Proteins and amino acids are fundamental to optimal nutrition support in critically ill patients

Comparison of total and partial parenteral nutrition to achieve calorie target among treated children in the intensive care unit

The achievement of recommended calorie targets for parenteral nutrition in pediatric patients receiving treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Indonesia remains suboptimal, necessitating cautious implementation of this nutritional intervention alone. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) in achieving the calorie requirements of pediatric patients receiving treatments in the PICU. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the PICU at H. Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, among patients aged between 28 days to 18 years. The consecutive sampling method was employed to collect samples based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The assessments of recommended calorie achievement targets were conducted up to 240 hours after initial nutrition treatment. Other possible factors associated with the achievement of the nutrition target were also assessed between groups, such as demographic data, length of treatment, nutritional status, and underlying diseases. A total of 30 patients were included in each group (TPN and PPN). There were no significant differences in age, weight, height, sex, or underlying diseases between groups. All patients in both groups achieved the target calorie requirements after 168 hours. Our data indicated that the percentage of patients who met the target calorie requirements was significantly different at initial treatment, 72 hours, and 120 hours post-treatment between groups (all had p<0.001). The percentages of patients who met the nutritional requirements (carbohydrate and protein) were also significantly different between the TPN and PPN groups (all had p<0.001). This study highlights that the administration of PPN to children resulted in faster achievement of calorie targets compared to TPN.

No benefit of higher protein dosing in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose

The optimal range of protein dosage and effect of high-dose protein on critically ill patients remain controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare higher and lower doses of protein supplementation for nutritional support in critically ill patients.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials that compared higher (≥1.2 g/kg per day) versus lower (<1.2 g/kg per day) doses of protein supplementation among critically ill adult patients. This search spanned from the inception of relevant databases to November 20, 2023. Our primary endpoint of interest was overall mortality, while secondary endpoints included length of stay in the intensive care unit, length of hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and incidence of acute kidney injury.

Results

Seventeen studies including 2,965 critically ill patients were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled analyses showed no significant difference in overall mortality (RR 1.03, 95%CI [0.92-1.15], P = 0.65, I2 = 0%), length of intensive care unit stay (MD 0.19, 95%CI [-0.67 to 1.04], P = 0.66, I2 = 25%), length of hospital stay (MD 0.73, 95%CI [-1.59 to 3.04], P = 0.54, I2 = 27%), duration of mechanical ventilation (MD -0.14, 95%CI [-0.83 to 0.54], P = 0.68, I2 = 8%), and incidence of acute kidney injury (RR 1.11, 95%CI [0.87-1.41], P = 0.38, I2 = 0%) between critically ill patients receiving higher or lower doses of protein supplementation.

Conclusions

For critically ill patients, the protein supplementation dose had no significant effect on clinical outcomes, including overall mortality, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and incidence of acute kidney injury.

Smartfeeding: A Dynamic Strategy to Increase Nutritional Efficiency in Critically Ill Patients-Positioning Document of the Metabolism and Nutrition Working Group and the Early Mobilization Working Group of the Catalan Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine (SOCMiC)

Adequate medical nutrition therapy for critically ill patients has an impact on their prognoses. However, it requires an individualized approach that takes into account the activity (phases of metabolic stress) and particularity of these patients. We propose a comprehensive strategy considering the patients' nutritional status and the set of modifiable circumstances in these patients, in order to optimize/support nutritional efficiency: (1) A detailed anamnesis and an adequate initial nutritional assessment must be performed in order to implement medical nutrition therapy that is in line with the needs and characteristics of each patient. Furthermore, risks associated with refeeding syndrome, nutritrauma or gastrointestinal dysfunction must be considered and prevented. (2) A safe transition between nutrition therapy routes and between health care units will greatly contribute to recovery. The main objective is to preserve lean mass in critically ill patients, considering metabolic factors, adequate protein intake and muscle stimulation. (3) Continuous monitoring is required for the successful implementation of any health strategy. We lack precise tools for calculating nutritional efficiency in critically ill patients, therefore thorough monitoring of the process is essential. (4) The medical nutrition approach in critically ill patients is multidisciplinary and requires the participation of the entire team involved. A comprehensive strategy such as this can make a significant difference in the functional recovery of critically ill patients, but leaders must be identified to promote training, evaluation, analysis and feedback as essential components of its implementation, and to coordinate this process with the recognition of hospital management.

Preparation and Characterization of Boza Enriched with Nonfat Dry Milk and Its Impact on the Fermentation Process

Boza is an indigenous, traditional, low-alcohol and highly viscous beverage prepared by fermenting cereals. Its thick and gel-like consistency make it suitable for consumption via spoon. Although boza is a nutritious beverage, its protein content is very low (<2%). A new type of boza was developed by incorporating nonfat dry milk (NFDM) to elevate the protein content of the beverage. Different NFDM amounts (10 to 40% w/v) were added to determine the best concentration and fermentation time based on the refractive index and pH values at room temperature (0-48 h). The best sample was further characterized by rheological analyses and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The sample with 10% NFDM was the best, as fermentation was successfully performed, and further addition of NFDM increased the initial pH. The refractive index and pH decreased from 21.9 ± 0.1 to 11.8 ± 0.1 and 5.77± 0.50 to 4.09 ± 0.35 during fermentation, respectively. The samples exhibited shear-thinning, solid-like behavior, and a gel-like structure. FTIR analysis by independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) demonstrated that unfermented slurry and the fermented product could be effectively differentiated. With the addition of 10% NFDM, the increase in the protein content of the boza medium became significant.

Predictors of acute muscle loss in the intensive care unit: A secondary analysis of an in-bed cycling trial for critically ill patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assist clinicians to identify critically ill patients at greatest risk of acute muscle loss and to analyse the associations between protein intake and exercise on acute muscle loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Secondary analysis of a single-centre randomised clinical trial of in-bed cycling using a mixed effects model was undertaken to examine the association between key variables and rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA). Groups were combined, and key variables for the cohort were modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) scores within the first days following intensive care unit admission, longitudinal RFCSA measurements, percent of daily recommended protein intake, and group allocation (usual care, in-bed cycling). RFCSA ultrasound measurements were taken at baseline and days 3, 7, and 10 to quantify acute muscle loss. All patients received usual care nutritional intake while in the intensive care unit. Patients allocated to the cycling group commenced in-bed cycling once safety criteria were met.

RESULTS

Analysis included all 72 participants, of which 69% were male, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 56 (17) years. Patients received a mean (standard deviation) of 59% (26%) of the minimum protein dose recommended for critically ill patients. Mixed-effects model results indicated that patients with higher mNUTRIC scores experienced greater RFCSA loss (estimate = -0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.59 to -0.23). RFCSA did not share a statistically significant association with cycling group allocation (estimate = -0.59, 95% CI = -1.53 to 0.34), the percentage of protein requirements received (estimate = -0.48; 95% CI = -1.16 to 0.19), or a combination of cycling group allocation and higher protein intake (estimate = 0.33, 95% CI = -0.76 to 1.43).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

We found that a higher mNUTRIC score was associated with greater muscle loss, but we did not observe a relationship between combined protein delivery and in-bed cycling and muscle loss. The low protein doses achieved may have impacted the potential for exercise or nutrition strategies to reduce acute muscle loss.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12616000948493).

Factors Associated with Interruptions of Enteral Nutrition and the Impact on Macro- and Micronutrient Deficits in ICU Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Feeding interruptions in critical care patients are often unjustified. We aimed to determine the causes, duration, and frequency of enteral nutrition interruptions (ENIs) and to assess macronutrients and antioxidant deficits according to European Society of Parenteral Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN) guidelines.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients admitted for more than 48 h with an inability to orally eat from April to December 2019. The type of enteral nutrition, the number of calories administered, the time of feeding initiation, the reasons for delaying feeding, and the causes for ENI were recorded.

RESULTS

81 patients were enrolled, with a median duration of ENIs of 5.2 (3.4-7.4) hours/day. Gastric residual volume (GRV) monitoring-a highly controversial practice-was the most common cause of ENI (median duration 3 (2.3-3) hours/day). The mean energy intake was 1037 ± 281 kcal/day, while 60.5% of patients covered less than 65% of the total energy needs (1751 ± 295 kcal/day, according to mean Body Mass Index (BMI)). The median daily protein intake did not exceed 0.43 ± 0.3 gr/kg/day of the actual body weight (BW), whereas ESPEN recommends 1.3 gr/kg/day for adjusted BW (p < 0.001). The average administration of micronutrients and antioxidants (arginine, selenium, zinc, vitamins) was significantly less than the dietary reference intake (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

ENIs lead to substantial caloric, protein, and antioxidant deficits.

Early supplemental parenteral nutrition for the achievement of nutritional goals in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients: An observational cohort study

Purpose

Enteral nutrition (EN) often fails to achieve nutritional goals in neurocritical care patients. We sought to investigate the safety and utility of supplemental parenteral nutrition (PN) in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients.

Materials and methods

Data of 70 consecutive patients with non-traumatic SAH admitted to the neurological intensive care unit of a tertiary referral center were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. We targeted the provision of 20–25 kilocalories per kilogram bodyweight per day (kcal/kg/d) by enteral nutrition. Supplemental PN was given when this target could not be reached. Nutritional data were analyzed for up to 14 days of ICU stay. Hospital complications were tested for associations with impaired enteral feeding. The amounts of EN and PN were tested for associations with the level of protein delivery and functional outcome. Repeated measurements within subjects were handled utilizing generalized estimating equations.

Results

Forty (27 women and 13 men) of 70 screened patients were eligible for the analysis. Median age was 61 (IQR 49–71) years, 8 patients (20%) died in the hospital. Thirty-six patients (90%) received PN for a median duration of 8 (IQR 4–12) days. The provision of 20 kcal/kg by EN on at least 1 day of ICU stay was only achieved in 24 patients (60%). Hydrocephalus (p = 0.020), pneumonia (p = 0.037) and sepsis (p = 0.013) were associated with impaired enteral feeding. Neither the amount nor the duration of PN administration was associated with an increased risk of severe complications or poor outcome. Supplemental PN was associated with significantly increased protein delivery (p<0.001). In patients with sepsis or pneumonia, there was an association between higher protein delivery and good functional outcome (p<0.001 and p = 0.031), but not in the overall cohort (p = 0.08).

Conclusions

Enteral feeding was insufficient to achieve nutritional goals in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Supplemental PN was safe and associated with increased protein delivery. A higher protein supply was associated with good functional outcome in patients who developed sepsis or pneumonia.

Time course of the Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis and muscular ultrasound in critically ill patients

PURPOSE

Several different tools have been developed to integrate the clinical and biochemical nutritional evaluations in critical care patients. Aims of this study were to evaluate the changes in the Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) and ultrasonographic features of the diaphragm (DTee) and rectus femoris (RFCSA) during the first week of ICU stay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-six adult mechanically ventilated patients enrolled within 24 h after the admission to the ICU (T1). RFCSA and diaphragm end-expiratory thickness were measured, as well as BIVA parameters. Anthropometric data and biochemical parameters were collected. The measurements were repeated on the 3rd (T3) and 7th (T7) days of ICU stay.

RESULTS

During the study period, the phase angle significantly decreased by 21%, reactance by 27%, and resistance by 11%. Both RFCSA and DTee significantly decreased, while neither were correlated to any BIVA parameter. DTee was considerably higher in survivors vs. non-survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Body composition is significantly modified after one week of ICU stay. BIVA may be useful in the definition of hydration state, while it does not seem to track muscle mass. Different temporal trends of specific BIVA and muscle ultrasound parameters were found in patients with high or low severity of illness.

A guide to enteral nutrition in intensive care units: 10 expert tips for the daily practice

The preferential use of the oral/enteral route in critically ill patients over gut rest is uniformly recommended and applied. This article provides practical guidance on enteral nutrition in compliance with recent American and European guidelines. Low-dose enteral nutrition can be safely started within 48 h after admission, even during treatment with small or moderate doses of vasopressor agents. A percutaneous access should be used when enteral nutrition is anticipated for ≥ 4 weeks. Energy delivery should not be calculated to match energy expenditure before day 4–7, and the use of energy-dense formulas can be restricted to cases of inability to tolerate full-volume isocaloric enteral nutrition or to patients who require fluid restriction. Low-dose protein (max 0.8 g/kg/day) can be provided during the early phase of critical illness, while a protein target of > 1.2 g/kg/day could be considered during the rehabilitation phase. The occurrence of refeeding syndrome should be assessed by daily measurement of plasma phosphate, and a phosphate drop of 30% should be managed by reduction of enteral feeding rate and high-dose thiamine. Vomiting and increased gastric residual volume may indicate gastric intolerance, while sudden abdominal pain, distension, gastrointestinal paralysis, or rising abdominal pressure may indicate lower gastrointestinal intolerance.

Qualitative and quantitative muscle ultrasound changes in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS

OBJECTIVES

Severe forms of the novel coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) are associated with systemic inflammation and hypercatabolism. The aims of this study were to compare the time course of the size and quality of both rectus femoris and diaphragm muscles between critically ill, COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors and to explore the correlation between the change in muscles size and quality with the amount of nutritional support delivered and the cumulative fluid balance.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study in the general intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital for COVID-19. The right rectus femoris cross-sectional area and the right diaphragm thickness, as well as their echo densities were assessed within 24 h from ICU admission and on day 7. We recorded anthropometric and biochemical data, respiratory mechanics and gas exchange, daily fluid balance, and the number of calories and proteins administered.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were analyzed (65 ± 10 y of age; 80% men, body mass index 30 ± 7.8 kg/m²). Rectus femoris and diaphragm sizes were significantly reduced at day 7 (median = -26.1 [interquartile ratio [IQR], = -37.8 to -15.2] and -29.2% [-37.8% to -19.6%], respectively) and this reduction was significantly higher in non-survivors. Both rectus femoris and diaphragm echo density were significantly increased at day 7, with a significantly higher increase in non-survivors. The change in both rectus femoris and diaphragm size at day 7 was related to the cumulative protein deficit (R = 0.664, P < 0.001 and R = 0.640, P < 0.001, respectively), whereas the change in rectus femoris and diaphragm echo density was related to the cumulative fluid balance (R = 0.734, P < 0.001 and R = 0.646, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Early changes in muscle size and quality seem related to the outcome of critically ill COVID-19 patients, and to be influenced by nutritional and fluid management strategies.

Impact of early protein provision on the mortality of acute critically ill stroke patients

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the leading cause of death in China, and dysphagia is a common symptom of stroke. For acute critically ill stroke patients, whether the protein provision overwhelming calorie provision impacts the outcome still requires investigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospectively observational study. Acute stroke patients admitted to our neurocritical care unit between January 2013 and January 2017 were enrolled. Primary end points were short-term (30-day) and long-term (6-month) mortality, as well as long-term poor outcome with a modified Rankin scale score ≥4.

RESULTS

Of 208 eligible patients, 127 (61.1%) patients were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and 81 (38.9%) with intracranial hemorrhage. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the increased protein provision was significantly associated with reduced 30-day and 6-month mortality (P = .041 and P = .020, respectively) but not 6-month functional outcome (P = .365), whereas calorie provision had no independent association with either mortality or functional outcome. When the protein provision ≤1.74 g/kg/day, there was a 9.37% decrease in short-term mortality and a 9.21% decrease in long-term mortality with each 0.1 g/kg/day increase in protein delivery. The patients were further divided into five subgroups based on the amount of protein provision, and Linear-by-Linear Association tests showed there was a negative linear relationship between the protein provision and 30-day and 6-month mortality (P = .048 and P = .017, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Early protein provision during the first week is an independent predictor of short-term and long-term mortality in acute critically ill stroke patients.

Chronic Critical Illness and PICS Nutritional Strategies

The nutritional hallmark of chronic critical illness (CCI) after sepsis is persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism syndrome (PICS), which results in global resistance to the anabolic effect of nutritional supplements. This ultimately leaves these patients in a downward phenotypic spiral characterized by cachexia with profound weakness, decreased capacity for rehabilitation, and immunosuppression with the propensity for sepsis recidivism. The persistent catabolism is driven by a pathologic low-grade inflammation with the inability to return to homeostasis and by ongoing increased energy expenditure. Better critical care support systems and advances in technology have led to increased intensive care unit (ICU) survival, but CCI due to PICS with poor long-term outcomes has emerged as a frequent phenotype among ICU sepsis survivors. Unfortunately, therapies to mitigate or reverse PICS-CCI are limited, and recent evidence supports that these patients fail to respond to early ICU evidence-based nutrition protocols. A lack of randomized controlled trials has limited strong recommendations for nutrition adjuncts in these patients. However, based on experience in other conditions characterized by a similar phenotype, immunonutrients aimed at counteracting inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism may be important for improving outcomes in PICS-CCI patients. This manuscript intends to review several immunonutrients as adjunctive therapies in treating PICS-CCI.

Metabolism of Proteins and Amino Acids in Critical Illness: From Physiological Alterations to Relevant Clinical Practice

The clinical impact of nutrition therapy in critically ill patients has been known for years, and relevant guidelines regarding nutrition therapy have emphasized the importance of proteins. During critical illness, such as sepsis or the state following major surgery, major trauma, or major burn injury, patients suffer from a high degree of stress/inflammation, and during this time, metabolism deviates from homeostasis. The increased degradation of endogenous proteins in response to stress hormones is among the most important events in the acute phase of critical illness. Currently published evidence suggests that adequate protein supplementation might improve the clinical outcomes of critically ill patients. The role of sufficient protein supplementation may even surpass that of caloric supplementation. In this review, we focus on relevant physiological alterations in critical illness, the effects of critical illness on protein metabolism, nutrition therapy in clinical practice, and the function of specific amino acids.

Cardiovascular and Renal Disease in Chronic Critical Illness

With advances in critical care, patients who would have succumbed in previous eras now survive through hospital discharge. Many survivors suffer from chronic organ dysfunction and induced frailty, representing an emerging chronic critical illness (CCI) phenotype. Persistent and worsening cardiovascular and renal disease are primary drivers of the CCI phenotype and have pathophysiologic synergy, potentiating one another and generating a downward spiral of worsening disease and clinical outcomes manifest as cardio-renal syndromes. In addition to pharmacologic therapies (e.g., diuretics, beta adrenergic receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and blood pressure control), special consideration should be given to behavioral modifications that avoid the pitfalls of polypharmacy and suboptimal renal and hepatic dosing, to which CCI patients may be particularly vulnerable. Smoking cessation, dietary modifications (e.g., early high-protein nutrition and late low-sodium diets), and increased physical activity are advised. Select patients benefit from cardiac re-synchronization therapy or renal replacement therapy. Coordinated, patient-centered care bundles may improve compliance with standards of care and patient outcomes. Given the complex, heterogeneous nature of cardiovascular and renal disease in CCI and the dismal long-term outcomes, further research is needed to clarify pathophysiologic mechanisms of cardio-renal syndromes in CCI and develop targeted therapies.

Review of evolution and current status of protein requirements and provision in acute illness and critical care

Nutrition therapy, by enteral, parenteral, or both routes combined, is a key component of the management of critically ill, surgical, burns, and oncology patients. Established evidence indicates overfeeding (provision of excessive calories) results in increased risk of infection, morbidity, and mortality. This has led to the practice of "permissive underfeeding" of calories; however, this can often lead to inadequate provision of guideline-recommended protein intakes. Acutely ill patients requiring nutritional therapy have high protein requirements, and studies demonstrate that provision of adequate protein can result in reduced mortality and improvement in quality of life. However, a significant challenge to adequate protein delivery is the current lack of concentrated protein solutions. Patients often have fluid administration restrictions and existing protein solutions are frequently not sufficiently concentrated to deliver a patient's protein requirements. This has led to the development of new enteral and parenteral nutrition solutions incorporating higher levels of protein in smaller volumes. This review article summarizes current evidence supporting the role of higher protein intakes, especially during the early phases of nutrition therapy in acute illness, methods for assessing protein requirements, as well as, the currently available high-protein enteral and parenteral nutrition solutions. There is sufficient evidence (albeit limited from true randomized, controlled studies) to indicate that earlier provision of guideline-recommended protein intakes may be key to improving patient outcomes and that nutritional therapy that tailors caloric and protein intake to the patients' needs should be considered a desired standard of care.

Pilot Study to Investigate Enteral Feeding Practices and the Incidence of Underfeeding Among Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients at a Specialist Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Enteral nutrition (EN) is an essential therapeutic intervention. Many studies internationally have reviewed feeding practices in intensive care units (ICUs) and recorded the incidence of underfeeding in these settings, yet none were performed in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. The purpose of the study is to assess the adequacy of EN delivery and investigate the enteral feeding practices in the ICU at a specialized tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

In this observational study, we prospectively monitored energy and protein delivery for 6 consecutive days in critically ill patients. Malnutrition was assessed by Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS-2002) scores. Underfeeding was identified by comparing the intake against the calculated requirements. Patients were categorized into early and late EN starters to investigate whether the time of EN initiation impacts the cumulative nutrition intake.

RESULTS

This study included 43 patients. About 44% (19 of 43) of the patients were malnourished on admission to ICU, and the prevalence of underfeeding was >90%. The median cumulative intake of energy and protein was 39% and 31% of the estimated requirements, respectively. Patients who started early EN had statistically higher cumulative energy and protein intake (P-value = .00). Patients treated with inotropes received less energy and protein compared with those who did not receive inotropes (P-value = .00). Higher NRS-2002 score was associated with fewer ventilation-free hours (r = -0.369, P-value = .045).

CONCLUSION

Protein underfeeding remains a significant problem in ICU settings. The time of EN initiation plays a major role in determining when the nutrition requirements will be met. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective feeding protocols to ensure early initiation of EN when permissible.

Preoperative Treatment of Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Cardiac Surgery: New Frontiers

Cardiac surgery is performed more often in a population with an increasing number of comorbidities. Although these surgeries can be lifesaving, they disturb homeostasis and may induce a temporary overall loss of physiologic function. The required postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay often lead to a mid- to long-term decline of nutritional and physical status, mental health, and health-related quality of life. Prehabilitation before elective surgery might be an opportunity to optimize the state of the patient. This article discusses current evidence and potential effects of preoperative optimization of nutrition and physical status before cardiac surgery.

False Measurement of Blood Amino Acids by LC-MS/MS in a Patient Dependent on Matrix Effect after Total Parenteral Nutrition Infusion

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although it is widely known that the total parenteral nutrition (TPN) used frequently in intensive care units has unwanted side effects, there is little known about how it interferes with the amino acid levels taken during the diagnosis of metabolic diseases. Amino acid can lead to inaccurate measurements with mass spectrometry due to its high molecular content of lipids and carbohydrates, which modifies the blood matrix. The purpose of this study was to emphasize the results of amino acid interference, measured with mass spectrometry, in patients administered with TPN.

CASE PRESENTATION

Incorrect clinical interpretation resulted in the case of a pneumonia patient with false positive and negative blood amino acid levels caused by TPN infusion. The amino acid profile had been requested to rule out an amino acid metabolic defect in the two-year-old boy who arrived at the pediatric clinic complaining of respiratory distress, tachypnea and hypoxemia. He was monitored in the intensive care unit for further investigation. The personnel who had performed phlebotomy also carried out the sampling during the TPN infusion administration. This caused the amino acid results and an incorrect interpretation. The following deviation ratios were detected: phenylalanine 102%, leucine 86%, isoleucine 106%, GABA 200%, citrulline 238%, glutamine 178%, ornithine 216%, 1- methyl-l-histidine 1471%, serine 312%, alanine 163%, glycine 355%, homocitrulline and carnosine 444%. The amino acid blood level measurements taken for diagnosis and screening in suspected metabolic disease may lead to involuntary false low or elevated results in patients administered with TPN.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates that TPN solutions affect the reference method of mass spectrometry measurement methods due to the concentration of ingredients. We suggest that inaccurate results can be avoided by carrying out the sampling prior to TPN infusion in patients whose plasma amino acid levels will be measured.

Differential Effects of Early Energy and Protein Inadequacies on the Outcome of Critically Ill Patients

BACKGROUND

Differential effects of energy and protein inadequacies of intensive care unit (ICU) patients in first 72 hours are unknown.

METHODS

We included all adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) > 72 hours between August 2012 and December 2014. Energy and protein doses were 25 kcal/kg/day and 1.5 g/kg/day, respectively. We used multivariable Cox regression analysis for 28-day mortality and competing risks regression analysis for post-ICU length of stay (LOS) in hospital survivors.

RESULTS

In 421 patients (male 63.4%, mean age 62 ± 15.1 years) the energy and protein adequacies at 72 hours were 70% and 56%, respectively. Non-survivors by day 28 were started on feeding significantly later (median, 14.13 (5.48-33.78) versus 9.25 (5.45-16.58) hours, P = .003) and received lower energy (mean, 0.57 ± 0.36 versus 0.76 ± 0.29, P < 0.001) and protein (median, 0.51 (0.13-0.74) versus 0.61 (0.40-0.84), P < 0.001) adequacies at day 7 (same effect seen at 72 hours, P < 0.001). Higher energy adequacy at 72 hours was associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.39 (95% CI 0.20-0.75), P = 0.004); the lowest mortality was seen between 61% and 70% energy adequacies. No such association was seen with protein adequacy. In 280 hospital survivors, higher energy adequacy at 72 hours (subdistribution HR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.06-2.50, P = 0.025) was significantly associated with shorter post-ICU LOS. No such effect was seen with protein adequacy.

CONCLUSION

Higher energy but not protein adequacy at 72 hours of MV was associated with improved patient-centric outcomes.

A randomized controlled trial of high parenteral protein feeding in septic children: the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-308 polymorphism

BACKGROUND Septic children cause high protein degradation and inadequate nutritional intake would worsen the outcomes. In addition, there are conflicting results of association between tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFA)-308 polymorphism and poorer outcomes. This study was aimed to investigate the impact of high protein feeding in septic children and to examine the role of the TNFA-308 polymorphism in outcome of sepsis. METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, septic children were randomly assigned to receive either high protein feeding (amino acid of 4 g/kg of body weight [kgBW]/day) or standard nutrient (amino acid of 2 g/kgBW/day) for three days in the pediatric intensive care unit of four hospitals in Indonesia. The patient’s enrollment was done between April 2016 and May 2017. The primary outcome was the pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD) score. TNFA-308 polymorphism was investigated using restriction fragment length polymorphism method in both groups. PELOD score was analyzed as mean differences and gene polymorphism was analyzed with mortality in a subgroup. RESULTS There were 40 children in each group. PELOD score on day-1 (22.4 versus 20.5, p = 0.429), day-2 (20.5 versus 19.8, p = 0.815), and day-3 (18.8 versus 19.8, p = 0.772) were not lower in high protein feeding compared to standard feeding. TNFA-308 polymorphism had no role in mortality of both groups (high protein, p = 0.426; standard, p = 0.456). CONCLUSIONS From this study, researchers concluded that a high protein intervention did not significantly decrease the PELOD score, length of stay, and duration of ventilator use in both groups.

Burns: modified metabolism and the nuances of nutrition therapy

OBJECTIVE

To review the effects of burn injury on nutritional requirements and how this can best be supported in a healthcare setting.

METHOD

A literature search for articles discussing nutrition and/or metabolism following burn injury was carried out. PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched using the key search terms 'nutrition' OR 'metabolism' AND 'burn injury' OR 'burns'. There was no limitation on the year of publication.

RESULTS

A total of nine articles met the inclusion criteria, the contents of which are discussed in this manuscript.

CONCLUSION

Thermal injury elicits the greatest metabolic response, among all traumatic events, in critically ill patients. In order to ensure burn patients can meet the demands of their increased metabolic rate and energy expenditure, adequate nutritional support is essential. Burn injury results in a unique pathophysiology, involving alterations in endocrine, inflammatory, metabolic and immune pathways and nutritional support needed during the inpatient stay varies depending on burn severity and idiosyncratic patient physiologic parameters.

Chronic Critical Illness Patients Fail to Respond to Current Evidence-Based Intensive Care Nutrition Secondarily to Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-induced multiple-organ failure (MOF) has plagued surgical intensive care units (ICUs) for decades. Early nutrition (principally enteral) improves hospital outcomes of high-risk ICU patients. The purpose of this study is to document how the growing epidemic of chronic critical illness (CCI) patients responds to adequate evidence-based ICU nutrition.

METHODS

This retrospective post hoc subgroup analysis of an ongoing sepsis database identified 56 CCI patients who received early, adequate nutrition per an established surgical ICU protocol compared with 112 matched rapid-recovery (RAP) patients.

RESULTS

The matched CCI and RAP groups had similar baseline characteristics. Serial biomarkers showed that CCI patients remained persistently inflamed with ongoing stress metabolism and that despite receiving evidence-based protocol nutrition, they had persistent catabolism and immunosuppression with more secondary infections. More CCI patients were discharged to poor nonhome destinations (ie, skilled nursing facilities, long-term acute care, hospice) (81% vs 29%, P < 0.05). At 12-month follow-up, CCI patients had worse functional status by Zubrod score (3.17 vs 1.62, P < 0.001) and Short Physical Battery Testing (4.78 vs 8.59, P < 0.02), worse health-related quality of life by EQ-5D-3L descriptive measures (9.07 vs 7.45, P < 0.003), and lower survival (67% vs 92%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite early, adequate, evidence-based ICU nutrition, septic surgical ICU patients who develop CCI exhibit persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism with unacceptable long-term morbidity and mortality. Although current evidence-based ICU nutrition may improve short-term ICU outcomes, novel adjuncts are needed to improve long-term outcomes for CCI patients.

[Effect of hypocaloric versus standard enteral feeding on clinical outcomes in critically ill adults - A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis]

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of hypocaloric versus standard enteral feeding on clinical outcomes in critically ill adults, and to investigate the influence of protein intake upon the outcome effects of hypocaloric feeding.

DESIGN

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were carried out.

SETTING

Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

PATIENTS

Or participants Critically ill adults.

INTERVENTIONS

Hypocaloric enteral feeding versus standard enteral feeding.

MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST

The primary outcomes were all-cause short-term mortality and the incidence of nosocomial infection.

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs met the inclusion criteria; of these trials, two were judged as having low risk of bias. Compared with standard enteral feeding, hypocaloric enteral feeding had no benefits in terms of reducing short-term mortality, the incidence of nosocomial infection, or long-term mortality, though it had a positive impact upon the incidence of gastrointestinal intolerance. The TSA further confirmed these results. In turn, hypocaloric enteral feeding had no effects upon the incidence of bloodstream infection, pneumonia, hypoglycemia or the duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, or in-hospital stay. The above results remained unchanged in the sub-analysis of trials with a low risk of bias, trials administering a similar dose of protein, or trials administering different doses of protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with standard enteral feeding, hypocaloric enteral feeding was not associated with better clinical outcomes in critically ill adults, except for a lower risk of gastrointestinal intolerance. The difference in protein intake between groups might have no influence on the outcome effects of hypocaloric enteral feeding. High quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this, however.

Aerobic exercise increases post-exercise exogenous protein oxidation in healthy young males

The capacity to utilize ingested protein for optimal support of protein synthesis and lean body mass is described within the paradigm of anabolic competence. Protein synthesis can be stimulated by physical exercise, however, it is not known if physical exercise affects post-exercise protein oxidation. Characterization of the driving forces behind protein oxidation, such as exercise, can contribute to improved understanding of whole body protein metabolism. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of two levels of aerobic exercise intensity on immediate post-exercise exogenous protein oxidation. Sixteen healthy males with a mean (SD) age of 24 (4) years participated. The subjects' VO2-max was estimated with the Åstrand cycling test. Habitual dietary intake was assessed with a three-day food diary. Exogenous protein oxidation was measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. These measurements were initiated after the ingestion of a 30 g 13C-milk protein test drink that was followed by 330 minutes breath sample collection. On three different days with at least one week in between, exogenous protein oxidation was measured: 1) during rest, 2) after 15 minutes of aerobic exercise at 30% of VO2-max (moderate intensity), and 3) after 15 minutes of aerobic exercise at 60% of VO2-max (vigorous intensity). After vigorous intensity aerobic exercise, 31.8%±8.0 of the 30 g 13C-milk protein was oxidized compared to 26.2%±7.1 during resting condition (p = 0.012), and 25.4%±7.6 after moderate intensity aerobic exercise compared to resting (p = 0.711). In conclusion, exogenous protein oxidation is increased after vigorous intensity aerobic exercise which could be the result of an increased protein turnover rate.

Clinical application of invalid foods using mealworms and evaluation of nutrition status and immune function: a study protocol for a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background

Protein intake is important for the recovery of the immune system, physical strength, and wound healing after surgery. Sarcopenia is associated with a poor prognosis when compared to patients without sarcopenia in cancer patients. Recently, edible insects, such as mealworms, have been recognized as having a high protein content. In this study, we will evaluate the effect of nutritional status and immune function change based on a patient's ingestion of mealworms after hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery.

Methods/design

This is a prospective, two-armed, phase III study investigating the effect of mealworm improving nutrition and immune status in patients after hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery. In the trial group, the patients will be provided with mealworms for 2 months after surgery. In the control group, patients will be provided with grain powder for 2 months after surgery. The target for accrual is 168 patients. We divided in to three groups according to the type of surgery.

Discussion

The primary endpoint is to evaluate body cell mass index 2 months postoperatively. Secondary endpoints include other body composition changes as well as nutrition index and immune function change. We expect that ingestion of mealworms can effectively improve the nutritional status and enhance the immune function. Mealworm can be used effectively for nutritional management of patients after surgery.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03201926 Registered June 28, 2017, retrospectively registered.

Relationship between Nutrition Intake and 28-Day Mortality Using Modified NUTRIC Score in Patients with Sepsis

In critically ill patients, malnutrition is known to increase morbidity and mortality. We investigated the relationship between nutritional support and 28-day mortality using the modified NUTrition RIsk in the Critically ill (NUTRIC) score in patients with sepsis. This retrospective cohort study included patients with sepsis admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2011 and June 2017. Nutritional support for energy and protein intakes at day 7 of ICU admission were categorized into <20, 20 to <25, and ≥25 kcal/kg and <1.0, 1.0 to <1.2, and ≥1.2 g/kg, respectively. NUTRIC scores ≥4 were considered to indicate high nutritional risk. Among patients with low nutritional risk, higher intakes of energy (≥25 kcal/kg) and protein (≥1.2 g/kg) were not significantly associated with lower 28-day mortality. In patients with high nutritional risk, higher energy intakes of ≥25 kcal/kg were significantly associated with lower 28-day mortality compared to intakes of <20 kcal/kg (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.569, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.339-0.962, p = 0.035). Higher protein intakes of ≥1.2 g/kg were also significantly associated with lower 28-day mortality compared to intakes of <1.0 g/kg (aHR: 0.502, 95% CI: 0.280-0.900, p = 0.021). Appropriate energy (≥25 kcal/kg) and protein (≥1.2 g/kg) intakes during the first week may improve outcomes in patients with sepsis having high nutritional risk.

Autophagy: should it play a role in ICU management?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review is to discuss the role of autophagy in the critically ill patient population. As the understanding of autophagy continues to expand and evolve, there are certain controversies surrounding whether intensivist should allow the benefit of autophagy to supersede gold standard of insulin therapy or early nutritional support.

RECENT FINDINGS

The review is relevant as the current literature seems to support under-feeding patients, and perhaps the reason these studies were positive could be prescribed to the mechanisms of autophagy. It is well understood that autophagy is a physiologic response to stress and starvation, and that the inducible form could help patients with end-organ dysfunction return to homeostasis.

SUMMARY

The jury is still out as to how autophagy will play into clinical practice as we review several gold standard therapies for the critically ill.

Citrulline and muscle protein homeostasis in three different models of hypercatabolism

Supplementation of enteral nutrition (EN) by specific amino acids (AAs) has been proposed to prevent muscle protein loss in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Citrulline (Cit), which has been shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis in other situations, may be of interest in this setting. Our aim was to assess the effect of Cit in three catabolic models relevant to critical illness: endotoxemia (LPS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and TBI with infectious complications (TBI-Ec), which are characterized by different alterations in protein homeostasis. Fifty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-220 g) were randomized to receive a standard diet ad libitum (CON, n = 9) or to undergo catabolic injuries on day 0 (D0, n = 49), and EN (Sondalis HP energy® 290 kcal/kg/d) from day 1 (D1) combined with Cit (2 g/kg/d) or isonitrogenous non-essential AAs (NEAAs) until day 3 (D3). Endotoxemia was induced by IP injection of LPS from E. coli (3 mg/kg), TBI by hydraulic percussion, and infectious complications (TBI-Ec) by administration of luminescent E. coli on D1. Nitrogen balance (ΔN) and 3-methylhistidine (3-MHis) were measured daily. Muscle protein synthesis (MPS, measured by the SUnSET method) and mTORC1 activation (S6K-1 and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation) were measured on D3 2 h after the arrest of enteral nutrition in soleus, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), gastrocnemius and tibialis muscles. ΔN was lower (p < 0.001) in all three models of injury compared with basal and CON from D1 to D3, and more negative in the LPS-CIT (p < 0.05) than in the LPS group. The 3-MHis/creatinine ratio was significantly increased on D1 in all groups compared with CON, and on D2 only in the LPS and TBI groups (p < 0.0001, LPS and TBI vs. CON). MPS was similar in all groups in soleus and tibialis but significantly higher in EDL in LPS-CIT [LPS-CIT: 4.5 ± 1.7 (mean ± SD) vs. CON: 2.3 ± 1.2; and vs. LPS-NEAA: 3.1 ± 2.3] and in gastrocnemius (LPS-CIT vs. CON; p = 0.05). S6K-1 phosphorylation in the EDL was also higher in LPS-CIT vs. CON (LPS-CIT: 0.94 ± 0.51 CON: 0.42 ± 0.28), but not in gastrocnemius. IL-6 plasma level was significantly higher in all the catabolic groups vs. CON (p < 0.005) with no difference between treatments (Cit or NEAAs). In conclusion, the TBI model showed only a rise in muscle proteolysis, whereas the LPS model displayed a rise in both protein synthesis and proteolysis. Secondly, our results show that the Cit effect varies according to the type of injury and to the muscle under study. The stimulation of MPS rate and the mTOR pathway in LPS-treated rats contrasts with degraded ΔN, suggesting that the Cit effect on protein metabolism in critically ill rats is limited at the whole-body level.

Safety and efficacy of volume-based feeding in critically ill, mechanically ventilated adults using the 'Protein & Energy Requirements Fed for Every Critically ill patient every Time' (PERFECT) protocol: a before-and-after study

BACKGROUND

Underfeeding in critical illness is common and associated with poor outcomes. According to large prospective hospital studies, volume-based feeding (VBF) safely and effectively improves energy and protein delivery to critically ill patients compared to traditional rate-based feeding (RBF) and might improve patient outcomes. A before-and-after study was designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes associated with VBF compared to RBF in a single intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

The sample included consecutively admitted critically ill adults, mechanically ventilated for at least 72 h and fed enterally for a minimum of 48 h. The first cohort (n = 46) was fed using RBF, the second (n = 46) using VBF, and observed for 7 days, or until extubation or death. Statistical comparison of percentage feed volume, energy and protein delivered, plus indices of feed intolerance, were the primary outcomes of interest. Secondary observations included ventilation period, mortality, and length of ICU stay (LOICUS).

RESULTS

Groups were comparable in baseline clinical and demographic characteristics and nutrition practices. Volume delivered to the VBF group increased significantly by 11.2% (p ≤ 0.001), energy by 13.4% (p ≤ 0.001) and protein by 8.4% (p = 0.02), compared to the RBF group. In the VBF group, patients meeting > 90% of energy requirements increased significantly from 47.8 to 84.8% (p ≤ 0.001); those meeting > 90% of protein requirements changed from 56.5 to 73.9% (p = 0.134). VBF did not increase symptoms of feed intolerance. Adjusted binomial logistic regression found each additional 1% of prescribed feed delivered decreased the odds of vomiting by 0.942 (5.8%), 95% CI [0.900-0.985], p = 0.010. No differences in mortality or LOICUS were identified. Kaplan-Meier found a significantly increased extubation rate in patients receiving > 90% of protein requirements compared to those meeting < 80%, (p = 0.006). Adjusted Cox regression found the daily probability of being extubated tripled in patients receiving > 90% of their protein needs compared to the group receiving < 80%, hazard ratio 3.473, p = 0.021, 95% CI [1.205-10.014].

CONCLUSION

VBF safely and effectively increased the delivery of energy and protein to critically ill patients. Increased protein delivery may improve extubation rate which has positive patient-centred and financial implications, warranting larger confirmatory trials. This investigation adds weight to the ICU literature supporting VBF, and the growing evidence which advocates for enhanced protein delivery to improve patient outcomes.

Reduced Plasma Amino Acid Levels During Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Are Associated with Systemic Inflammation and Treatment-Related Complications

Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are challenged by cytotoxic effects of the conditioning regimen, resulting in tissue damage, systemic inflammation, and increased metabolic demands for amino acids to regenerate damaged tissues, reconstitute hematopoietic cells, and establish antioxidant defenses. To date, few studies have addressed the role of plasma amino acid (PAA) levels during transplantation, and it remains unknown if amino acid deficiency can aggravate treatment-related morbidity. We determined plasma levels of the 23 human amino acids in 80 HSCT recipients (age 1.1 to 55.4 years) before conditioning and on days +7 and +21 post-transplant along with C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels on day +7. Significant changes were observed in plasma concentrations of several human amino acids during HSCT. On day +7, numerous amino acids were inversely correlated with both CRP and IL-6, including glutamic acid, serine, alanine, glutamine, arginine, cysteine, glycine, histidine, lysine, tryptophan, threonine, taurine, proline, and methionine (r = -.22 to -.66; all P < .05). Patients who developed sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) had significantly lower mean total PAA levels compared with patients without SOS (2013 ng/L [95% confidence interval (CI), 1709 to 2318 ng/L] versus 2706 ng/L [95% CI, 2261 to 3150 ng/L]; P = .006), along with lower individual levels of glutamic acid, serine, arginine, glycine, lysine, valine, tryptophan, threonine, and proline on day +7 (all P < .05). Patients with severe acute graft-versus-host disease had a lower mean total PAA level (1922 ng/L [95% CI, 1738 to 2106 ng/L] versus 2649 ng/L [95% CI, 2244 to 3055 ng/L]; P = .014) and lower levels of serine, glutamine, cysteine, glycine, lysine, and threonine on day +7 (all P < .05). These results indicate a relationship between low concentrations of certain amino acids and the risk of treatment-related complications.

Sarcopenic obesity in the ICU

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sarcopenic obese in older ICU patients may have a higher risk of poor recovery during and after ICU stay, which may lead to longer hospital stay and poor quality of life. In this review, causes, consequences, and nutrition strategies to combat sarcopenic obesity in the ICU are discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Physical inactivity, inflammation, anabolic resistance, as well as disturbances in hormone levels are, important causes for the strongly accelerated decline in muscle mass and muscle strength in ICU patients. These causes may lead to changes in amino acid metabolism and anabolic resistance. Obese individuals show specific muscle characteristics (e.g. adipose infiltration, lower capillary density) which are associated with impaired functionality. Specific energy and protein intake recommendations are needed to attenuate sarcopenic obesity in ICU patients.

SUMMARY

Nutrient utilization in sarcopenic obese ICU patients is a complex challenge as many metabolic factors and clinical situations may impact the efficacy of nutritional interventions. Nutritional strategies should consist of high-protein and hypocaloric feeding along with nonprotein sources such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, or physical activity. There is a great need, however, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) combining various nutritional strategies with physical activity in sarcopenic obese ICU patients.

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on nutrition in chronic liver disease

A frequent complication in liver cirrhosis is malnutrition, which is associated with the progression of liver failure, and with a higher rate of complications including infections, hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. In recent years, the rising prevalence of obesity has led to an increase in the number of cirrhosis cases related to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Malnutrition, obesity and sarcopenic obesity may worsen the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis and lower their survival. Nutritional monitoring and intervention is therefore crucial in chronic liver disease. These Clinical Practice Guidelines review the present knowledge in the field of nutrition in chronic liver disease and promote further research on this topic. Screening, assessment and principles of nutritional management are examined, with recommendations provided in specific settings such as hepatic encephalopathy, cirrhotic patients with bone disease, patients undergoing liver surgery or transplantation and critically ill cirrhotic patients.

Modification of Nutrition Therapy During Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients: A Narrative Review and Recommendations

Introduction

Nutrition is an important part of treatment in critically ill children. Clinical guidelines for nutrition adaptations during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are lacking. We collected and evaluated current knowledge on this topic and provide recommendations.

Methods

Questions were produced to guide the literature search in the PubMed database.

Results

Evidence is scarce and extrapolation from adult data was often required. CRRT has a direct and substantial impact on metabolism. Indirect calorimetry is the preferred method to assess resting energy expenditure (REE). Moderate underestimation of REE is common but not clinically relevant. Formula‐based calculation of REE is inaccurate and not validated in critically ill children on CRRT. The nutrition impact of nonintentional calories delivered as citrate, lactate, and glucose during CRRT must be considered. Quantifying nitrogen balance is not feasible during CRRT. Protein delivery should be increased by 25% to compensate for losses in the effluent. Fats are not removed by CRRT and should not be adapted during CRRT. Electrolyte disturbances are frequently present and should be treated accordingly. Vitamins B1, B6, B9, and C are lost in the effluent and should be adapted to the effluent dose. Trace elements, with the exception of selenium, are not cleared in relevant quantities. Manganese accumulation is of concern because of potential neurotoxicity.

Conclusion

Current recommendations regarding nutrition support in pediatric CRRT must be extrapolated from adult studies. Recommendations are provided, based on the weak level of evidence. Additional research on this topic is warranted.

Improving the nutritional intake of hospital patients: how far have we come? A re-audit

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition affects up to 33.6% of hospitalised patients, with consequences that are detrimental for both patients and healthcare providers. In 2015, an audit demonstrated inadequate nutritional provision and consumption by hospitalised patients, comprising a major risk factor for malnutrition. This re-audit evaluates whether patients are meeting recommended energy and protein standards and estimated individual requirements, subsequent to food service improvements since 2015.

METHODS

Patients (n = 111) were included from a South West hospital, and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool scores (MUST) categorised patients as 'nutritionally well' (MUST 0) or 'nutritionally vulnerable' (MUST ≥ 1). Individual energy and protein requirements were estimated using weight-based equations. Nutritional intakes were assessed via 24-h dietary recall and compared against the British Dietetic Association's Nutrition and Hydration Digest standards, as well as estimated individual requirements.

RESULTS

In total, the Digest standards for energy and protein were met by 35% and 63% of patients respectively, which is an increase of 19% and 36% since 2015. 'Nutritionally well' patients were more likely to meet nutrient standards for protein (62%) than estimated individual requirements (30%) (P ≤ 0.001). 'Nutritionally vulnerable' patients were more likely to meet estimated individual requirements for energy (60%) than the Digest standards (30%) (P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of patients meeting the Digest standards has increased considerably following numerous food service changes. Nutritional training for housekeepers, energy/protein-dense snacks and drinks, and fortified dietary items may further increase nutritional intakes. Additionally, as a result of discrepancies between the Digest standards and individual estimated requirements, more research is required to identify the most appropriate auditing standards that reflect best practice.

Effects of 3-hydroxybutyrate and free fatty acids on muscle protein kinetics and signaling during LPS-induced inflammation in humans: anticatabolic impact of ketone bodies

Background

Acute inflammation, and subsequent release of bacterial products (e.g. LPS), inflammatory cytokines, and stress hormones, is catabolic, and the loss of lean body mass predicts morbidity and mortality. Lipid intermediates may reduce protein loss, but the roles of free fatty acids (FFAs) and ketone bodies during acute inflammation are unclear.

Objective

We aimed to test whether infusions of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3OHB), FFAs, and saline reduce protein catabolism during exposure to LPS and Acipimox (to restrict and control endogenous lipolysis).

Design

A total of 10 healthy male subjects were randomly tested 3 times, with: 1) LPS, Acipimox (Olbetam) and saline, 2) LPS, Acipimox, and nonesterified fatty acids (Intralipid), and 3) LPS, Acipimox, and 3OHB, during a 5-h basal period and a 2-h hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp. Labeled phenylalanine, tyrosine, and urea tracers were used to estimate protein kinetics, and muscle biopsies were taken for Western blot analysis of protein metabolic signaling.

Results

3OHB infusion increased 3OHB concentrations (P < 0.0005) to 3.5 mM and decreased whole-body phenylalanine-to-tyrosine degradation. Basal and insulin-stimulated net forearm phenylalanine release decreased by >70% (P < 0.005), with both appearance and phenylalanine disappearance being profoundly decreased. Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α at Ser51 was increased in skeletal muscle, and S6 kinase phosphorylation at Ser235/236 tended (P = 0.074) to be decreased with 3OHB infusion (suggesting inhibition of protein synthesis), whereas no detectable effects were seen on markers of protein breakdown. Lipid infusion did not affect phenylalanine kinetics, and insulin sensitivity was unaffected by interventions.

Conclusion

During acute inflammation, 3OHB has potent anticatabolic actions in muscle and at the whole-body level; in muscle, reduction of protein breakdown overrides inhibition of synthesis. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01752348.

Prescribed hypocaloric nutrition support for critically-ill adults

BACKGROUND

There are controversies about the amount of calories and the type of nutritional support that should be given to critically-ill people. Several authors advocate the potential benefits of hypocaloric nutrition support, but the evidence is inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of prescribed hypocaloric nutrition support in comparison with standard nutrition support for critically-ill adults SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS (from inception to 20 June 2017) with a specific strategy for each database. We also assessed three websites, conference proceedings and reference lists, and contacted leaders in the field and the pharmaceutical industry for undetected/unpublished studies. There was no restriction by date, language or publication status.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing hypocaloric nutrition support to normo- or hypercaloric nutrition support or no nutrition support (e.g. fasting) in adults hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We meta-analysed data for comparisons in which clinical heterogeneity was low. We conducted prespecified subgroup and sensitivity analyses, and post hoc analyses, including meta-regression. Our primary outcomes were: mortality (death occurred during the ICU and hospital stay, or 28- to 30-day all-cause mortality); length of stay (days stayed in the ICU and in the hospital); and Infectious complications. Secondary outcomes included: length of mechanical ventilation. We assessed the quality of evidence with GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 15 trials, with a total of 3129 ICU participants from university-associated hospitals in the USA, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Greece, Germany and Iran. There are two ongoing studies. Participants suffered from medical and surgical conditions, with a variety of inclusion criteria. Four studies used parenteral nutrition and nine studies used only enteral nutrition; it was unclear whether the remaining two used parenteral nutrition. Most of them could not achieve the proposed caloric targets, resulting in small differences in the administered calories between intervention and control groups. Most studies were funded by the US government or non-governmental associations, but three studies received funding from industry. Five studies did not specify their funding sources.The included studies suffered from important clinical and statistical heterogeneity. This heterogeneity did not allow us to report pooled estimates of the primary and secondary outcomes, so we have described them narratively.When comparing hypocaloric nutrition support with a control nutrition support, for hospital mortality (9 studies, 1775 participants), the risk ratios ranged from 0.23 to 5.54; for ICU mortality (4 studies, 1291 participants) the risk ratios ranged from 0.81 to 5.54, and for mortality at 30 days (7 studies, 2611 participants) the risk ratios ranged from 0.79 to 3.00. Most of these estimates included the null value. The quality of the evidence was very low due to unclear or high risk of bias, inconsistency and imprecision.Participants who received hypocaloric nutrition support compared to control nutrition support had a range of mean hospital lengths of stay of 15.70 days lower to 10.70 days higher (10 studies, 1677 participants), a range of mean ICU lengths of stay 11.00 days lower to 5.40 days higher (11 studies, 2942 participants) and a range of mean lengths of mechanical ventilation of 13.20 days lower to 8.36 days higher (12 studies, 3000 participants). The quality of the evidence for this outcome was very low due to unclear or high risk of bias in most studies, inconsistency and imprecision.The risk ratios for infectious complications (10 studies, 2804 participants) of each individual study ranged from 0.54 to 2.54. The quality of the evidence for this outcome was very low due to unclear or high risk of bias, inconsistency and imprecisionWe were not able to explain the causes of the observed heterogeneity using subgroup and sensitivity analyses or meta-regression.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The included studies had substantial clinical heterogeneity. We found very low-quality evidence about the effects of prescribed hypocaloric nutrition support on mortality in hospital, in the ICU and at 30 days, as well as in length of hospital and ICU stay, infectious complications and the length of mechanical ventilation. For these outcomes there is uncertainty about the effects of prescribed hypocaloric nutrition, since the range of estimates includes both appreciable benefits and harms.Given these limitations, results must be interpreted with caution in the clinical field, considering the unclear balance of the risks and harms of this intervention. Future research addressing the clinical heterogeneity of participants and interventions, study limitations and sample size could clarify the effects of this intervention.

Protein delivery in critical illness

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Protein delivery in the critically ill still is a highly debated issue. Here, we discuss only the most recent updates in the literature concerning protein nutrition of the critically ill.

RECENT FINDINGS

Up to now, there are no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published on enteral provision of protein that were randomized for protein level of intake. In the past year, there have been two new observational studies published, one of which in critically ill children. Also, two randomized controlled trials with high parenteral amino acid provision have been published. The overall view on nutrition support has not been changed convincingly by these studies. Recent findings have confirmed that protein and amino acid provision are highly important for outcome in critically ill patients. For the first time, a randomized study confirmed this, however, only on the short term. The other RCT confirmed that an extreme dosing of amino acids is not related to improvement in outcome. One observational study showed that the effect of protein on outcome should be adjusted for energy intake and vice versa, showing that adequate protein is related to improved outcome and adequate energy provision is not. The other observational study confirmed importance of protein in paediatric ICU but also gained some insight into improvement of protein delivery by postpyloric feeding and usefulness of a dedicated dietitian in the ICU.

SUMMARY

We will continue to improve protein delivery to critically ill patients; however, the quest for evidence and feeding guidelines still remains.

Protein in the Hospital: Gaining Perspective and Moving Forward

Provision of adequate protein is crucial for optimizing outcomes in hospitalized patients. However, the methodologies upon which current recommendations are based have limitations, and little is known about true requirements in any clinical population. In this tutorial, we aim to give clinicians an understanding of how current protein recommendations were developed, an appreciation for the limitations of these recommendations, and an overview of more sophisticated approaches that can be applied to better define protein requirements. A broader perspective of the challenges and opportunities in determining clinical protein requirements can help clinicians think critically about the individualized nutrition care they provide to their patients with the goal of administering adequate protein to optimize outcomes.

Chronic Critical Illness: Application of What We Know

Over the last decade, chronic critical illness (CCI) has emerged as an epidemic in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors worldwide. Advances in ICU technology and implementation of evidence-based care bundles have significantly decreased early deaths and have allowed patients to survive previously lethal multiple organ failure (MOF). Many MOF survivors, however, experience a persistent dysregulated immune response that is causing an increasingly predominant clinical phenotype called the persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism syndrome (PICS). The elderly are especially vulnerable; thus, as the population ages the prevalence of this CCI/PICS clinical trajectory will undoubtedly grow. Unfortunately, there are no proven therapies to prevent PICS, and multimodality interventions will be required. The purpose of this review is to: (1) discuss CCI as it relates to PICS, (2) identify the burden on healthcare and poor outcomes of these patients, and (3) describe possible nutrition interventions for the CCI/PICS phenotype.

Factors contributing to the selection of dietary protein food sources

Protein is the only dietary macronutrient required for life. As such, it is reasonable to consider dietary protein as the centerpiece of a healthy eating pattern. To do so requires consideration of what type of protein should be eaten. Account should be taken of the quality of the protein, the density of the protein in the protein food source, and the non-protein components of protein food source. The quality of protein can be quantified based on the amount and profile of essential amino acids (EAAs), as well as the true ileal digestibility of the EAAs in the protein. The density of protein in a food source can be quantified on the basis of the amount of total calories ingested to achieve intake of the daily requirement of all EAAs. Non-protein components of protein food sources can be considered in terms of the amount and nature of fat, carbohydrate and fiber, as well as the content of micronutrients. Potential beneficial effects of high-quality protein food sources should be balanced against any possible adverse effects. When all of these factors are considered we conclude that animal-based protein foods (e.g., eggs, dairy, meat, fish, poultry) occupy an important place in a healthy eating pattern.

A supplemental intravenous amino acid infusion sustains a positive protein balance for 24 hours in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND

Providing supplemental amino acids to ICU patients during a 3-h period results in improved whole-body net protein balance, without an increase in amino acid oxidation. The primary objective was to investigate if a 24-h intravenous amino acid infusion in critically ill patients has a sustained effect on whole-body protein balance as was seen after 3 h. Secondary objectives were monitoring of amino acid oxidation rate, urea and free amino acid plasma concentrations.

METHODS

An infusion of [1-¹³C]-phenylalanine was added to ongoing enteral nutrition to quantify the enteral uptake of amino acids. Primed intravenous infusions of [ring-²H₅]-phenylalanine and [3,3-²H₂]-tyrosine were used to assess whole-body protein synthesis and breakdown, to calculate net protein balance and to assess amino acid oxidation at baseline and at 3 and 24 hours. An intravenous amino acid infusion was added to nutrition at a rate of 1 g/kg/day and continued for 24 h.

RESULTS

Eight patients were studied. The amino acid infusion resulted in improved net protein balance over time, from -1.6 ± 7.9 μmol phe/kg/h at 0 h to 6.0 ± 8.8 at 3 h and 7.5 ± 5.1 at 24 h (p = 0.0016). The sum of free amino acids in plasma increased from 3.1 ± 0.6 mmol/L at 0 h to 3.2 ± 0.3 at 3 h and 3.6 ± 0.5 at 24 h (p = 0.038). Amino acid oxidation and plasma urea were not altered significantly.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that the improvement in whole-body net protein balance from a supplemental intravenous amino acid infusion seen after 3 h was sustained after 24 h in critically ill patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was prospectively registered at Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. ACTRN, 12615001314516 . Registered on 1 December 2015.

Amino acid supplements in critically ill patients

Observational studies have associated a low amino acid intake with adverse outcome of critical illness. Although this finding could theoretically be explained by differences in feeding tolerance related to illness severity, guidelines have recommended to administer sufficient amounts of amino acids from early onwards in the disease course. Recently, however, several high quality randomized controlled trials have not shown benefit by early amino acid supplementation and some trials even found potential harm, thus questioning this recommendation. These negative results could be related to amino acid-induced suppression of autophagy, to the inability to suppress bulk catabolism by exogenous amino acids, or to the administration of an amino acid mixture with an inappropriate composition. Currently, there is no evidence supporting administration of individual amino acid supplements during critical illness and glutamine administration may be harmful. The optimal timing, dose and composition of the amino acid mixture for critically ill patients remain unclear.

Permissive Underfeeding or Standard Enteral Feeding in High- and Low-Nutritional-Risk Critically Ill Adults. Post Hoc Analysis of the PermiT Trial

RATIONALE

The optimal nutritional strategy for critically ill adults at high nutritional risk is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effect of permissive underfeeding with full protein intake compared with standard feeding on 90-day mortality in patients with different baseline nutritional risk.

METHODS

This is a post hoc analysis of the PermiT (Permissive Underfeeding versus Target Enteral Feeding in Adult Critically Ill Patients) trial.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Nutritional risk was categorized by the modified Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill score, with high nutritional risk defined as a score of 5-9 and low nutritional risk as a score of 0-4. Additional analyses were performed by categorizing patients by body mass index, prealbumin, transferrin, phosphate, urinary urea nitrogen, and nitrogen balance. Based on the Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill score, 378 of 894 (42.3%) patients were categorized as high nutritional risk and 516 of 894 (57.7%) as low nutritional risk. There was no association between feeding strategy and mortality in the two categories; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56-1.27) for high nutritional risk and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.64-1.61) for low nutritional risk (interaction P = 0.53). Findings were similar in analyses using other definitions, with the exception of prealbumin. The association of permissive underfeeding versus standard feeding and 90-day mortality differed when patients were categorized by baseline prealbumin level (≤0.10 g/L: aOR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.31-1.05]; >0.10 and ≤0.15 g/L: aOR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.42-1.48]; >0.15 g/L: aOR, 1.55 [95% CI, 0.80, 3.01]; interaction P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with high and low nutritional risk, permissive underfeeding with full protein intake was associated with similar outcomes as standard feeding.

Propofol sedation substantially increases the caloric and lipid intake in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE

The amount of lipid delivered to patients varies considerably depending on the non-nutritional intake from sedation, and on the feeding solution. The aim of this study was to quantify the magnitude and proportion of lipids and energy provided from propofol sedation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in consecutive patients admitted to the ICUs of two university hospitals. Inclusion criterion included an ICU stay >5 d. Data were collected for a maximum of 10 d. Propofol sedation using 1% or 2% propofol solutions was defined as >100 mg/d. Nutritional management was per protocol in both centers, recommending enteral feeding. Data are shown as means ± standard deviation.

RESULTS

In all, 701 admissions (687 patients, ages 59 ± 16 y, SAPS II 51 ± 17) and 6485 d, including 3484 propofol sedation days were analyzed. Energy targets were 1987 ± 411 kcal/d; mean energy delivery was 1362 ± 811 kcal/d (70% ± 38% of prescription) including propofol and dextrose. Enteral feeding dominated (75% of days) and progressed similarly in both ICUs. Mean propofol sedation dose was 2045 ± 1650 mg/d, resulting in 146 ± 117 kcal/d. Fat from propofol constituted 17% of total energy (up to 100% during the first days). Fat delivery (40 ± 23 g/d: maximum 310 g/d) was significantly increased by the combination of propofol sedation, the 1% solution, and high-fat-containing feeds. In survivors, high-fat proportion was associated with prolonged ventilation time (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Propofol sedation resulted in large doses of lipids being delivered to patients, some receiving pure lipids during the first days. As the metabolic effects of high proportions of fat are unknown, further research is warranted.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Considerations When Using Predictive Equations to Estimate Energy Needs Among Older, Hospitalized Patients: A Narrative Review

The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the accuracy of predictive equations used to estimate energy expenditure in older, hospitalized adults. More than 50% of patients admitted to intensive care units are older adults. Currently accepted prediction equations used to determine energy intake in the older, hospitalized patient were not specifically developed for the aging population. Rates of multimorbidity, polypharmacy and malnutrition, conditions that influence energy expenditure, are higher in older adults compared to younger adults. For these reasons, current equations may not accurately assess energy needs in this population. As the evidence demonstrating the importance of nutritional supplementation in older, hospitalized adults grows, more accurate energy assessment methods that account for age-related conditions are needed to predict nutritional requirements.