital length of stay in critically ill patients and patients undergoing major surgery. We carried out a meta-analysis to examine randomized clinical trial (RCT)-based evidence of these effects.

METHODS

Based on a systematic database search, RCTs published since 1990 were included if they evaluated the effect of parenteral glutamine supplementation against a background of parenteral nutrition. Enteral (tube) feeding in a proportion of patients was allowable. Information on RCT methodology, quality and outcomes was extracted. Random effects meta-analysis followed the DerSimonian-Laird approach.

RESULTS

Forty RCTs were eligible for meta-analysis. Parenteral glutamine supplementation was associated with a non-significant 11% reduction in short-term mortality (RR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.77-1.04). Infections were significantly reduced (RR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.95) and length of stay was 2.35 days shorter (95% CI, -3.68 to -1.02) in the glutamine arms. Meta-analysis results were strongly influenced by one recent trial. An element of publication bias could not be excluded.

CONCLUSION

Parenteral glutamine supplementation in severely ill patients may reduce infections, length of stay and mortality, but substantial uncertainty remains. Unlike previous meta-analyses, we could not demonstrate a significant reduction in mortality.

Quality of care indicators for the surgical treatment of gastric cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Quality assurance is increasingly acknowledged as a crucial factor for the (surgical) treatment of gastric cancer. The purpose of the current study was to define a minimum set of evidence-based quality of care indicators for the surgical treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature published between January 1990 and May 2011 was performed, using search terms on gastric cancer, treatment, and quality of care. Studies were selected based on predefined selection criteria. Potential quality of care indicators were assessed based on their level of evidence and were grouped into structure, process, and outcome indicators.

RESULTS

A total of 173 articles were included in the current study. For structural measures, evidence was found for the inverse relationship between hospital volume and postoperative mortality as well as overall survival. Regarding process measures, the most common indicators concerned surgical technique, perioperative care, and multimodality treatment. The only outcome indicator with supporting evidence was a microscopically radical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Although specific literature on quality of care indicators for the surgical treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer is limited, several quality of care indicators could be identified. These indicators can be used in clinical audits and other quality assurance programs.

A systematic review on the role of fish oil for the treatment of cachexia in advanced cancer: an EPCRC cachexia guidelines project

BACKGROUND

The European Palliative Care Research Collaboration is developing clinical guidelines on cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. A systematic review on the use of fish oil/omega-3-fatty acids (n-3-FA)/eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) in advanced cancer patients suffering from cancer cachexia was performed as part of the guideline development.

METHODS

The systematic literature search in Medline on the use of fish oil/n-3-FA/EPA identified 244 papers, with 38 publications included in the final evaluation. Some smaller trials, often unrandomized and without a control group, reported a good effect of n-3-FA in patients with advanced cancer and cachexia. However, the results of the larger randomized controlled trials could not support the positive results, as they mostly did not find a significant effect.

RESULTS

Adverse effects such as abdominal discomfort, fish belching, fish aftertaste, nausea and diarrhoea were reported with a low incidence. No serious adverse effects were documented, but adverse effects often had an impact on quality of life. This often limited dose escalations or even led to discontinuation of n-3-FA.

CONCLUSION

There is not enough evidence to support a net benefit of n-3-FA in cachexia in advanced cancer. On the other hand, adverse effects were infrequent, with no severe adverse effects. The results from the review led to a weak negative GRADE recommendation.

Beneficial effects of the n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in surgical patients: updating the evidence

The use of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in surgical patients has risen by the fact that this may attenuate systemic and acute inflammatory responses secondary to surgical trauma through modulation of inflammatory mediators and cell membrane interactions. Moreover, the inclusion of n-3 fatty acids in clinical trials as part of the therapy in patients, who expect to undergo a surgical stress, suggests benefits on clinical progress. Therefore, the objective of this article is to review data from n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid effects on biochemical parameters and on reduced length of hospitalization, number of infections, and mortality as main clinical outcomes in human surgical patients.

The impact of glutamine dipeptide-supplemented parenteral nutrition on outcomes of surgical patients: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of glutamine dipeptide-supplemented parenteral nutrition (GLN-PN) on clinical outcomes in surgical patients.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register were searched to retrieve the eligible studies. The studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of GLN-PN and standard PN on clinical outcomes of surgical patients. Clinical outcomes of interest were postoperative morbidity of infectious complication, mortality, length of hospital stay, and cost. Statistical analysis was conducted by RevMan 4.2 software from the Cochrane Collaboration.

RESULTS

Fourteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (N = 587) were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that glutamine dipeptide significantly reduced the length of hospital stay by around 4 days in the form of alanyl-glutamine (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] -5.40, -2.28; z = 4.82; P < .001) and about 5 days in the form of glycyl-glutamine (WMD = -5.40; 95% CI -8.46, -2.33; z = 3.45; P < .001). The overall effect indicated a significant decrease in the infectious complication rates of surgical patients receiving GLN-PN (risk ratio = 0.69; 95% CI 0.50, 0.95; z = 2.26; P = .02).

CONCLUSION

GLN-PN was beneficial to postoperative patients by shortening the length of hospital stay and reducing the morbidity of postoperative infectious complications.

Safety and efficacy of fish oil-enriched parenteral nutrition regimen on postoperative patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a fish oil-enriched parenteral nutrition regimen in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted.

METHODS

An electronic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Academic Search Premier, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases was performed in March 2009. RevMan 5.0 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The combined analysis showed that a fish oil-enriched parenteral nutrition regimen had a positive treatment effect on length of hospital stay (weighed mean difference = -2.98, P < .001), length of intensive care unit stay, postoperative infection rate (odds ratio = 0.56, P = .04), and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alpha-tocopherol on postoperative day 6 in these patients. The regimen increased the plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (standardized mean difference = 3.11, P < .001) and docosahexaenoic acid and upregulated the leukotriene B(5) production in leukocytes on postoperative day 6. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in postoperative mortality; incidence of postoperative cardiac complications; serum levels of bilirubin, triglyceride, or arachidonic acid; or the liberation of leukotriene B(4). No serious adverse events related to fish oil treatment were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the meta-analysis, fish oil-supplemented parenteral nutrition was safe, improved clinical outcomes, and altered the fatty acid pattern as well as leukotriene synthesis. More laboratory parameters should be considered in future meta-analyses.

The immunomodulating enteral nutrition in malnourished surgical patients - a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND & AIM

The immunomodulating nutrition was supposed to reduce the incidence of complications in surgical patients, but many authors have questioned its value recently. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of enteral immunonutrition in postoperative period.

METHODS

Between January 2003 and December 2009, 305 malnourished patients (123 F, 182 M, m. age 60.8) undergoing resection for pancreatic or gastric cancer, after preoperative 14 days of parenteral feeding, were randomized in double-blind manner to receive either postoperative immunomodulating enteral diet (IMEN) or standard oligopeptide diet (SEN). Outcome measures of the intend-to-treat analysis were: number and type of complications, length of hospitalization, mortality, and vital organ function.

RESULTS

Median postoperative hospital stay was 17.1 days in SEN and 13.1 days in IMEN group (p = 0.006). Infectious complications were observed in 60 patients (39.2%) in SEN and 43 (28.3%) in IMEN group (p = 0.04). Differences were also observed in overall morbidity (47.1 vs 33.5%, p = 0.01) and mortality (5.9 vs 1.3%, p = 0.03), but the ratio of surgical complications, organ function, and treatment tolerance did not differ.

CONCLUSIONS

The study proved that postoperative immunomodulating enteral nutrition should be the treatment of choice in malnourished surgical cancer patients. The Clinical Trials Database registry number: NCT00576940.

Symposium 4: Hot topics in parenteral nutrition Current evidence and ongoing trials on the use of glutamine in critically-ill patients and patients undergoing surgery

The amino acid glutamine has numerous important roles including particularly antioxidant defence, immune function, the inflammatory response, acid–base balance and N economy. The present systematic review of randomised controlled trials of nutrition support with glutamine up to August 2008 has found that parenteral glutamine in critical illness is associated with a non-significant reduction in mortality (risk ratio 0·71 (95% CI 0·49, 1·03)) and may reduce infections. However, poor study quality and the possibility of publication bias mean that these results should be interpreted with caution. There is no evidence to suggest that glutamine is harmful in terms of organ failure and parenteral glutamine may reduce the development of organ failure.

Multi-targeted therapy of cancer by omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential fatty acids necessary for human health. Currently, the Western diet contains a disproportionally high amount of n-6 PUFAs and low amount of n-3 PUFAs, and the resulting high n-6/n-3 ratio is thought to contribute to cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cancer. Studies in human populations have linked high consumption of fish or fish oil to reduced risk of colon, prostate, and breast cancer, although other studies failed to find a significant association. Nonetheless, the available epidemiological evidence, combined with the demonstrated effects of n-3 PUFAs on cancer in animal and cell culture models, has motivated the development of clinical interventions using n-3 PUFAs in the prevention and treatment of cancer, as well as for nutritional support of cancer patients to reduce weight loss and modulate the immune system. In this review, we discuss the rationale for using long-chain n-3 PUFAs in cancer prevention and treatment and the challenges that such approaches pose in the design of clinical trials.