Efficacy of tube feeding in supplying energy requirements of hospitalized patients

Hypocaloric, high-protein nutrition therapy for critically ill patients with obesity

We published the first article that addressed hypocaloric, high-protein enteral nutrition therapy for critically ill patients with obesity more than 10 years ago. This study demonstrated that it was possible to successfully achieve this mode of therapy with a commercially available high-protein enteral formula and concurrent use of protein supplements. This study was also the first to demonstrate improved clinical outcomes with the use of hypocaloric, high-protein nutrition therapy. The results of this study, its unique findings, and shortcomings are discussed. Subsequent studies have added clarity to the effective use of this therapy, including its use in home parenteral nutrition patients, patients with class III obesity, and older patients with obesity.

Optimal caloric intake for critically ill patients: first, do no harm

Despite considerable efforts to define energy requirements for critically ill patients, no single method has been found to be precise and unbiased for all patients. As a result, clinicians have used various methods that may overestimate energy requirements for some patients. Provision of target caloric intake without regard to the complications of overfeeding, such as hyperglycemia, hypercapnia, or gastric feeding intolerance, could result in overall detrimental clinical outcome. Inadequate nutrition support is also associated with adverse clinical outcomes that necessitate optimization of delivery and tolerance of the nutrition regimen. A pivotal paper by Krishnan and colleagues published in 2003 brought these issues to the forefront of clinical practice. Key papers that support or refute the practice of "permissive underfeeding" are reviewed. Further research is necessary to determine the minimum amount of nutrition required to achieve a therapeutic benefit as well as to ascertain at what amount of additional nutrition intake offers no further improvement in clinical outcome.

What you think is not what they get: significant discrepancies between prescribed and administered doses of tube feeding

Enteral tube feeding remains an indispensible strategy to treat disease-related malnutrition. In the present study we evaluated in clinical practice whether prescribed feeding volumes correspond with administered quantities and we highlight possible causes for discrepancies. During a 4-month observation period data from all patients fully depending on tube feeding (1·5–2·5 litres/d) were collected in a Dutch 900-bed academic hospital. The range for administered feeds to be adequate was set at 100 ± 10 % of the prescribed dose. Fifty-five patients (mean age 57 (sd 30) years) were included. Tube feeding was given continuously via pump (n 37) or drip (n 3), in portions (n 14) or by combined modes (n 1). Administered tube feeding amounts were significantly lower than prescribed in 40 % of all patients (P ≤ 0·001). The mean ratio of administered v. prescribed energy was 87 (sd 21) % (all modes), 85 (sd 24) % (pump), 94 (sd 12) % (portions) and 88·3 (sd 18·1) % (drip), respectively. The mean energy deficit amounted to 1089 kJ/d (range − 7955 to +795). Only on intensive care unit wards did feeding administration meet the set goal. Feeding interruptions because of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures were the main reason for decreased intakes. Our findings show that many patients relying on tube feeding do not meet their nutritional goals during hospital stay. This problem can be addressed by adapting feeding schedules and the use of formulations with a higher energy density.

Effects of muscle strength training and megestrol acetate on strength, muscle mass, and function in frail older people

OBJECTIVES

To determine the independent and combined effects of progressive resistance muscle strength training (PRMST) and megestrol acetate (MA) on strength, muscle mass, and function in older recuperative care patients.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized, controlled intervention using a two-by-two factorial design and conducted between 1999 and 2001.

SETTING

University-affiliated Department of Veterans Affairs hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-nine patients (mean age 79.4 +/- 7.4, 90% white) aged 65 and older and had recent functional decline.

INTERVENTIONS

After randomization to one of four treatment groups (low-resistance exercises plus 800 mg per day of MA or a placebo or high-intensity PRMST plus 800 mg/d of MA or placebo), subjects received training and the drug or placebo for 12 weeks.

MEASUREMENTS

Change in muscle strength, mid-thigh muscle area, and aggregate functional performance score as assessed using analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

Five subjects withdrew from the study before its completion. Based on intent-to-treat analyses, subjects who received high-intensity PRMST and placebo experienced the greatest strength gains. The addition of MA was associated with worse outcomes than with high-intensity exercise training alone, especially with regard to the leg exercises. Post hoc analysis demonstrated that subjects who received high-intensity PRMST and placebo experienced significantly greater percentage increases in leg strength than subjects in either of the MA treatment groups (P<.05 for each comparison). There was also a significant negative effect of MA on physical function. In general, subjects who received MA experienced a deterioration in aggregate physical function scores, whereas the remaining subjects improved (-0.80+/-0.40 vs 0.48+/-0.41, P=.04). There was not a significant interaction between exercise and MA for any outcome.

CONCLUSION

High-intensity PRMST is a safe and well-tolerated exercise regimen for frail elderly patients. The addition of MA appears to blunt the beneficial effects of PRMST, resulting in less muscle strength and functional performance gains.

[Enteral nutrition]

Enteral nutrition is an integrated part of the therapy in several diseases and clinical conditions. It is used to improve the clinical course and prognosis of patients with inadequate oral nutritional intake or with malnutrition. In addition, enteral nutrition may act in modulating the metabolic state of patients. Enteral diets are industrially made and have a defined composition and consistency. Enteral nutrition is provided as an oral supplement, via nasogastric/nasointestinal tubes or via gastro- or enterostomy, and requires a well functioning intestinal tract. Enteral nutrition is frequently used supplementary to oral or parenteral nutrition. In most patients standard diets can be used. Diet modifications include the energy density, the relation of carbohydrates, fat and nitrogen source and the content of specific nutrients, i. e. specific amino acids, nucleotides or fatty acids to improve the immune function. These modified diets are used for specific indications which are highlighted in this article.

Formula delivery in patients receiving enteral tube feeding on general hospital wards: the impact of nasogastric extubation and diarrhea

OBJECTIVE

In contrast to the intensive care unit, little is known of the percentage of formula delivered to patients receiving enteral tube feeding (ETF) on general wards or of the complications that affect its delivery. This study prospectively investigated the incidence of nasogastric extubation and diarrhea in patients starting ETF on general wards and examined their effect on formula delivery.

METHODS

In a prospective observational study, the volume of formula delivered to patients receiving ETF on general wards was compared with the volume prescribed. The incidence of nasogastric extubation and diarrhea was measured and its effect on formula delivery calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were monitored for a total of 319 patient days. The mean +/- SD volume of formula prescribed was 1460 +/- 213 mL/d, whereas the mean volume delivered was only 1280 +/- 418 mL/d (P < 0.001), representing a mean percentage delivery of 88 +/- 25% of prescribed formula. Nasogastric extubation occurred in 17 of 28 patients (60%), affecting 53 of the 319 patient days (17%). The percentage of formula delivered on days when the nasogastric tube remained in situ was 96 +/- 12% and on days when nasogastric extubation occurred it was only 45 +/- 31% (P < 0.001). Diarrhea affected 39 of 319 patient days (12%) but there was no difference in formula delivery on days when diarrhea did or did not occur (78% versus 89%, P = 0.295). There was a significant, albeit small, negative correlation between the daily stool score and formula delivery (correlation coefficient -0.216, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Formula delivery is marginally suboptimal in patients receiving ETF on general wards. Nasogastric extubation is common and results in an inherent cessation of ETF until the nasogastric tube is replaced and is therefore a major factor impeding formula delivery. Diarrhea is also common but does not result in significant reductions in formula delivery.

Nutrition Support (Tube Feeding) as a Rehabilitation Intervention

James R, Gines D, Menlove A, Horn SD, Gassaway J, Smout RJ. Nutrition support (tube feeding) as a rehabilitation intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To describe site variation in use of enteral feeding and its association with stroke rehabilitation outcomes, controlling for a variety of confounding variables.

DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

Six inpatient rehabilitation facilities in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=919) from the Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes Project database with moderate or severe stroke who were discharged to home, community, or skilled nursing facility.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in total, motor, and cognitive FIM instrument scores and change in severity of illness.

RESULTS

Monitoring of nutritional status and the frequency of tube-feeding interventions for patients with moderate and severe stroke varied significantly among sites. Patients with tube feeding had higher severity of illness and lower functioning on admission compared with patients who did not receive tube feeding. However, when we controlled for severity of illness, admission FIM score, and other important covariates, we found that patients with severe strokes who were tube fed for more than 25% of their stay had greater increases in total, motor, and cognitive FIM scores and greater improvement in severity of illness by discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutrition support (tube feeding) is an effective therapy in rehabilitation service for patients with severe strokes and is associated with greater motor and cognitive improvements, even in patients with the most severe strokes.

Factors causing interrupted delivery of enteral nutrition in trauma intensive care unit patients

BACKGROUND

The intent of this study was to ascertain the adequacy of delivery of enteral nutrition (EN) to critically ill adult multiple trauma patients and to identify potential detrimental factors that affect EN delivery.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study. Trauma intensive care unit (TICU) in a university-affiliated hospital. Adult patients (>/=18 years of age) admitted to the TICU who received enteral feeding.

RESULTS

Fifty-six adult patients were enrolled for study. Patients received, on average, 67% +/- 19% of what was prescribed for 5.7 +/- 2.0 days. A total of 222 occurrences for temporary discontinuation of tube feeding were identified. Gastrointestinal intolerance, as defined by a gastric residual volume of >150 mL, abdominal pain, or >3 liquid stools per day, accounted for only 11% of the occurrences for discontinuation of feeding. Surgery (27%) and diagnostic procedures (15%) represented the majority of reasons for inadequate nutrient delivery. Minor factors for EN interruptions were mechanical feeding tube problems (8%), pharmacy delivery delay (4%), and miscellaneous factors (3%). Multiple and unknown reasons contributed to 14% and 18% of the occurrences, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery and diagnostic procedures accounted for the largest factor in enteral feeding discontinuations in our critically ill trauma patients. Gastrointestinal intolerance contributed a minor role in the temporary discontinuation of enteral feeding.

Higher calorie prescription improves nutrient delivery during the first 5 days of enteral nutrition

AIMS

It is unclear whether prescribing a higher amount of calories by enteral nutrition (EN) increases actual delivery. This prospective controlled study aimed at comparing the progression of EN of two study populations with different levels of calorie prescriptions, during the first 5 days of EN.

METHODS

The daily calorie prescription of group 1 (n=346) was 25 and 20 kcal/kg body weight for women <60 and > or =60 years, respectively, and 30 and 25 kcal/kg body weight for men <60 and > or =60 years, respectively. The prescription of group 2 (n=148) was 5 kcal/kg body weight higher than in group 1. Calorie intakes were expressed as percentage of resting energy expenditure (REE) and protein intakes as percentage of requirements estimated as 1.2 g/kg body weight/day. Patients were classified as <60 and > or =60 years and as medical or surgical patients. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA for repeated measures.

RESULTS

Calorie and protein deliveries increased in both groups independently of age and ward categories (P< or =0.0001). Group 2 showed faster progressions of calorie and protein intakes than group 1 in patients altogether (P< or =0.002), > or =60 years (P< or =0.01) and in surgical patients (P< or =0.02). Differences of calorie and protein intakes between day 1 and day 5 were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 for patients altogether (75+/-61 vs. 56+/-54% of REE; 41+/-30 vs. 31+/-/-27% of protein requirements), those over 60 years (76+/-67 of REE vs. 52+/-59 of protein requirements) and surgical patients (81+/-52 vs. 58+/-57% of REE; 44+/-27 vs. 33+/-29% of protein requirements).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing the levels of EN prescriptions improved calorie and protein deliveries. While the mean energy delivery over 5 days was sufficient to cover requirements, the protein delivery by EN was insufficient, despite our nutritional support team.

Enteral nutrition in patients with acute renal failure

BACKGROUND

Systematic studies on safety and efficacy of enteral nutrition in patients with acute renal failure (ARF) are lacking.

METHODS

We studied enteral nutrition-related complications and adequacy of nutrient administration during 2525 days of artificial nutrition in 247 consecutive patients fed exclusively by the enteral route: 65 had normal renal function, 68 had ARF not requiring renal replacement therapy, and 114 required renal replacement therapy.

RESULTS

No difference was found in gastrointestinal or mechanical complications between ARF patients and patients with normal renal function, except for high gastric residual volumes, which occurred in 3.1% of patients with normal renal function, 7.3% of patients with ARF not requiring renal replacement therapy, 13.2% of patients with ARF on renal replacement therapy (P= 0.02 for trend), and for nasogastric tube obstruction: 0.0%, 5.9%, 14%, respectively (P < 0.001). Gastrointestinal complications were the most frequent cause of suboptimal delivery; the ratio of administered to prescribed daily volume was well above 90% in all the three groups. Definitive withdrawal of enteral nutrition due to complications was documented in 6.1%, 13.2%. and 14.9% of patients, respectively (P= 0.09 for trend). At regimen, mean delivered nonprotein calories were 19.8 kcal/kg (SD 4.6), 22.6 kcal/kg (8.4), 23.4 kcal/kg (6.5); protein intake was 0.92 g/kg (0.21), 0.87 g/kg (0.25), and 0.92 g/kg (0.21), the latter value being below that currently recommended for ARF patients on renal replacement therapy. Median fluid intake with enteral nutrition was 1440 mL (range 720 to 1960), 1200 (720 to 2400), and 960 (360 to 1920).

CONCLUSION

Enteral nutrition is a safe and effective nutritional technique to deliver artificial nutrition in ARF patients. Parenteral amino acid supplementation may be required, especially in patients with ARF needing renal replacement therapy.

Nutritional intake in the critically ill: Improving practice through research

Enteral feeding is the preferred method of nutritional support in the critically ill; however, evidence suggests that many critically ill patients do not meet their nutritional goals. The implementation of enteral feeding protocols has improved nutritional delivery, although protocols can be widely variable. Similarly, enteral feeding related nursing practice is also inconsistent within and between intensive care units (ICUs). These variations in enteral feeding practice can be linked to the shortage of reliable and valid research into the many issues associated with the effective delivery of enteral nutrition. In the absence of a strong research tradition and practice, rituals are embraced and rarely challenged, further contributing to the wide variations in enteral feeding practice. Of particular importance are practice issues related to the commencement of enteral feeding and the assessment of feeding tolerance. This article seeks to review the literature related to commencing enteral feeding, with particular reference to the suitability of enteral nutrition, methods of enteral feeding and adjustment of enteral feeding rates. Issues relating to feeding intolerance, including the assessment of gastric residual volume and the development of diarrhoea, will also be explored.

Enteral nutrition delivery technique

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ingestion and absorption of a nutritionally adequate diet is necessary to maintain normal body composition and organ function. Patients with all kinds of diseases are at increased risk of developing nutritional abnormalities from anorexia, dietary restriction, malabsorption, increased intestinal losses or altered nutrient requirements. Therefore, it is important for doctors to understand the general principles of clinical nutrition for optimal management of patients with various disorders. The purpose of this review is to highlight an important aspect of nutrition: methods for enteral nutrient delivery. Enteral feeding is the preferred method to provide nutritional support in patients who cannot or will not eat but who have a functional gastrointestinal tract. The placement of a small-diameter nasogastric or nasoduodenal tube is the simplest technique for feeding patients who are unlikely to require tube feeding for more than 6 weeks. Gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy and jejunostomy tubes placed by using endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical techniques should be considered in patients who require long-term feeding. With newer endoscopic feeding techniques replacing more conventional surgical techniques, this review proposes to discuss the newer developments in techniques of enteral feeding.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review will briefly discuss the principles governing nasoenteral feeding and will describe in detail the endoscopic assisted methods for placing enteral feeding tubes. These include percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, jejunal extension through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or direct endoscopic jejunostomy. It will also discuss the procedural complications and long term results of these methods of enteral feeding. Lastly the latest innovation in enteral feed - the one step button - is also discussed.

SUMMARY

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement is an appropriate method for providing nutrition in ill patients if no contraindication to enteral feeding exists. In certain situations, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement may even be used to make the life of a terminally ill patient comfortable.

Hypocaloric enteral tube feeding in critically ill obese patients

OBJECTIVE

We respectively compared the nutritional and clinical efficacies of eucaloric and hypocaloric enteral feedings in 40 critically ill, obese patients admitted to the trauma or surgical intensive care unit.

METHODS

Adult patients, 18 to 69 years old, with weights greater than 125% of ideal body weight, normal renal and hepatic functions, and who received at least 7 d of enteral tube feeding were studied. Patients were stratified according to feeding group: eucaloric feeding (>or=20 kcal/kg of adjusted weight per day; n = 12) or hypocaloric feeding (<20 kcal/kg of adjusted weight per day; n = 28). The goal protein intake for both groups was approximately 2 g/kg of ideal body weight per day. Clinical events and nutrition data were recorded for 4 wk.

RESULTS

Patients were similar according to sex, age, weight, body mass index, Second Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score, Trauma score, and Injury Severity Score. The hypocaloric feeding group received significantly fewer calories than the eucaloric group (P<or= 0.05). The hypocaloric group had a shorter stay in the intensive care unit (18.6 +/- 9.9 d versus 28.5 +/- 16.1 d, P < 0.03), decreased duration of antibiotic therapy days (16.6 +/- 11.7 d versus 27.4 +/- 17.3 d, P < 0.03), and a trend toward a decrease in days of mechanical ventilation (15.9 +/- 10.8 d versus 23.7 +/- 16.6 d, P = 0.09). There was no statistically significant difference in nitrogen balance or serum prealbumin response between groups.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that hypocaloric enteral nutrition support is as least as effective as eucaloric feeding in critically ill, obese patients.

Enteral nutrition in the critically ill: a prospective survey in an Australian intensive care unit

Nutritional support is routine practice in critically ill patients and enteral feeding is preferred to the parenteral route. However this direct delivery of nutrients to the gut is potentially ineffective for a variety of reasons. We performed a prospective audit of 40 consecutive intensive care patients to determine whether enteral feeding met the nutritional requirements of our patients. The ideal requirements for each patient were calculated using the Harris-Benedict equation with an adjustment determined by the patient's diagnosis. We compared the amount of feed delivered with the daily requirements over a seven-day period Successful feeding was defined as the achievement of 90% of the ideal calorie requirement for two consecutive days. The mean calculated (+/- SD) energy requirement was 9,566 kJ (+/- 2,586). Patients received only 51% (SD 38) of their energy requirements throughout the study period. Only 10 patients (25%) were successfully fed for at least any two-day period in the seven days. Feeding was limited mainly by gastrointestinal dysfunction or by the need to fast the patient for medical, surgical and airway procedures. Success of feeding was not related to the use of sedative orparalysing agents and had no correlation with plasma albumin concentration. There was no difference in the volume of feed delivered to patients who survived or died. Prokinetic agents were used in 25 patients and in these patients there was a trend towards improved delivery of feed.

Progressive resistance muscle strength training of hospitalized frail elderly

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether frail elderly patients recuperating from acute illnesses could safely participate in and gain appreciable improvement in muscle strength from progressive resistance muscle strength training.

DESIGN

Muscle strength (one repetition maximum), functional abilities (sit-to-stand maneuver and 20-sec maximal safe gait speed), and body composition were measured before and at the conclusion of a 10-wk program of lower limb progressive resistance muscle strength training. The nonrandomized study was conducted in a 30-bed geriatric rehabilitation unit of a university-affiliated Veterans Affairs hospital and a 28-bed transitional care unit of a community nursing home. Participants included 19 recuperating elderly subjects (14 male, 5 female; 13 ambulatory, 6 nonambulatory) >64 yr (mean age, 82.8+/-7.9 yr).

RESULTS

The one repetition maximum increased an average of 74%+/-49% (median, 70%; interquartile range, 38%-95%, and an average of 20+/-13 kg (P = 0.0001). Sit-to-stand maneuver times improved in 15 of 19 cases (79%). Maximum safe gait speeds improved in 10 of 19 cases (53%). Four of the six nonambulatory subjects progressed to ambulatory status. No subject experienced a complication.

CONCLUSIONS

A carefully monitored program of progressive resistance muscle strength training to regain muscle strength is a safe and possibly effective method for frail elderly recuperating from acute illnesses. A randomized control study is needed to examine the degree to which progressive resistance muscle strength training offers advantages, if any, over routine posthospital care that includes traditional low-intensity physical therapy.

Nasogastric tube feeding in children with cancer: the effect of two different formulas on weight, body composition, and serum protein concentrations

BACKGROUND

Treatment of cancer cachexia partly involves the administration of adequate amounts of energy. The aim of this study was to assess the tolerance and efficacy of two equal volumes of tube feeding, one with a standard (1 kcal/mL) and one with a high energy density (1.5 kcal/mL), during the intensive phase of treatment.

METHODS

Nutritional status was assessed weekly, in 27 children with a solid tumor, by measuring weight, height, midupper arm circumference, biceps and triceps skinfold, and serum proteins. Tolerance was assessed by recording the occurrence of vomiting and by expressing the administered volume as a percentage of the required volume.

RESULTS

Both formulas were equally well tolerated, leading to a significantly higher energy intake in the energy-enriched formula group. In both formula groups, all anthropometric variables increased significantly (range of mean increase, 5.2% to 25.5%; p < .05) during the first 4 weeks of intervention. Between 4 and 10 weeks, variables continued to increase significantly in the energy-enriched group, resulting in adequate repletion, in contrast to the standard formula group. The concentration of serum proteins, low at initiation of tube feeding, returned to the normal range within 2 to 4 weeks with no significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The energy-enriched formula was more effective in improving the nutritional status of children with cancer during the intensive phase of treatment than the standard formula. Intensive, protocolized administration of an energy-enriched formula should therefore be initiated as soon as one of the criteria for initiation of tube feeding is met.

Accidental removal of endotracheal and nasogastric tubes and intravascular catheters

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the rates of accidental removal of endotracheal tubes, nasogastric tubes, central venous catheters, and arterial catheters. To assess the efficacy of corrective measures aimed at reducing the accidental removal of these devices.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational, and interventional study.

SETTING

Eighteen-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit of a 650-bed tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients admitted to the intensive care unit who had any of the following devices in place for more than 24 hrs: endotracheal tube, nasogastric tube, central venous catheter, arterial catheter.

MEASUREMENTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Data were collected on the date of placement of tubes and catheters, position of vascular catheters, date of removal, and reason for removal. The study involved three consecutive 6-month periods. At the end of the first and the second periods, information about rates of accidental removal was provided to the physicians and nurses. In addition, the personnel were instructed to be more vigilant and specific measures aimed at reducing the accidental removal were introduced.

MAIN RESULTS

In the first period, 289 endotracheal tubes were placed and 13.1% (24.7 per 1000 days) were removed accidentally. In the second and third periods, 17.1% (25.5 per 1000 days) and 11.4% (15.1 per 1000 days) were removed accidentally, respectively. In the first period, 368 nasogastric tubes were placed and 41% (73.9 per 1000 days) were removed accidentally. In both the second and the third period, a significant reduction in the rate of accidental removal was observed (32.4% or 41.2 per 1000 days and 25.8% or 29.8 per 1000 days, respectively). A significant decrease was observed in the rates of accidental removal of central venous catheters from 7.5% (12.4 per 1000 days) in the first period to 3.6% (5.4 per 1000 days) in the second period. The rate of arterial catheters accidentally removed expressed according to the time at risk significantly decreased from 46.5 per 1000 days in the first period to 19.1 per 1000 days in the second period and 25.3 per 1000 days in the third period.

CONCLUSIONS

The information provided by the rates of accidental removal expressed by patient-days is helpful to compare results obtained in populations with different times of follow-up. Education of medical personnel and limiting upper-extremity access to within 20 cm from any catheter or tube resulted in a significant reduction of patient-related removal of tubes and catheters.

Postpyloric enteral feeding costs for patients with severe head injury: blind placement, endoscopy, and PEG/J versus TPN

This study describes the advantages and disadvantages of several forms of enteral nutrition for patients with severe head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale Score [GCS], <12). Included in the study are nasoenteric nutrition delivery using blind, endoscopic, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and PEG with jejeunostomy (PEG/J), and open jejeunostomy tube placement methods. These methods are compared with parenteral delivery of nutrition. The study constituted a retrospective analysis of the success rate of early enteral feedings by blind, endoscopic PEG and PEG/J and by open jejeunostomy placement of small-bowel feeding tubes for 57 patients with severe head injury. The delivery cost of enteral nutrition per intensive care unit day was compared to the delivery cost of parenteral nutrition per intensive care unit day in the same group of patients. Fifty-three percent of patients were adequately maintained nutritionally with nasoenteric delivery alone and did not require parenteral feeding. The average number of days for initiation of either enteral or parenteral feedings was 1.8 +/- 0.2 days from injury [standard error of mean (SEM); range, 0-10 days]. An average of 3.3 days (range, 0-23 days) was required for feeding tube placement in all patients. For 70% of patients, tube placement was completed within 48 h after injury. Full-strength, full-rate enteral feedings were achieved by a mean of 4.9 days after injury. A total of 128 feeding tubes were placed while the patients were in the intensive care unit (ICU; 2.2 +/- 0.2 tubes per patient). Blind placement of feeding tubes into the small bowel was rarely achieved without repositioning. Endoscopic tube placement into the duodenum was achieved in 50% of patients, into the jejunum for 33% of patients, and into the stomach for 18% of patients. While in the intensive care unit, patients received an average of 77 +/- 2% of their measured energy expenditure (range, 57-114%). Eleven percent of patients experienced severe gastrointestinal problems. Other problems were associated with the inability to achieve or maintain access: dislodged tubes (30%), clogged or kinked tubes (21%), and mechanical access problems (7 %). Seventy-one percent of patients in barbiturate coma were able to tolerate early nasoenteric feedings. Aspiration pneumonitis occurred equally among patients fed nasogastrically and those fed nasoenterically. The overall aspiration rate was 14%. The cost of acute enteral feeding was $170 per day and that for parenteral feeding, $308 per day. We conclude that blind transpyloric feeding tube placement is difficult to achieve in patients with severe head injury; endoscopically guided placement is a better option. Endoscopic feeding tube placement most consistently allows for early enteral nutritional support in severe head injured patients. Limitations include the inability to establish and/or maintain enteral access, increased intracranial pressure, unstable cervical spinal injuries, facial fractures, and dedication of the physician to tube placement and monitoring.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a long-term follow-up

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the preferred method of long-term tube feeding, but only a few studies describe a long-term follow-up. The purpose of this study is to analyze the follow-up of PEG enteral feeding patients in the long term, and to report on the complication and survival rates. Between January 1991 and June 1995, we studied 136 patients (49% cancer and 51% non-cancer patients; male = 68%, female = 32%) after PEG insertion. One hundred twenty-eight patients had a long-term follow-up of over 31 d. The mean duration of PEG feeding was 277 +/- 358 d (range 31-1590): 17% of patients returned to oral feeding, 34% continued enteral nutrition, and 49% died. Major complications occurred in 3% of the patients: 1 aspiration pneumonia, 1 subcutaneous abscess. 2 buried bumper syndrome. Minor complications arose in 14% of our cases: 8 tube blockages, 4 tube dislodgements, 6 site infections. For the whole group of 136 patients, survival probabilities after PEG insertion at 1, 6, 12, and 24 mo were 90.5%, 52%, 42%, and 35%, respectively. After 180 d, the difference in survival probabilities between cancer and non-cancer patients became significant (P < 0.02). Median survival probability was 64% for non-cancer and 39% for cancer patients, and this trend did not change over 2 y.

Nutritional management of patients with gastrointestinal fistulas

Nutritional support plays a key and integral role in the management of patients with gastrointestinal fistulas. It needs to be instituted early to minimize erosion of body cell mass, to prevent further physiologic deterioration of the patient, and to initiate repletion in an otherwise malnourished patient. Furthermore, it allows for rest of the gastrointestinal tract and facilitates healing of the fistula.

A comparison between oral and nasogastric nutritional supplements in malnourished patients

There is a common perception that malnutrition is an inevitable manifestation of illness, that oral nutritional supplements are not taken or reduce the consumption of oral diet, and that nasogastric feeding is poorly tolerated. This study assessed the efficacy of supplemental enteral feeding on the nutritional status of malnourished patients, to compare oral supplements (OS) with overnight supplemental nasogastric feeding (NG) on nutritional status and to determine the effect of nutritional supplements on oral diet. Malnourished hospital patients were randomized to one of three groups: control (C), OS, or NG. All patients had access to hospital diet. Supplements were prescribed to meet estimated nutritional needs. Nutritional status was recorded at the start and the end of the feeding period. The total nutritional intake was recorded. Weight gain occurred in 64% of the supplemented patients, whereas 73% of the controls lost weight with mean weight changes of +2.9% OS. +3.3% NG, and -2.5% C. There was no difference in the mean energy intake from food in the three groups. There were no documented complications of OS and three minor complications of NG. Both methods of supplementation allow weight gain without significantly affecting spontaneous oral intake.

A randomised prospective comparison of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and nasogastric tube feeding after acute dysphagic stroke

OBJECTIVE

To compare percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and nasogastric tube feeding after acute dysphagic stroke.

DESIGN

Randomised prospective study of inpatients with acute stroke requiring enteral nutrition.

SETTING

One university hospital (Nottingham) and one district general hospital (Derby).

SUBJECTS

30 patients with persisting dysphagia at 14 days after acute stroke: 16 patients were randomised to gastrostomy tube feeding and 14 to nasogastric tube feeding.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Six week mortality; amount of feed administered; change in nutritional state; treatment failure; and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Mortality at 6 weeks was significantly lower in the gastrostomy group with two deaths (12%) compared with eight deaths (57%) in the nasogastric group (P < 0.05). All gastrostomy fed patients (16) received the total prescribed feed whereas 10/14 (71%) of nasogastric patients lost at least one day's feed. Nasogastric patients received a significantly (P < 0.001) smaller proportion of their prescribed feed (78%; 95% confidence interval 63% to 94%) compared with the gastrostomy group (100%). Patients fed via a gastrostomy tube showed greater improvement in nutritional state, according to several different criteria at six weeks compared with the nasogastric group. In the gastrostomy group the mean albumin concentration increased from 27.1 g/l (24.5 g/l to 29.7 g/l) to 30.1 g/l (28.3 g/l to 31.9 g/l). In contrast, among the nasogastric group there was a reduction from 31.4 g/l (28.6 g/l to 34.2 g/l) to 22.3 g/l (20.7 g/l to 23.9 g/l) (P < 0.003). In addition, there were fewer treatment failures in the gastrostomy group (0/16 versus 3/14). Six patients from the gastrostomy group were discharged from hospital within six weeks of the procedure compared with none from the nasogastric group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that early gastrostomy tube feeding is greatly superior to nasogastric tube feeding and should be the nutritional treatment of choice for patients with acute dysphagic stroke.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in a general hospital: prospective evaluation of indications, outcome, and randomised comparison of two tube designs

The indications for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and patient outcome, were examined prospectively in the setting of a general hospital. In the course of 26 months, 76 patients underwent PEG (median age 62 years (range 18-99)) and were followed up for 6887 patient days. The median (range) duration of PEG feeding was 93 (3-785) days. The procedure was carried out for neurological indications in 76% of cases (stroke 51%) and 53% of patients were severely malnourished (body mass index < 17 kg/m2) at the time of referral. In 12 (16%) patients swallowing recovered and the PEG was removed after a median (range) of 55 days (20-150). Three (4%) deaths were related to PEG (one oesophageal perforation, one haemorrhage, and one aspiration pneumonia). One patient developed peritonism and ileus, which resolved with conservative treatment. Minor complications included local sepsis 3%, tube blockage 12%, and tube connector leak 5%. During seven days of observation, demands on nursing time for routine care of the PEG were the same as for nasogastric tube feeding, median (range) 21 (4-42) v 16 (4-40) min/day respectively, but in about half the latter cases the tube had to be replaced at least once. Over 15 months, 29 patients were randomised to receive a 1.9 mm inner, 2.9 mm (9F) outer diameter Fresenius and 27 a 3.0 mm inner, 4.0 mm (12F) outer diameter Bower polyurethane tube and were followed for 2920 and 2388 patient days respectively. There was no difference in the insertion time (median (range) 20 (10-45) v 24 (10-45) min respectively) or number of patients with complications (three v eight patients NS), although there were more minor mechanical problems (three v 12, p < 0.01) with the 12F tube. The internal anchoring device of the 12F tube allowed its non-endoscopic removal, a method applicable too 16% of cases. No tubes were removed because of blockage.

Nutrition support in critical illness

Sepsis, shock, multiple trauma, and burns are often associated with altered metabolism characterized by severe catabolism, wasting of the lean body mass, immune dysfunction, and compromised wound healing. Nutrition support is one of the mainstays in the management of these critically ill patients and is aimed at minimizing these complications. The purpose of this article is to compare stress hypermetabolism and starvation metabolism, to review current recommendations for the provision of energy and substrate to the critically ill patient, and to review pertinent literature regarding enteral vs parenteral nutrition. Finally, this article will provide a brief overview of new and future therapies with emphasis on specific substrates and growth factors and the potential for their use in the critically ill patient.

Combined parenteral and enteral nutrition in severe trauma

Early enteral feeding is increasingly advocated for the nutrition support of severely stressed patients. The successful use of this modality in critical illness is often limited by the patient's condition, the availability of access for feeding, and the patient's tolerance of the enteral formula. Factors such as abdominal injury or constraints on fluid volume also complicate nutrition support in this setting. Attention to a secure and well-maintained small bowel access tube and appropriate formula selection allow safe tube feeding in these patients. This case report describes the clinical course of a patient with severe chest and abdominal trauma who received enteral nutrition despite a large, open abdominal wound.

Prolonged tube feeding in long-term care: nutritional status and clinical outcomes

This study examines nutritional status and clinical outcomes, including pressure ulcers and death in 40 chronically tube-fed long-term care patients. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and dietary data were collected over a 3-month period, with follow-up of mortality at 1 year. Subjects' functional and cognitive status was generally poor. Adequate calories and protein were provided, with sample means exceeding standard means for energy, protein and micronutrients. Still, subjects showed weight loss and severe depletion of lean and fat body mass. Mean serum protein and micronutrient status measures were in the low normal range. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum zinc and carotenoid levels were below normal in a sizable proportion of patients. Pressure ulcers were present in 65% of patients. Weight loss was associated with longer time on tube feeding and more pressure ulcers. Negative correlations with ulcer number were observed for cholesterol, albumin, zinc, retinol, alpha-tocopherol and iron. This study shows that despite administration of apparently adequate formula, micronutrient deficiencies and marasmic malnutrition exist in chronically ill patients. Causes may include the combined effects of chronic disease, sepsis, immobility, and severe neurologic deficits. Clinical outcomes may be expressions of an organism-wide diminution of protein synthesis, the cause of which is unknown. For clinical management, serial measures of weight, albumin, cholesterol, hemoglobin and hematocrit are recommended. Future research must address the many subsets of the population of chronically tube-fed patients.

Assessment of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding tube as part of an integrated approach to enteral feeding

The insertion of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has been well documented. The possible benefits for patient nutrition and nursing practice have, however, not been assessed. We report a study of enteral feeding by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in 30 patients, the majority with a persistent vegetative state. All patients had previously been fed through a nasogastric tube using manual administration and a dietitian assessed protein calorie intake. Based upon body mass index (weight/height2), midarm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness, 20 (67%) were malnourished, with 10 patients having a body mass index less than 17 (severe malnutrition); attributed to high rates of both tube displacement and feed regurgitation. Patients were observed over six to 12 months after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion combined with overnight continuous pump feeding. All patients attained a body mass index greater than 17, and 17 (56%) of the total number achieved the normal range with no change in protein-calorie intake (pre: 2110 kcal, post: 1880 kcal). Complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in the study group included peritonitis (one), tube site infection (two) and displacement (two); all without serious sequelae. As part of an integrated approach percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy proved a safe and efficient method of enteral feeding and justifies wider consideration in the United Kingdom.

Standardized enteral orders attain caloric goals sooner: a prospective study

Standardized enteral nutrition order forms were introduced listing the enteral formulary, the advancement schedule of formulae, and whether feedings should be given continuously or intermittently. The efficiency of these forms was evaluated prospectively by counting the number of days needed to reach the patient's estimated caloric needs in a total of 113 patients studied 3 months before (pre-group) and 3 months after (post-group) the introduction of the form. When the standardized enteral order forms were used, patients in the post-group reached their caloric goals 3.1 days sooner than did those in the pre-group. Use of standardized enteral nutrition order forms decreases the time needed to reach a patient's estimated caloric needs, thereby achieving effective nutritional therapy sooner.

Enteral alimentation: administration and complications

Tube feeding is commonly used for providing essential calories and nutrients to the patient otherwise unable to eat. In the last two decades there has been significant expansion in the number and quality of enteral formulas. In this review, we evaluate the indications for each major class of formula, and survey complications associated with formulas and devices that deliver formula. Recommendations for future research are listed.