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Contents Introduction Immunonutrition in septic patients: A Effect of an enteral diet philosophical view of the current situation supplemented with a specific blend of amino acid on plasma and muscle protein synthesis in ICU patients Clinical and biochemical outcomes after a randomized trial with a high dose of enteral arginine formula in Cancer wasting and quality of postsurgical head and neck cancer patients life react to early individualized nutritional counselling! P Ravasco, I M Grillo and M Camilo Optimizing the dose of glutamine Nutritional advice and treatment dipeptides and antioxidants in critically by dietitians to patients with ill patients: A phase I dose-finding study amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease: a survey of current practice in England, Wales, Enteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Northern Ireland and Canada Children: Are Prescription and Delivery According to Their Energy Requirements? S Brasil de Oliveira Iglesias et al. Energy requirements in frail elderly people: A review of the literature Nasojejunal tube placement in paediatric intensive care A McDermott, N Tomkins and G Lazonby Response of albumin synthesis to oral nutrients in young and elderly subjects Synbiotics, Prebiotics, Glutamine, or Peptide in Early Enteral Nutrition: A Randomized Study in Trauma Patients Is serum albumin a good marker for malnutrition in the physically impaired elderly? Development of the Infant Intestine: Implications for Nutrition Support C E Commare and K A Tappenden Failure to thrive: the prevalence and concurrence of anthropometric criteria Testing nasogastric tube positioning in a general infant population in the critically ill: Exploring the evidence Nutritional status, perceived body image and eating behaviours in adults Enteral Nutrition Support of Head with cystic fibrosis and Neck Cancer Patients Update on Enteral Nutrition Support Early versus late enteral nutritional for Cystic Fibrosis support in adults with burn injury: a systematic review J Wasiak, H Cleland, and R Jeffery Effect of exclusive enteral nutritional treatment on plasma Comparison of nutritional and antioxidant concentrations in inflammatory markers in dialysis childhood Crohn’s disease patients with reduced appetite Nutrition Issues in Pediatric Effect of nutritional support Crohn’s Disease on glucose control Prevalence of home artificial nutrition in Italy in 2005: A survey Reference List by the Italian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SINPE) L Pironi et al.
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Introduction
Welcome to Fresenius Kabi’s Quarterly Abstract Bulletinfor enteral nutrition. We have reviewed the followingjournals over the past three months, and selected anynutrition support related articles:
• American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
• Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
• Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
• Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
• European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
We do recommend that the original article is used for thefull details and results. Please note that due to copyright law our ability to copy and distribute clinical papers is restricted. This publication and previous editions are also available online at www.fresenius-kabi.co.uk under the nutrition service section.
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quarterly abstract bulletin 5 Effect of an enteral diet supplemented with a specific blend of amino acid on plasma and muscle protein synthesis in ICU patients
O Mansoor, D Breuillé, F Béchereau, C Buffière, C Pouyet, B Beaufrère,J Vuichoud, M Van’t-Of and C Obled
Clinical Nutrition (2007) 26(1): 30-40 Abstract Background & aim: Polytrauma patients are characterized
day 3 to Df. Results: The contribution of total plasma
by a negative nitrogen balance and muscle wasting.
proteins to whole body protein synthesis was greatly
Standard nutrition is relatively inefficient to improve muscle
increased, from 11% in healthy volunteers to about 25% in
protein turnover. The aim of this study was to investigate
polytrauma patients. AA supplementation had no effect on
the effect of enteral nutrition (EN) supplemented with
nitrogen balance, leucine kinetics or plasma protein
specific amino acids on protein metabolism in polytrauma
synthesis in patients. In contrast, the urinary excretion of
patients. Methods: In a double blind study, 12 polytrauma
3-methyl histidine tended to decrease along the study in
patients were randomized to receive EN supplemented with
the AA supplemented group compared to an increase in
either a mixture of cysteine, threonine, serine and aspartate
the Ala group. Muscle protein synthesis tended to be
(AA patients) or alanine at isonitrogenous levels (Ala
higher in the AA group than in the Ala group (46%,
patients). An intravenous infusion of l-[1-13C]-leucine was
P=0.065). Conclusion: During injury, an increased supply
performed in the fed state between day 9 and 12 post-
of cysteine, threonine, serine and aspartate could be able to
injury (Df) in patients and in a group of healthy volunteers
better cover the specific amino requirements, thus resulting
(n=8) (EN+Ala) to measure whole body leucine kinetics,
in improved muscle protein synthesis without impairment
plasma and muscle protein synthesis rates. Nitrogen
balance, 3-methyl histidine excretion were measured from
Cancer wasting and quality of life react to early individualized nutritional counselling!
Clinical Nutrition (2007) 26(1): 7-15 Abstract To devise a meaningful nutritional therapy in cancer, a
prospective randomized controlled trial in head and neck
greater understanding of nutritional dimensions as well as
cancer patients stratified by stage undergoing
patients’ expectations and disease impact is essential. We
radiotherapy. Pre-defined outcomes were: nutritional
have shown that nutritional deterioration in patients with
status and intake, morbidity and QoL, at the end and 3
gastrointestinal and head and neck cancer was
months after radiotherapy. Nutritional interventions, only
multifactorial and mainly determined by the tumour
given during radiotherapy, consisted of three
burden and location. In a larger cohort, stage and location
randomization arms: (1) individualized nutritional
were yet again the major determinants of patients’ quality
counselling vs. (2) ad libitum diet+high protein
of life (QoL), despite the fact that nutritional deterioration
supplements vs. (3) ad libitum diet. Nutritional
combined with intake deficits were functionally more
interventions 1 and 2 positively influenced outcomes
relevant than cancer stage. Based on this framework, the
during radiotherapy; however, 3 months after its
potential role of integrated oral nutritional support on
completion individualized nutritional counselling was the
outcomes was investigated. In a pilot study using
single method capable of sustaining a significant impact
individualized nutritional counselling on a heterogeneous
on patients’ outcomes. The early provision of the
patient population, the achieved improvement of
appropriate mixture of foods and textures using regular
nutritional intake was proportional to a better QoL. The
foods may modulate outcomes in cancer patients.
role of early nutritional support was further analysed in a
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Nutritional advice and treatment by dietitians to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease: a survey of current practice in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Canada
Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics (2007) 20(1): 3-13 Abstract Background: The management of amyotrophic lateral
reported using body weight, percentage weight loss (PWL)
sclerosis/motor neurone disease (ALS/MND) has shifted
and body mass index (BMI) to assess nutritional status.
from an attitude of nihilism to treatments that prolong
Equations used to estimate energy and protein
survival and offer hope. Nutrition is an integral component
requirements differed. Most frequent dietary advice was
of ALS/MND care requiring coordination among acute and
high calorie, texture modification and prescription
community multi-disciplinary teams (MDT). Evidence-
nutritional supplements. Artificial nutrition and hydration
based nutrition guidelines exist for this patient group but
(ANH) was discussed when patients developed dysphagia,
their use among dietitians is unknown. The aim of this
energy intake was inadequate, weight loss of 10% or
study was to survey the knowledge, practice and guideline
forced vital capacity (FVC) was reduced. A percutaneous
use of dietitians working in ALS/MND centres/clinics
endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) service was available at all
?across England, Wales, Northern Ireland (EWNI) and
clinics/centres. Conclusion:
Canada. Method: Dietetic contact details were obtained
techniques and dietary advice should be standardized.
from the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and
Dietetic collaboration at national and international level is
the ALS Society of Canada (ALSSC) websites. Telephone
recommended to reduce professional isolation. Training
interviews were conducted with 23 dietitians using a
and support in ALS/MND nutrition should be made
standardized questionnaire. Results: Multi-disciplinary
available as part of post-dietetic registration. Further
team membership was high (78%). Only 22% dietitians
dietetic research is required to stimulate nutritional care.
had >4-years experience in ALS/MND care. Dietitians
Energy requirements in frail elderly people: A review of the literature
C Gaillard, E Alix, A Sallé, G Berrut and P Ritz
Clinical Nutrition (2007) 26(1): 16-24 Abstract This review collates studies of healthy, sick, underweight
physical activity level, i.e. the ratio of total energy
(BMI<21 kg/m2) and very elderly people (>90 yr), in
expenditure to REE, is reduced during disease averaging at
whom resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured
1.36, (4) energy intake (EI) being only 1.23xREE is
using indirect calorimetry. We have observed the
insufficient to cover energy requirements in sick elderly
following: (1) REE, when adjusted for differences in both
patients, whereas the EI of healthy elderly people appears
body weight and fat-free mass (FFM), is similar in healthy
sufficient to cover requirements, and finally, (5) gender
and in sick elderly people being 20 and 28 kcal/kg of FFM
ceases to be a determinant of REE in people aged 60 yr or
per day, respectively, (2) their nutritional status influences
over, with the Harris & Benedict equation capable of
their energy requirements given that weight-adjusted REE
accurately predicting mean REE in this population,
increases in line with a decrease in BMI, (3) total energy
expenditure is lower in sick elderly people given that their
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quarterly abstract bulletin 7 Response of albumin synthesis to oral nutrients in young and elderly subjects
G Caso, J Feiner, I Mileva, L J Bryan, P Kelly, K Autio,M C Gelato and M A McNurlan
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007) 85(2): 446-451 Abstract Background: The synthesis of albumin after oral ingestion
synthesized per day), was significantly lower in elderly
of nutrients provides a means of storing amino acids, which
subjects (108 ± 7 mg · kg body wt–1 · d–1) than in young
can be made available during periods of fasting.
subjects (141 ± 7 mg · kg body wt–1 · d–1). In response to
Objective: This study was undertaken to see whether the
the complete meal, albumin synthesis was significantly
response of albumin synthesis to the oral intake of nutrients
increased in both the elderly (144 ± 7 mgkg body wt–1 · d–1)
is compromised in elderly subjects. Design: Albumin
and the young (187 ± 11 mg · kg body wt–1 · d–1) subjects.
synthesis was determined from the incorporation of 43 mg
The protein component of the meal was sufficient to
L-[2H5]phenylalanine/kg body wt. Eight elderly subjects
stimulate albumin synthesis in both the elderly (147 ± 14
(aged >60 y) and 8 young subjects (aged 21–35 y) were
mg · kg body wt–1 · d–1) and the young (182 ± 6 mg · kg
studied on 3 separate occasions: after the intake of water,
body wt–1 · d–1) subjects. Conclusions: Elderly subjects have
a liquid meal (with 15% of energy from protein, 30% of
lower rates of albumin synthesis than do young subjects
energy from fat, and 55% of energy from carbohydrate), or
during fasting, but they stimulate albumin synthesis
an isonitrogenous but not isocaloric meal containing only
proportionately in response to the oral ingestion of protein.
protein. Results: Mean (±SEM) albumin synthesis,
The intakes of additional fat and carbohydrate do not
expressed as an absolute rate (ie, the amount of albumin
Is serum albumin a good marker for malnutrition in the physically impaired elderly?
M Kuzuya, S Izawa, H Enoki, K Okada and A Iguchi
Clinical Nutrition (2007) 26(1): 84-90 Abstract Background and Aims: Although serum albumin is well
serum albumin levels correlated with various nutritional
known as a marker of nutritional status, it has remained
parameters including anthropometric measurements and
unclear whether impaired physical function affects serum
levels of serum total cholesterol as well as the SGA
albumin concentrations in older people. We examined
evaluation. However, after adjusting for age and gender,
whether hypoalbuminemia can be used as a marker of
serum albumin levels in participants with a low ADL
malnutrition in elderly subjects with various levels of
function did not correlate with nutritional parameters.
physical impairment. Methods: A total of 262 elderly
Approximately 80% participants with low ADL function
subjects without acute illness were enrolled from various
who were evaluated as being well nourished according to
geriatric settings. For the nutritional assessment, serum
SGA evaluation had serum albumin levels lower than
albumin, total cholesterol, anthropometric measurements,
35g/l. Conclusions: The utility of serum albumin and the
and subjective global assessment (SGA) were determined.
traditional cutoff (35g/l) in older people with low ADL
Physical function was evaluated by rating score of activity
function is questionable even among those without
of daily living (ADL). Results: As a whole, participants’
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Failure to thrive: the prevalence and concurrence of anthropometric criteria in a general infant population
E M Olsen, J Petersen, A M Skovgaard, B Weile, T Jørgensen and C M Wright
Archives of Disease in Childhood (2007) 92(2): 109-114 Abstract Background: Failure to thrive (FTT) in early childhood is
2–6 and 6–11 months of life. Results: 27% of infants met
associated with subsequent developmental delay and is
one or more criteria in at least one of the two age groups.
recognised to reflect relative undernutrition. Although the
The concurrence among the criteria was generally poor,
concept of FTT is widely used, no consensus exists
with most children identified by only one criterion. Positive
regarding a specific definition, and it is unclear to what
predictive values of different criteria ranged from 1% to
extent different anthropometric definitions concur.
58%. Most single criteria identified either less than half the
Objective: To compare the prevalence and concurrence of
cases of significant undernutrition (found in 3%) or
different anthropometric criteria for FTT and test the
included far too many, thus having a low positive
sensitivity and positive predictive values of these in
predictive value. Children with low weight for height
detecting children with “significant undernutrition”,
tended to be relatively tall. Conclusions: No single
defined as the combination of slow conditional weight
measurement on its own seems to be adequate for
gain and low body mass index (BMI). Methods: Seven
identifying nutritional growth delay. Further longitudinal
criteria of FTT, including low weight for age, low BMI, low
population studies are needed to investigate the
conditional weight gain and Waterlow’s criterion for
discriminating power of different criteria in detecting
wasting, were applied to a birth cohort of 6090 Danish
significant undernutrition and subsequent outcomes.
infants. The criteria were compared in two age groups:
Nutritional status, perceived body image and eating behaviours in adults with cystic fibrosis
J Abbott, A M Morton, H Musson, S P Conway, C Etherington,L Gee, J Fitzjohn and A K Webb
Clinical Nutrition (2007) 26(1): 91-99 Abstract Background & Aims: Achieving and maintaining an
self-esteem and quality of life (QoL). Results: A minority
ideal nutritional status is the primary aim of the
of CF patients reported disordered eating. Those receiving
nutritional management of cystic fibrosis (CF). It is unclear
nutritional interventions engaged in less dieting
how nutritional interventions impact on patients’
behaviour. All CF groups, especially intervention groups,
perceptions and behaviours concerning body image and
received more pressure from others to eat. For females,
eating. This work aimed to provide a psychosocial profile
control groups desired to be slimmer whereas
and compare CF patients receiving (a) enteral tube
intervention groups desired to be heavier. Healthy males
feeding, (b) nutritional supplements, (c) no nutritional
were content with their body whereas CF males wished to
interventions, and (d) healthy controls. Methods: A
be heavier. Patients receiving enteral tube feeding were
cross-sectional questionnaire design was employed. Age,
less satisfied with their body image, reported lower self-
gender, lung function, and body mass index were
esteem and poorer QoL. Conclusion: Body image and
recorded. Subjects completed measures of eating
eating behaviours are important considerations of
attitudes, perceived and desired body shape, body image,
nutritional interventions for maintaining QoL.
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quarterly abstract bulletin 9 Update on Enteral Nutrition Support for Cystic Fibrosis
Nutrition in Clinical Practice (2007) 22(2): 223-232 Abstract Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease affecting the
population) or tube feeding (used in >13% of the CF
respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and reproductive
population) is often required for children and adults with
systems. Nutrition status in persons with CF is often
CF. The purpose of this update is to describe current
compromised due to increased energy needs, frequent
consensus and evidence for enteral nutrition support
infections, pancreatic insufficiency, lung disease, or CF-
guidelines, reported complications of enteral feeding in the
related diabetes. Maintaining good nutrition status has
CF population, evidence of expected outcomes, and to
been associated with better pulmonary function, reduced
discuss related areas requiring further research. A case
hospitalizations, and increased longevity. Nutrition support
report is provided to illustrate potential outcomes of
as oral supplementation (used in >37% of the CF
Effect of exclusive enteral nutritional treatment on plasma antioxidant concentrations in childhood Crohn’s disease
A K Akobeng, K Richmond, V Miller and A G Thomas
Clinical Nutrition (2007) 26(1): 51-56 Abstract Background & Aims: Oxidative stress and depletion of
malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured at baseline and
antioxidants may play a role in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s
after 4 weeks of exclusive enteral nutritional treatment.
disease (CD). The aim of this study was to determine the
Results: Mean (95% CI) selenium concentra E {11.3 mg/l
effect of exclusive enteral nutrition, which is increasingly
(10.3, 12.4) to 9.4 mg/l (8.7, 10.1), P=0.03}. The
being used as primary therapy for CD, on plasma
concentrations of vitamin A, urates, glutathione and MDA
antioxidant concentrations in children with active CD.
did not change significantly over the study period. Methods: In a double-blind randomised controlled trial,
Glutamine supplementation did not have any significant
15 children with active CD (mean age, 11.3 years, range
effect on plasma antioxidant concentrations.
6.8–15.7) attending a paediatric gastroenterology referral
Conclusions:
centre, were assigned to receive either a standard
antioxidant concentrations occurred in children with active
polymeric diet (Group S, n=8) or a glutamine-enriched
CD receiving exclusive enteral nutritional treatment.
polymeric diet (Group G, n=7) as primary therapy for
Glutamine supplementation was not beneficial in
active CD. Plasma concentrations of selenium, urates,
improving plasma antioxidant status.
vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, and also
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Nutrition Issues in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease
Nutrition in Clinical Practice (2007) 22(2): 214-222 Abstract Twenty-five percent of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
nutrition needs of such children and how they may be best
diagnoses present in childhood, with Crohn’s disease (CD)
met. However, our understanding of the manner in which
being the most common type. Many children have poor
the disease process affects the energy demands of children
nutrition status at presentation of the disease, which may
with CD or how poor nutrition, in turn, may affect the
worsen during the clinical course, with a significant
disease course is limited. This may constrain the efficacy
number of children having impaired linear growth. The
and effectiveness of standard therapeutic approaches to
cause of this poor nutrition status is complex, and
care. This review explores the many factors of relevance in
contributing factors include inadequate intake,
the delivery of nutrition support to children with
malabsorption, altered energy demands, and losses
inflammatory bowel disease, and explores the role of
through stool, particularly in colitis. The principal aim of
exclusive enteral nutrition as a corticosteroid-sparing
medical management is to induce disease remission, with
strategy to induce remission in children with active Crohn’s
minimal side effects, thereby enabling normal growth and
development. This must include active consideration of the
Prevalence of home artificial nutrition in Italy in 2005: A survey by the Italian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SINPE)
L Pironi, M Candusso, A Biondo, A Bosco, P Castaldi, F Contaldo, E Finocchiaro,A Giannoni, S Mazzuoli, P Orlandoni, A Palozzo, C Panella, S Pastò, E Ruggeri,G Sandri, E Stella, G Toigo and the Italian Society for Parenteral andEnteral Nutrition (SINPE) Executive Committee
Clinical Nutrition (2007) 26(1): 123-132 Abstract Aim: To determine the prevalence (cases per million
prevalence 152.6 (83.9% HEN, 16.1% HPN); the HAN
inhabitants) of home artificial nutrition (HAN), enteral
range among the regions was: prevalence 28.1–519.8;
(HEN) and parenteral (HPN), in Italy, grouped according to
oncological disease 13.8–75.7%, neurological disease
administrative regions, patient age and primary disease,
15.5–79.9%, intestinal failure 1.3–14.0%. An HAN
and to analyze the impact both of the presence of an HAN
regulation was present in 11 regions. A positive
regional regulation and of demographic characteristics.
association (P=0.012) was found between the number of
Methods: In April 2005, the Regional Coordinators of the
years since the regulation was issued and the HAN
Italian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SINPE)
prevalence, and also between the % neurological patients
recorded all the ongoing cases of HAN using a structured
and the population density (P=0.130) and the
questionnaire and were asked to estimate the
% inhabitants ኑ75 years (P=0.040). Conclusions: The
representativeness of the collected sample with respect to
need for HAN regards a great number of patients
the total expected HAN. Results: A total of 6955 cases of
throughout the country; there are substantial differences
HAN (93.5% adults, 6.5% pediatric patients 18 years) were
between the regions with respect to both the prevalence
recorded in 16 of the 20 Italian regions (80% of the Italian
and the use of HAN in various disease categories. A specific
population; sample representativeness 78%). HAN
regulation may favor the development of HAN.
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quarterly abstract bulletin 11 Immunonutrition in septic patients: A philosophical view of the current situation
Clinical Nutrition (2007) 26(1): 25-29 Abstract Background & aims: Two different ways of thinking
immunonutrition in sepsis from the rationalist and the
pervaded the history of science: rationalism and
empiricist perspectives. Results: The large body of
empiricism. In theory, these two paradigms are not
evidence for positive effects of immunonutrients in
necessarily in conflict. In practice, there has always been
experimental models and the contradictory results from
tension between them. The coming of evidence-based
clinical trials make the discussion on immunonutrition in
medicine put empiricism in a privileged position, but
sepsis a typical example where the conflict between
empiricism without a rationalistic guide could even be
rationalism and empiricism hampered the advancement of
usefulness. The aim of this work is to present the tension
knowledge and the implementation of new effective
between the rational reasons to administer
therapies into clinical practice. Conclusions: Future
immunonutrients to patients with sepsis and the
research projects involving immunonutrients should be
controversial empirical evidence stemming from clinical
based on robust knowledge of basic mechanisms of action
trials. Methods:
to be properly addressed in clinical trials. Clinical and biochemical outcomes after a randomized trial with a high dose of enteral arginine formula in postsurgical head and neck cancer patients
D A de Luis, O Izaola, L Cuellar, M C Terroba, T Martin and R Aller
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007) 61(2): 200–204 Abstract Objective: Patients with head and neck cancer
significant intergroup differences in the trend of the three
undergoing surgery have a high incidence of postoperative
plasma proteins (albumin, transferrin, prealbumin) and
complications. The aim of our study was to investigate
lymphocytes were detected. Episodes of diarrhea rate were
whether postoperative nutrition of head and neck cancer
equal in both groups (22.8% group I and 21.6% group
patients, using a higher dose of arginine-enhanced diet
II: NS). The postoperative infections complications were
(17 g/day) than previous studies, could improve
equal in both groups (5.7% group I and 5.4% group
nutritional variables as well as clinical outcomes, when
II: NS). Fistula (wound complication) was less frequent in
compared with a control enteral diet. Design:
enriched nutrition group (2.8% group I and 18.9% group
Randomized clinical trial. Setting: Tertiary care. Subjects:
II: P<0.05), whereas wound infection was similar in both
A population of 72 patients with oral and laryngeal cancer
groups. The length of postoperative stay was similar in
was enrolled. Interventions: At surgery, patients were
both (27.9±21 vs 28.2±12 days; NS). Conclusions: At
randomly allocated to two groups: (a) 35 patients
this dose, arginine-enhanced formula improves fistula
receiving an arginine-enhanced formula with arginine
rates in postoperative head and neck cancer patients
(group I) and (b) 37 patients receiving an isocaloric,
isonitrogenous enteral formula (group II). Results: No
D37881 Enteral Nutrition 23/4/07 11:33 Page 10
Optimizing the dose of glutamine dipeptides and antioxidants in critically ill patients: A phase I dose-finding study
D K Heyland, MD, R Dhaliwalm, A Day, J Drover, H Cote and P Wischmeyer
Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (2007) 31(2): 109-118 Abstract Background: Supplementation with glutamine and
were change in sequential organ function assessment
antioxidants may be associated with an improvement in
(SOFA) score and safety parameters. Secondary outcomes
clinical outcomes, but the optimal dose of these substrates
included whole blood glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric
is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine
acid reactive substances (TBARS), and blood cellent
the safety of high doses of glutamine combined with
groups, the slopes straighten out and the p values are no
antioxidants in critically ill patients. Methods: We
longer significant, suggesting a greater preservation of
conducted a single-center, open-label, dose-escalating
GSH levels with escalating doses. In group 2, the slope of
clinical trial. Mechanically ventilated adult patients with
the line representing TBARS was horizontal. With
clinical evidence of hypoperfusion were sequentially
subsequent groups, the slopes decrease, and by group 5,
enrolled to 1 of 5 groups. Group 1 (n = 30): no
this decrease reaches statistical significance (p = .03),
supplementation; group 2 (n = 7): 0.35 g/kg/d of
suggesting a greater reduction in oxidative stress with the
glutamine IV; group 3 (n = 7): same as group 2 plus 15
higher doses in group 5. The difference in slopes across all
g/d of glutamine and 150 µg of selenium enterally; group
groups describing the mitochondrial RATIO is statistically
4 (n = 7): same as group 2 plus 30 g/d of glutamine and
significant (p = .001), again suggesting that, with higher
300 µg of selenium enterally; and group 5 (n = 7): same
doses, there is increased mitochondrial function.
as group 4 plus an additional 500 µg of selenium IV. After
Conclusions: The doses of glutamine and antioxidants
enrollment, nutrients were started as soon as possible. All
tested in this study seem to be safe and may have positive
patients were fed enterally according to clinical practice
effects on some mechanistic endpoints. A larger trial will
guidelines. Results: The primary outcomes for this study
be necessary to confirm their therapeutic effects.
Enteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Children: Are Prescription and Delivery According to Their Energy Requirements?
S Brasil de Oliveira Iglesias, H Pons Leite, J Fernandez Santana e Menesesand W Brunow de Carvalho
Nutrition in Clinical Practice (2007) 22(2): 233-239 Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to compare
prescribed and delivered: energy were attributable to
the differences between prescribed and delivered energy
interruptions in feeding caused by clinical instability,
among critically ill children and to identify the factors that
airway management, radiologic and surgical procedures,
impede the optimal delivery of enteral nutrition in the first
and accidental feeding tube removal. The other factors
5 days of nutrition support. Methods: In a prospective
associated with the delivery of less than required energy
cohort study, we evaluated 55 critically ill children aged 8.2
were PIM 2አ15%, gastrointestinal complications, dialysis,
± 11.4 months (0–162.3 months), who were fed for 2
and use of ʷ-adrenergic vasoactive drugs. The latter was
days through a gastric or postpyloric tube. The patients
the only variable in multivariate analysis that was
were followed from admission until day 10 of enteral
associated with not ultimately achieving energy goal.
nutrition. Prescribed and delivered energy were recorded
Conclusions: The prescription and delivery of energy were
daily and compared with each other and with the
not adequate in >50% of enteral nutrition days. The gap
estimated basal metabolic rate (BMR). The Paediatric Index
between the effective administration and energy
of Mortality 2 (PIM 2) was used to estimate illness severity.
requirements can be explained by both underprescription
Results: The ratio of delivered:required energy was <90%
and underdelivery. Administration of vasoactive drugs was
in 55.7% of the enteral nutrition days. Low prescription
the only variable independently associated with a low
was the main reason for not achieving the energy goal in
the first 5 days of enteral nutrition. Discrepancies between
D37881 Enteral Nutrition 23/4/07 11:33 Page 11
quarterly abstract bulletin 13 Nasojejunal tube placement in paediatric intensive care
Paediatric Nursing (2007) 19(2): 26-28 Abstract Nasojejunal delivery of enteral feeds is a safe and effective
there has been a reduction in the use of medication and X-
alternative to parenteral nutrition in critically ill children in
ray to place NJTs. Based on the audit data, 58 per cent of
whom intra-gastric feeding is usually poorly tolerated. A
the children would have definitely or probably commenced
guideline for bedside placement of nasojejunal tubes (NJTs)
parenteral nutrition had NJT placement and feeding been
was developed by a mulit-disciplinary group. An audit of
unsuccessful. The audit also demonstrated that 26 out of
practice was carried out following implementation of the
27 nurses and doctors reported they found the guidelines
guideline. During the audit period 27 NJTs were
easy or very easy to follow. Reducing variations in practice
successfully passed in 21 patients. The result of this
through the use of guidelines increases the frequency of
innovation has been early initiation of nasojejunal feeding
jejunal feeding. This benefits critically ill patients by
and an increase in bedside placement of NJTs within the
improving tolerance of enteral feeding for better
PICU. Paediatric radiologists have reported a reduction in
requests for NJT placement under X-ray screening and
Synbiotics, Prebiotics, Glutamine, or Peptide in Early Enteral Nutrition: A Randomized Study in Trauma Patients
A Spindler-Vesel, S Bengmark, I Vovk, O Cerovic and L Kompan
Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (2007) 31(2): 119-126 Abstract Background: Since the hepatosplanchnic region plays a
infections, including 38 pneumonia, were observed, with
central role in development of multiple-organ failure and
only 5 infections and 4 pneumonias in group D, which was
infections in critically ill trauma patients, this study focuses
significantly less than combined infections (p = .003) and
on the influence of glutamine, peptide, and synbiotics on
pneumonias (p = .03) in groups A, B, and C. Intestinal
intestinal permeability and clinical outcome. Methods:
permeability decreased only in group D, from 0.148
One hundred thirteen multiple injured patients were
(0.056–0.240) on day 4 to 0.061 (0.040–0.099) on day 7;
prospectively randomized into 4 groups: group A,
(p < .05). In group A, the lactulose-mannitol excretion
glutamine; B, fermentable fiber; C, peptide diet; and D,
ratio increased significantly (p < .02) from 0.050
standard enteral formula with fibers combined with
(0.013–0.116) on day 2 to 0.159 (0.088–0.311) on day 7.
Synbiotic 2000 (Synbiotic 2000 Forte; Medifarm, Sweden),
The total gastric retention volume in 7 days was 1150
a formula containing live lactobacilli and specific bioactive
(785–2395) mL in group D, which was significantly more
fibers. Intestinal permeability was evaluated by measuring
than the 410 (382–1062) mL in group A (p < .02), and
lactulose-mannitol excretion ratio on days 2, 4, and 7.
620 (337–1190) mL in group C (p < .03). Conclusions: Results: No differences in days of mechanical ventilation,
Patients supplemented with synbiotics did better than the
intensive care unit stay, or multiple-organ failure scores
others, with lower intestinal permeability and fewer
were found between the patient groups. A total of 51
D37881 Enteral Nutrition 23/4/07 11:33 Page 12
Development of the Infant Intestine: Implications for Nutrition Support
Nutrition in Clinical Practice (2007) 22(2): 159-173 Abstract The incidence of preterm births has continued to increase
with a particular emphasis on developmentally immature
over the past 25 years, and therefore the optimal feeding
functions of the preterm intestine and the resulting
of these infants is an important clinical concern. This
implications for nutrition therapies used to feed the
review focuses on intestinal development and physiology,
Testing nasogastric tube positioning in the critically ill: Exploring the evidence
British Journal of Nursing (2007) 16(7): 414-418 Abstract Nutritional support in the critically ill is commonly
critical ill patients whose gastric pH may well be altered
delivered via a nasogastric tube. Correct positioning in the
due to prophylactic stress ulcer medications and
stomach must first be confirmed as inadvertent feeding
continuous feeding regimens. There is a lack of quality
into the lungs carries a high risk of mortality. The National
research testing this method in the critically ill population.
Patient Safety Agency (2005) recommends the method of
The theory-practice gap is addressed, and preliminary
pH testing nasogastric tube aspirates to verify tube
research behind use of thechniques such as capnography
position. This article critically analyses the research
supporting this method, and questions its reliability in
D37881 Enteral Nutrition 23/4/07 11:33 Page 13
quarterly abstract bulletin 15 Enteral Nutrition Support of Head and Neck Cancer Patients
A Raykher, L Russo, M Schattner, L Schwartz, B Scott and M Shike
Nutrition in Clinical Practice (2007) 22(1): 68-73 Abstract Patients with head and neck cancer are at high risk for
in the home by the patient helps to prevent weight loss,
malnutrition due to dysphagia from the tumor and
dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, treatment interruptions,
treatment. Despite difficulty with oral intake, these
and hospitalizations. It also improves quality of life.
patients usually have a normal stomach and lower
Successful management of these patients requires orderly
gastrointestinal tract. Enteral nutrition support via
care and follow-up by a multidisciplinary nutrition team.
percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) administered
Early versus late enteral nutritional support in adults with burn injury: a systematic review
Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics (2007) 20(2): 75-83 Abstract Background: Burn injury increases the body’s metabolic
2006), MEDLINE (from 1950), CINHAL (from 1982) and
demands, and therefore nutritional requirements.
EMBASE (from 1980). Results: The trial evidence about
Provision of an adequate supply of nutrients is believed to
the benefit of early enteral nutritional support on
lower the incidence of metabolic abnormalities, thus
standardized clinical outcomes such as length of hospital
reducing septic morbidity, and improving survival rates.
stay and mortality remained inconclusive. Similarly, the
Enteral nutrition support is the best feeding method in a
question of whether early enteral feeding influenced or
patient who is unable to achieve an adequate oral intake,
decreased metabolic rate, reduced septic and other
but optimal timing of its introduction after burn injury (i.e.
complications remained uncertain. Conclusions:
early versus late) needs to be established. The purpose of
Promising results suggest early enteral nutrition support
this review is to examine evidence for the effectiveness and
may blunt the hypermetabolic response to thermal injury,
safety of early versus late enteral nutrition support in
but it is insufficient to provide clear guidelines for practice.
adults with burn injury. Methods: An examination of
Further research incorporating larger sample sizes and
randomized and controlled clinical trials using various
rigorous methodology that utilizes valid and reliable
medical databases such as The Cochrane Library (Issue 3,
D37881 Enteral Nutrition 23/4/07 11:33 Page 14
Comparison of nutritional and inflammatory markers in dialysis patients with reduced appetite
J J Carrero, A R Qureshi, J Axelsson, C M Avesani, M E Suliman, S Kato, P Bárány,S Snaedal-Jonsdottir, A Alvestrand, O Heimbürger, B Lindholm and P Stenvinkel
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007) 85(3): 695-701 Abstract Background: Anorexia is common in chronic kidney
concentrations of insulin-like growth factor I, albumin,
disease and worsens as the disease progresses. Sex
urea, and creatinine). However, across worsening appetite
hormones and inflammatory cytokines may be related to
scale, handgrip strength was incrementally lower in men
feeding behavior. Objective: We hypothesized that
but not in women (multivariate analysis of variance). In a
appetite would be related to inflammation and outcome in
multivariate logistic regression analysis (pseudo r2 = 0.19),
hemodialysis patients but that sex may account for
appetite loss was associated with sex [odds ratio (OR):
differences in the symptoms associated with poor
0.41; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.72], insulin-like growth factor I
appetite. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted
(3.58; 2.10, 6.32), and C-reactive protein > 10 mg/L
in patients undergoing prevalent hemodialysis (n = 223;
(2.39; 1.34, 4.11). Finally, appetite loss was associated
127 M; ᒏ
– ± SD age: 66 ± 14 y). Anthropometric markers with worse clinical outcome even after adjustment for age,
of body composition, handgrip strength, and nutritional
sex, inflammation, dialysis vintage, and comorbidity
and inflammatory status were measured, and 3 groups
(likelihood ratio = 44.3; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: These
according to their self-reported appetite were established.
results show a close association among appetite,
Overall mortality was assessed after 19 mo (range: 2–29
malnutrition, inflammation, and outcome in patients
mo) of follow-up. Results: Poor appetite was associated
undergoing prevalent hemodialysis. Moreover, our data
with a longer vintage time, increased inflammation (higher
suggest that uremic men may be more susceptible than
serum concentrations of interleukin 6 and C-reactive
are women to inflammation-induced anorexia.
protein), and a worse nutritional status (lower serum
Effect of nutritional support on glucose control
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care (2007) 10(2): 210-214 Abstract Purpose of review: There is evidence that maintaining a
(metformin, thazolidinediones), which may be of interest
normal glycemia level in critically ill patients has beneficial
in the intensive care unit. Besides insulin, plasma glucose
effects on outcome. Strategies aimed at lowering glycemia
concentrations may be lowered by hypocaloric feeding, or
are based on the understanding of mechanisms regulating
by feeding ‘diabetic’ formula with low glucose content
glucose metabolism. Recent findings: Activation of AMP
and supplemented with fructose. Whether such
protein kinase in skeletal muscle and in the liver leads to a
approaches lead to beneficial effects comparable to those
reduction in glucose production, a stimulation of glucose
observed with insulin remains to be established.
uptake, and a lowering of glycemia. These mechanisms
Summary: Recent findings regarding the molecular
appear to be activated during exercise, or by the
mechanisms underlying glucose transport and metabolism
endogenous adipokine adiponectin. Alterations in
are summarized, and potential strategies other than
adiponectin concentrations during critical illness may thus
insulin are outlined which may contribute to lowering
play a role in the metabolic stress responses. In addition,
glycemia in critically ill patients.
AMP-activated protein kinase is the target for drugs
D37881 Enteral Nutrition 23/4/07 11:33 Page 15
quarterly abstract bulletin 17 Reference List Further references on nutrition support
• Nething J et al. (2007) Establishing the Use of Body
published in the last quarter.
Mass Index as an Indicator of Nutrition Risk in Childrenwith Cancer. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
• Nazarko L (2007) Swallowing difficulties in stroke
patients. Nursing and Residential care 9(2): 494-497
This article aims to determine the usefulness of bodyThis article looks at the fact that many stroke survivorsmass index (BMI) for age as a tool to prospectivelyhave swallowing difficulties, which may increase the riskidentify pediatric cancer patients at risk of malnutritionof chest infection, malnutrition, dehydration and tissueand to determine the BMI percentile that would bebreakdown. It aims to enable care staff to identify therequired to identify at-risk patients.signs of dysphagia and provide the individual withappropriate care.
• Raurich J M et al. (2007) Resting energy expenditure
during mechanical ventilation and Its relationship with
• Denny A (2007) Tackling malnutrition among older
the type of lesion. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral
people in the community. British Journal of Community
This article looks at resting energy expenditure (REE) ofThis article looks at some of the causes of undercritically ill patients. The objective of this study was tonutrition, NICE guidelines for its management and theinvestigate whether or not the type of lesion affects themetabolism level of critically ill patients treated withmechanical ventilation.
• Stanner S (2007) Older people with dementia: Eating
and drinking healthily. Nursing and residential care 9(1):
• Kamimura M A et al. (2007) Resting energy expenditure
and its determinants in hemodialysis patients. European
This article discusses some of the common eating and
Journal of Clinical Nutrition 61(3): 362–367.
drinking problems associated with dementia and howThis article looks at Chronic kidney disease and aims toevaluate the resting energy expenditure (REE) and itsdeterminants in HD patients.
• Colagiovanni L (2007) ‘We have got to change the
attitude of nurses towards food and nutrition’. Nursing
• St-Onge M et al. (2007) Evaluation of a portable device
to measure daily energy expenditure in free-living
This article looks at the concerns that people have
adults. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 85(3):
about malnutrition in hospitals and how nurse attitudesaffect the implementation of guidelines, moreover thatThis article evaluates a portable armband device forthe change must be supported at all levels.measuring daily and physical activity EE in comparisonto the doubly labelled water (DLW) method in free-
• Cereda N and Vanotti A (2007) The new Geriatric
Nutritional Risk Index is a good predictor of muscledysfunction in institutionalized older patients. Clinical
• Nicolien Zijlstra et al. (2007) 24-Hour Indirect
Calorimetry in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill
This article looks at the validity of Geriatric Nutritional
Patients. Nutrition in Clinical Practice 22(2): 250-255. Risk Index (GNRI), in predicting nutrition-related risk ofThis article looks at energy imbalance in critically ill,complications in the elderly and therefore aims tomechanically ventilated patients and investigatesinvestigate if GNRI might be a reliable detector ofwhether brief measurements of indirect calorimetry atmuscle dysfunction in institutionalised older people.any time of the day would give valid estimates of 24-hour energy expenditure.
• Cuerda C et al. (2007) How accurate are predictive
formulas calculating energy expenditure in adolescent
• Siddiqui R A, Harvey K A and Stillwell W (2007)
patients with anorexia nervosa? Clinical Nutrition 26(1):
Modulation of Lipid Rafts by Ω-3 Fatty Acids in
Inflammation and Cancer: Implications for Use of Lipids
This article compares resting energy expenditure,
During Nutrition Support. Nutrition in Clinical Practice
measured by indirect calorimetry, to values estimated bydifferent predictive formulas in adolescent patients withThis article looks in depth at lipid rafts, the importantmembrane-signaling proteins contained, the modulationof these and their effects on inflammation and cancer innutrition support.
D37881 Enteral Nutrition 23/4/07 11:33 Page 16
Reference List
• Lecko C (2007) Patient safety: Pinning down the
• Gandy J (2007) Nutrition in neurological conditions.
nutritional issues. Complete Nutrition 7(1): 8-10.
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 20(1): 1-2. This article discusses the NPSA’s role, responsibilitiesThis article looks at the role of nutrition and dietitians inand planned projects surrounding nutrition as a patientthe care of patients with various neurological
ACS: Unstable Angina and Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction ACS: Unstable Angina (UA) and Non-ST- Segment Elevation MI (NSTEMI) Key Highlights from the recommended guideline: • For initial diagnosis, use history, physical examination, 12-lead ECG and cardiac • For risk assessment, use non-invasive stress testing; go to early angiography for high-risk patients and th