Indications and complications of inpatient parenteral nutrition prescribed to children in a large tertiary referral hospital

BACKGROUND

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) is prescribed to children with intestinal failure. Although life saving, complications are common. Recommendations for indications and constituents of PN are made in the 2005 guidelines by the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). The aim of this study was to establish if the indications for prescribing PN in a tertiary children's hospital were appropriate, and to identify complications encountered. Data were compared to those published by the National Confidential Enquiry into patient outcome and death (NCEPOD) carried out in the United Kingdom in 2010.

METHODS

Children and newborns receiving inpatient PN over a 6 months period were entered into the study and data was collected prospectively. The appropriate indications for the use of PN were based on the ESPGHAN guidelines. Recorded complications were divided into metabolic, central venous catheter (CVC) related, hepatobiliary and nutritional.

RESULTS

A total of 303 children (67 newborns) were entered into the study. The main indications for the start of PN were critical illness (66/303), surgery (63/303) and bone marrow transplantation (28/303). The ESPGHAN recommendations were followed in 91.7% (278/303) of cases (95.5% of newborns, 90.7% of children). PN was considered inappropriate in 12/303 patients and equivocal in 13. The mean PN duration was 18 days (1-160) and the incidence of complications correlated to the length of PN prescribed. Metabolic, hepatobiliary and CVC related complications affected 74.6, 24.4, 16.4% of newborns and 76.7, 37.7 and 24.6% of children respectively. In relation to the appropriate indications for the start of PN our results mirrored those reported by the NCEPOD audit (92.4% of newborns and 88.6% children). However, the incidence of metabolic disturbances was higher in our cohort (74.6% vs 30.4% in children, 76.7% vs 14.3% in newborns) but CVC related complications lower amongst our newborns (16,4% vs 25%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the indications for inpatient PN in children is mostly justified, there is still a proportion who is receiving PN unnecessarily. PN related complications remain common. There is a need for better education amongst health professionals prescribing PN and access to nutritional support teams to reduce unwanted side effects.

Beyond Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Other Clinical Advantages of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet

OBJECTIVE

Articles previously published by Sullivan et al. and Cristofalo et al. were reanalyzed using the proportion of cow milk-based nutrition received to determine whether that affected clinical outcomes during hospitalization for infants birth weight 500-1250 g. Abrams et al. showed in the same cohort incidences of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), NEC requiring surgery and sepsis increased proportionally to the amount of dietary cow milk.

METHODS

The data from the two studies conducted under essentially the same protocol were combined yielding a cohort of 260 infants receiving a diet ranging from 0% to 100% cow milk. Data analysis utilized negative binomial regression which mitigates differences between subjects in terms of their time on study by incorporating that number into the statistical model. The percent of cow milk-based nutrition was the only predictor investigated.

RESULTS

For all outcomes the larger the amount of cow's milk in the diet the greater the number of days of that intervention required. A trend toward statistical significance was seen for ventilator days; however, only parenteral nutrition (PN) days and days to full feeds achieved statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporation of any cow milk-based nutrition into the diet of extremely premature infants correlates with more days on PN and a longer time to achieve full feeds. There was a nonstatistically significant trend toward increased ventilator days. These represent additional clinical consequences of the use of any cow milk-based protein in feeding EP infants.

Prevention and Treatment of Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease in Children

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is a threatening complication for children on long-term parenteral nutrition because of intestinal failure. When progressive and intractable, it may jeopardize intestinal rehabilitation and lead to combined liver and intestinal transplantation. The institution of dedicated intestinal failure centers has dramatically decreased the incidence of such complication. IFALD may rapidly fade away if very early management aimed at preventing progression to end-stage liver disease is provided. In this review, we address the etiology and risk factors of IFALD in order to introduce pillars of prevention (nutritional management and catheter-related infections control). The latest evidence of therapeutic strategies, such as medical and surgical treatments, is also discussed.

An assessment of exposure to rare earth elements among patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition

Patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) are exposed to potentially toxic elements, which may accumulate in bone. Bone samples collected from seven PN patients (average = 14 years) and eighteen hip/knee samples were analyzed for Al as part of a previous investigation. Yttrium was serendipitously detected in the PN bone samples, leading to the present investigation of rare earth elements (REEs). A method for quantitating fifteen REEs in digested bone was developed based on tandem ICP-MS (ICP-MS/MS) to resolve spectral interferences. The method was validated against nine biological reference materials (RMs) for which assigned values were available for most REEs. Values found in two NIST bone SRMs (1400 Bone Ash and 1486 Bone Meal) compared favorably to those reported elsewhere. Method detection limits ranged from 0.9 ng g^-1 (Tm) to 5.8 ng g^-1 (Y). Median REE values in the PN patient group were at least fifteen times higher than the "control" group, and exceeded all previously reported data for eleven REEs in human bones. REE content in PN bones normalized to the Earth's upper crust revealed anomalies for Gd in two patients, likely from exposure to Gd-containing contrast agents used in MRI studies. A retrospective review of the medical record for one patient revealed an almost certain case of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, associated with Gd exposure. Analysis of two current PN formulations showed traces of REEs with relative abundances similar to those found in the PN bones, providing convincing evidence that PN solutions were the primary source of REEs in this population.

A Mixed Lipid Emulsion for Prevention of Parenteral Nutrition Associated Cholestasis in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether a mixed lipid emulsion reduces the incidence of parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis (PNAC) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW, <1000 g) infants.

STUDY DESIGN

This double-blind randomized trial of 230 ELBW infants (June 2012-October 2015) was performed at a single level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Patients received either a mixed lipid emulsion composed of soybean oil, medium chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil-(intervention) or a soybean oil-based lipid emulsion (control) for parenteral nutrition. The primary outcome measure was PNAC (conjugated bilirubin >1.5 mg/dL [25 µmol/L] at 2 consecutive measurements). The study was powered to detect a reduction of PNAC from 25% to 10%.

RESULTS

Reasons for noneligibility of 274 infants screened were refusal to participate (n = 16), death (n = 10), withdrawal of treatment (n = 5), higher order multiples (n = 9), and parents not available for consent (n = 4). Intention to treat analysis was carried out in 223 infants (7 infants excluded after randomization). Parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis was 11 of 110 (10.1%) in the intervention and 18 of 113 (15.9%) in the control group (P = .20). Multivariable analyses showed no statistically significant difference in the intention to treat (aOR 0.428, 95% CI 0.155-1.187; P = .10) or per protocol population (aOR 0.457, 95% CI 0.155-1.347; P = .16). There was no statistically significant effect on any other neonatal morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis was not significantly reduced using a mixed lipid emulsion in ELBW infants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.govNCT01585935.

Risk Factors for Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection: A Meta-Analysis

AIMS

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infection has been rapidly emerging as a life-threatening nosocomial disease in many countries. However, studies on the corresponding risk factors of CRKP infection showed inconsistent results. To resolve these inconsistencies, we conducted a meta-analysis of previous studies on the potential risk factors of CRKP infection. The results of this study could be used to develop CRKP infection prevention strategies.

METHODS

Relevant works were systematically searched from five electronic databases up to September 2016. Z-test was used to determine the significance of the pooled odds ratios (ORs). ORs and 95% confidence intervals were utilized to compare the risk factors of CRKP infection.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies that involved 3,627 participants were included in the meta-analysis. We identified the following risk factors that were associated with CRKP infection: (1) longer length of hospital stay (LOS) (OR = 12.92), (2) admission to intensive care unit (ICU) (OR = 2.48), (3) prior hospitalization (OR = 1.85), (4) longer days of ICU stay (OR = 4.58), (5) transplant recipient (OR = 2.01), (6) steroid use (OR = 1.43), (7) central venous catheter use (OR = 2.30), (8) mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.54), (9) presence of tracheostomy (OR = 3.63), (10) parenteral nutrition (OR = 2.38), (11) previous antibiotic use (OR = 3.31), and (12) exposure to carbapenems (OR = 4.01), (13) aminoglycosides (OR = 2.05), (14) glycopeptides (OR = 2.40), (15) quinolones (OR = 2.28), and (16) anti-pseudomonal penicillins (OR = 2.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Sixteen risk factors including longer LOS, admission to ICU, previous antibiotic use, and exposure to carbapenems were associated with the development of CRKP infection. Identification of modifiable risk factors could play an important role in the prevention of CRKP infection.

Parenteral Nutrition: Indications, Access, and Complications

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a life-sustaining therapy in patients with intestinal failure who are unable to tolerate enteral feedings. Patient selection should be based on a thorough assessment to identify those at high nutrition risk based on both disease severity and nutritional status. This article reviews both the acute and chronic indications for PN as well as special formulation consideration in specific disease states, vascular access, and complications of both short-term and long-term PN.

Successful exchange transfusion in extremely preterm infant after symptomatic lipid overdose

BACKGROUND

Complications of intravenous lipid administration are relatively uncommon. However, inadvertent rapid infusion of intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) is an inherent risk when fats are infused separately from the dextrose-amino acid solution.

CASE REPORT

Extremely preterm infant, born at 25 weeks and 6 days of gestational age weighing 920 g, who inadvertently received a massive overdose of IVFE due to a device failure. He developed lethargy, apnea, metabolic acidosis and hemodynamic instability requiring mechanical ventilation and inotropic support. Despite discontinuation of IVFE and supportive care, clinical course and metabolic acidosis worsened, so a double-volume exchange transfusion was performed. The procedure was well tolerated, without complications. Serum triglyceride concentration as well as other laboratory data normalized immediately after the exchange transfusion. The patient was extubated to continuous positive airway pressure and inotropic support was discontinued 24 hours after the procedure. He was discharged home at 40 weeks of corrected age with normal magnetic resonance imaging and neurological examination.

CONCLUSION

In cases of profound, symptomatic hypertriglyceridemia due to lipid overdose, double-volume exchange transfusion should be considered, even in extremely preterm infants.

The Relationship Between Parenteral Nutrition and Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections: 2009-2014

BACKGROUND

Parenteral nutrition (PN) administered via central venous catheter has been identified as an independent risk factor for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The aim of this study was to provide an updated description of the relationship between PN and CLABSI and assess temporal trends in CLABSI rates for individuals who received PN from 2009-2014, after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid declared CLABSI a "never event."

METHODS

Using data obtained from all adult patient discharges between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014, from 2 affiliated hospitals in a large health system in New York City, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the relationship between PN and CLABSIs as well as temporal trends.

RESULTS

Among 38,674 patients with central lines, 3517 developed CLABSIs and 767 patients were prescribed PN. PN was an independent risk factor for developing CLABSI among our patients (odds ratio [OR], 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.20-3.19). The incidence of CLABSI among patients who were prescribed PN was not significantly different across the years of this study, even after adjusting for severity of illness.

CONCLUSION

PN remains a significant risk factor for CLABSIs; further work is needed to identify effective strategies to reduce rates of CLABSI among patients receiving PN.

Evaluating Differences in Aluminum Exposure through Parenteral Nutrition in Neonatal Morbidities

Aluminum is a common contaminant in many components of parenteral nutrition, especially calcium and phosphate additives. Although long-term effects have been described in the literature, short-term effects are not well-known. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration recommends maintaining aluminum at <5 mcg/kg/day. This was a single center, retrospective case-control study of 102 neonatal intensive care unit patients. Patients were included if they had a diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis, rickets/osteopenia, or seizures and received at least 14 days of parenteral nutrition. Patients were matched 1:1 with control patients by gestational age and birth weight. Mean total aluminum exposure for the 14 days of parenteral nutrition was calculated using manufacturer label information. Differences in mean aluminum exposure between cases and controls, as well as subgroup analysis in those with renal impairment or cholestasis, was conducted. Aluminum exposure in patients meeting inclusion criteria closely mirrored the aluminum exposure of control patients. The difference in aluminum exposure was not found to be statistically significant, except in patients with cholestasis. Although the study found no difference in aluminum exposure in short-term complications with neonates, long-term complications are well established and may warrant the need to monitor and limit neonatal aluminum exposure.

Glargine Insulin Use Versus Continuous Regular Insulin in Diabetic Surgical Noncritically Ill Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition: Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia is a major complication of parenteral nutrition (PN). Guidelines for hyperglycemia management in noncritically ill patients cite basal insulin administration but do not recommend a regimen. The GLUCOSE-in-PN study aimed to compare the efficacy of glargine insulin versus continuously infused regular insulin in PN (RI-in-PN) to achieve glycemic control in noncritically ill surgical patients with diabetes who were receiving PN.

METHODS

This prospective randomized open-label study was conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Noncritically ill surgical patients with diabetes who were receiving PN were randomized to receive basal glargine insulin or RI-in-PN on day 4 of PN support. Mean blood glucose levels were compared on study days 5-9. The percentages of blood glucose measurements at goal were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven PN treatment episodes were analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in mean glucose levels between groups on any study day ( P > .1). Overall glycemic control rates were 52.24% (glargine insulin) and 47.76% (RI-in-PN; P = .06). A significantly higher percentage of hyperglycemia was observed on day 5 for glargine insulin versus RI-in-PN (22.39% vs 5.97%, P = .0059). Blood glucose measurements indicated 6 hypoglycemic events: 2 for glargine insulin (5.7%) and 4 for RI-in-PN (11.4%; P > .1).

CONCLUSION

Both glargine insulin and RI-in-PN are effective basal insulin modalities for blood glucose control in noncritically ill surgical patients with diabetes who are receiving PN. Uncontrolled hyperglycemic events occurred more frequently with glargine insulin, and the rate of hypoglycemia was acceptable for both regimens.

Slow advancement of enteral feed volumes to prevent necrotising enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

Early enteral feeding practices are potentially modifiable risk factors for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in very preterm or very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Observational studies suggest that conservative feeding regimens, including slowly advancing enteral feed volumes, reduce the risk of NEC. However, slow feed advancement may delay establishment of full enteral feeding and may be associated with metabolic and infectious morbidities secondary to prolonged exposure to parenteral nutrition.

OBJECTIVES

To determine effects of slow rates of enteral feed advancement on the incidence of NEC, mortality, and other morbidities in very preterm or VLBW infants.

SEARCH METHODS

We used the standard Cochrane Neonatal search strategy to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017, Issue 5), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to June 2017), Embase (1980 to June 2017), and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; 1982 to June 2017). We searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, previous reviews, and reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that assessed effects of slow (up to 24 mL/kg/d) versus faster rates of advancement of enteral feed volumes upon the incidence of NEC in very preterm or VLBW infants.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias and independently extracted data. We analysed treatment effects in individual trials and reported risk ratio (RR) and risk difference (RD) for dichotomous data, and mean difference (MD) for continuous data, with respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used a fixed-effect model for meta-analyses and explored potential causes of heterogeneity via sensitivity analyses. We assessed the quality of evidence at the outcome level using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 10 RCTs in which a total of 3753 infants participated (2804 infants participated in one large trial). Most participants were stable very preterm infants of birth weight appropriate for gestation. About one-third of all participants were extremely preterm or extremely low birth weight (ELBW), and about one-fifth were small for gestational age (SGA), growth-restricted, or compromised in utero, as indicated by absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity (AREDFV) in the fetal umbilical artery. Trials typically defined slow advancement as daily increments of 15 to 20 mL/kg, and faster advancement as daily increments of 30 to 40 mL/kg. Trials generally were of good methodological quality, although none was blinded.Meta-analyses did not show effects on risk of NEC (typical RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.39; RD 0.0, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.02) or all-cause mortality (typical RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.42; typical RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.03). Subgroup analyses of extremely preterm or ELBW infants, or of SGA or growth-restricted or growth-compromised infants, showed no evidence of an effect on risk of NEC or death. Slow feed advancement delayed establishment of full enteral nutrition by between about one and five days. Meta-analysis showed borderline increased risk of invasive infection (typical RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.32; typical RD 0.03, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.05). The GRADE quality of evidence for primary outcomes was "moderate", downgraded from "high" because of lack of blinding in the included trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Available trial data do not provide evidence that advancing enteral feed volumes at daily increments of 15 to 20 mL/kg (compared with 30 to 40 mL/kg) reduces the risk of NEC or death in very preterm or VLBW infants, extremely preterm or ELBW infants, SGA or growth-restricted infants, or infants with antenatal AREDFV. Advancing the volume of enteral feeds at a slow rate results in several days of delay in establishing full enteral feeds and may increase the risk of invasive infection.

Nutrition and Hyperglycemia Management in the Inpatient Setting (Meals on Demand, Parenteral, or Enteral Nutrition)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this paper is to provide the latest evidence and expert recommendations for management of hospitalized patients with diabetes or hyperglycemia receiving enteral (EN), parenteral (PN) nutrition support or, those with unrestricted oral diet, consuming meals on demand.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with and without diabetes mellitus commonly develop hyperglycemia while receiving EN or PN support, placing them at increased risk of adverse outcomes, including in-hospital mortality. Very little new evidence is available in the form of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to guide the glycemic management of these patients. Reduction in the dextrose concentration within parenteral nutrition as well as selection of an enteral formula that diminishes the carbohydrate exposure to a patient receiving enteral nutrition are common strategies utilized in practice. No specific insulin regimen has been shown to be superior in the management of patients receiving EN or PN nutrition support. For those receiving oral nutrition, new challenges have been introduced with the most recent practice allowing patients to eat meals on demand, leading to extreme variability in carbohydrate exposure and risk of hypo and hyperglycemia. Synchronization of nutrition delivery with the astute use of intravenous or subcutaneous insulin therapy to match the physiologic action of insulin in patients receiving nutritional support should be implemented to improve glycemic control in hospitalized patients. Further RCTs are needed to evaluate glycemic and other clinical outcomes of patients receiving nutritional support. For patients eating meals on demand, development of hospital guidelines and policies are needed, ensuring optimization and coordination of meal insulin delivery in order to facilitate patient safety.

Acquired bullous acrodermatitis enteropathica as a histologic mimic of pemphigus foliaceus in a patient on parenteral nutrition

Acquired zinc deficiency can develop as a consequence of poor nutritional intake or from dependence on total parenteral nutrition. Acquired zinc deficiency dermatitis classically manifests with erosions and scaly plaques in a periorificial and acral distribution. We present a case of a woman on parenteral nutrition who presented with bullous acrodermatitis mimicking pemphigus foliaceus histopathologically. This case highlights clinical and histopathologic variants of zinc deficiency that may lead to a delay in diagnosis.

Nutrition support in hospitalised adults at nutritional risk

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of disease-related malnutrition in Western European hospitals is estimated to be about 30%. There is no consensus whether poor nutritional status causes poorer clinical outcome or if it is merely associated with it. The intention with all forms of nutrition support is to increase uptake of essential nutrients and improve clinical outcome. Previous reviews have shown conflicting results with regard to the effects of nutrition support.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of nutrition support versus no intervention, treatment as usual, or placebo in hospitalised adults at nutritional risk.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (Ovid SP), Embase (Ovid SP), LILACS (BIREME), and Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science). We also searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (www.who.int/ictrp); ClinicalTrials.gov; Turning Research Into Practice (TRIP); Google Scholar; and BIOSIS, as well as relevant bibliographies of review articles and personal files. All searches are current to February 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We include randomised clinical trials, irrespective of publication type, publication date, and language, comparing nutrition support versus control in hospitalised adults at nutritional risk. We exclude trials assessing non-standard nutrition support.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane and the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group. We used trial domains to assess the risks of systematic error (bias). We conducted Trial Sequential Analyses to control for the risks of random errors. We considered a P value of 0.025 or less as statistically significant. We used GRADE methodology. Our primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, and health-related quality of life.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 244 randomised clinical trials with 28,619 participants that met our inclusion criteria. We considered all trials to be at high risk of bias. Two trials accounted for one-third of all included participants. The included participants were heterogenous with regard to disease (20 different medical specialties). The experimental interventions were parenteral nutrition (86 trials); enteral nutrition (tube-feeding) (80 trials); oral nutrition support (55 trials); mixed experimental intervention (12 trials); general nutrition support (9 trials); and fortified food (2 trials). The control interventions were treatment as usual (122 trials); no intervention (107 trials); and placebo (15 trials). In 204/244 trials, the intervention lasted three days or more.We found no evidence of a difference between nutrition support and control for short-term mortality (end of intervention). The absolute risk was 8.3% across the control groups compared with 7.8% (7.1% to 8.5%) in the intervention groups, based on the risk ratio (RR) of 0.94 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86 to 1.03, P = 0.16, 21,758 participants, 114 trials, low quality of evidence). We found no evidence of a difference between nutrition support and control for long-term mortality (maximum follow-up). The absolute risk was 13.2% in the control group compared with 12.2% (11.6% to 13%) following nutritional interventions based on a RR of 0.93 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.99, P = 0.03, 23,170 participants, 127 trials, low quality of evidence). Trial Sequential Analysis showed we only had enough information to assess a risk ratio reduction of approximately 10% or more. A risk ratio reduction of 10% or more could be rejected.We found no evidence of a difference between nutrition support and control for short-term serious adverse events. The absolute risk was 9.9% in the control groups versus 9.2% (8.5% to 10%), with nutrition based on the RR of 0.93 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.01, P = 0.07, 22,087 participants, 123 trials, low quality of evidence). At long-term follow-up, the reduction in the risk of serious adverse events was 1.5%, from 15.2% in control groups to 13.8% (12.9% to 14.7%) following nutritional support (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.97, P = 0.004, 23,413 participants, 137 trials, low quality of evidence). However, the Trial Sequential Analysis showed we only had enough information to assess a risk ratio reduction of approximately 10% or more. A risk ratio reduction of 10% or more could be rejected.Trial Sequential Analysis of enteral nutrition alone showed that enteral nutrition might reduce serious adverse events at maximum follow-up in people with different diseases. We could find no beneficial effect of oral nutrition support or parenteral nutrition support on all-cause mortality and serious adverse events in any subgroup.Only 16 trials assessed health-related quality of life. We performed a meta-analysis of two trials reporting EuroQoL utility score at long-term follow-up and found very low quality of evidence for effects of nutritional support on quality of life (mean difference (MD) -0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.01; 3961 participants, two trials). Trial Sequential Analyses showed that we did not have enough information to confirm or reject clinically relevant intervention effects on quality of life.Nutrition support may increase weight at short-term follow-up (MD 1.32 kg, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.00, 5445 participants, 68 trials, very low quality of evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is low-quality evidence for the effects of nutrition support on mortality and serious adverse events. Based on the results of our review, it does not appear to lead to a risk ratio reduction of approximately 10% or more in either all-cause mortality or serious adverse events at short-term and long-term follow-up.There is very low-quality evidence for an increase in weight with nutrition support at the end of treatment in hospitalised adults determined to be at nutritional risk. The effects of nutrition support on all remaining outcomes are unclear.Despite the clinically heterogenous population and the high risk of bias of all included trials, our analyses showed limited signs of statistical heterogeneity. Further trials may be warranted, assessing enteral nutrition (tube-feeding) for different patient groups. Future trials ought to be conducted with low risks of systematic errors and low risks of random errors, and they also ought to assess health-related quality of life.

Effect of early supplemental parenteral nutrition in the paediatric ICU: a preplanned observational study of post-randomisation treatments in the PEPaNIC trial

BACKGROUND

Large randomised controlled trials have shown that early supplemental parenteral nutrition in patients admitted to adult and paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is harmful. Overdosing of energy with too little protein was suggested as a potential reason for this. This study analysed which macronutrient was associated with harm caused by early supplemental parenteral nutrition in the Paediatric Early versus Late Parenteral Nutrition In Critical Illness (PEPaNIC) randomised trial.

METHODS

Patients in the initial randomised controlled trial were randomly assigned to receive suppplemental parenteral nutrition (PN) within 24 h of PICU admission (early PN) or to receive such PN after 1 week (late PN) when enteral nutrition was insufficient. In this post-randomisation, observational study, doses of glucose, lipids, and aminoacids administered during the first 7 days of PICU stay were expressed as % of reference doses from published clinical guidelines for age and weight. Independent associations between average macronutrient doses up to each of the first 7 days and likelihood of acquiring an infection in the PICU, of earlier live weaning from mechanical ventilation, and of earlier live PICU discharge were investigated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses. The three macronutrients were included in the analysis simultaneously and baseline risk factors were adjusted for.

FINDINGS

From June 18, 2012, to July 27, 2015, 7519 children aged between newborn and 17 years were assessed for eligibility. 6079 patients were excluded, and 1440 children were randomly assigned to receive either early PN (n=723) or late PN (n=717). With increasing doses of aminoacids, the likelihood of acquiring a new infection was higher (adjusted hazard ratios [HRs] per 10% increase between 1·043-1·134 for days 1-5, p≤0·029), while the likelihood of earlier live weaning from mechanical ventilation was lower (HRs 0·950-0·975 days 3-7, p≤0·045), and the likelihood of earlier live PICU discharge was lower (HRs 0·943-0·972 days 1-7, p≤0·030). By contrast, more glucose during the first 3 days of PICU stay was independently associated with fewer infections (HRs 0·870-0·913, p≤0·036), whereas more lipids was independently associated with earlier PICU discharge (HRs 1·027-1·050, p≤0·043 days 4-7). Risk of harm with aminoacids was also shown for low doses.

INTERPRETATION

These associations suggest that early administration of aminoacids, but not glucose or lipids, could explain harm caused by early supplemental parenteral nutrition in critically ill children.

FUNDING

Flemish Agency for Innovation through Science and Technology; UZLeuven Clinical Research Fund; Research Foundation Flanders; Methusalem Programme Flemish Government; European Research Council; Fonds-NutsOhra; Erasmus-MC Research Grant; Erasmus Trustfonds.

Two-hourly versus 3-hourly feeding for very low birthweight infants: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether feeding with 2-hourly or 3-hourly feeding interval reduces the time to achieve full enteral feeding and to compare their outcome in very low birthweight preterm infants.

DESIGN

Parallel-group randomised controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio.

SETTING

Two regional tertiary neonatal intensive care units.

PATIENTS

150 preterm infants less than 35 weeks gestation with birth weight between 1.0 and 1.5 kg were recruited.

INTERVENTIONS

Infants were enrolled to either 2-hourly or 3-hourly interval feeding after randomisation. Blinding was not possible due to the nature of the intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was time to achieve full enteral feeding (≥100 mL/kg/day). Secondary outcomes include time to regain birth weight, episode of feeding intolerance, peak serum bilirubin levels, duration of phototherapy, episode of necrotising enterocolitis, nosocomial sepsis and gastro-oesophageal reflux.

RESULTS

72 infants were available for primary outcome analysis in each group as three were excluded due to death-three deaths in each group. The mean time to full enteral feeding was 11.3 days in the 3-hourly group and 10.2 days in the 2-hourly group (mean difference 1.1 days; 95% CI -0.4 to 2.5; p=0.14). The mean time to regain birth weight was shorter in 3-hourly group (12.9 vs 14.8 days, p=0.04). Other subgroup analyses did not reveal additional significant results. No difference in adverse events was found between the groups.

CONCLUSION

3-hourly feeding was comparable with 2-hourly feeding to achieve full enteral feeding without any evidence of increased adverse events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12611000676910, pre-result.

The Effects of Pre-Operative Enteral Nutrition from Nasal Feeding Tubes on Gastric Outlet Obstruction

We examined gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) patients who received two weeks of strengthening pre-operative enteral nutrition therapy (pre-EN) through a nasal–jejenal feeding tube placed under a gastroscope to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefit of pre-EN compared to parenteral nutrition (PN). In this study, 68 patients confirmed to have GOO with upper-gastrointestinal contrast and who accepted the operation were randomized into an EN group and a PN group. The differences in nutritional status, immune function, post-operative complications, weight of patients, first bowel sound and first flatus time, pull tube time, length of hospital stay (LOH), and cost of hospitalization between pre-operation and post-operation were all recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi square test and t-test; statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. The success rate of the placement was 91.18% (three out of 31 cases). After pre-EN, the levels of weight, albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), and transferrin (TNF) in the EN group were significantly increased by pre-operation day compared to admission day, but were not significantly increased in the PN group; the weights in the EN group were significantly increased compared to the PN group by pre-operation day and day of discharge; total protein (TP), ALB, PA, and TNF of the EN group were significantly increased compared to the PN group on pre-operation and post-operative days one and three. The levels of CD3+, CD4+/CD8+, IgA, and IgM in the EN group were higher than those of the PN group at pre-operation and post-operation; the EN group had a significantly lower incidence of poor wound healing, peritoneal cavity infection, pneumonia, and a shorter first bowel sound time, first flatus time, and post-operation hospital stay than the PN group. Pre-EN through a nasal–jejunum feeding tube and placed under a gastroscope in GOO patients was safe, feasible, and beneficial to the nutrition status, immune function, and gastrointestinal function, and sped up recovery, while not increasing the cost of hospitalization.

Prevention of neonatal late-onset sepsis: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Late-onset sepsis (LOS), defined as sepsis occurring after 48 h of age causes substantial mortality and morbidity in very low birth weight infants. Risk factors for LOS include immaturity, intravascular catheters, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN). Little attention has been paid to studying the effects of PN administration methods. The aim of the study was to compare a bundle of measures for PN line management incorporating a strict aseptic technique with standard line management on LOS in very low birth weight infants.

METHODS

Infants <1500 g birth weight who required PN were randomised to either a bundle of a strict aseptic technique for line management together with single use intravascular catheter for PN or a standard technique. The primary outcome was the incidence of LOS in the first 28 days of life. Secondary outcomes were mortality, neonatal morbidities and developmental outcome at 12 months of age.

RESULTS

There were 126 infants in the aseptic technique group and 123 in the standard technique group. Forty (31.8%) infants in the aseptic technique group and 36 (29.3%) in the standard technique group had an episode of sepsis (p = 0.77). This corresponds to incidences of 15.8 and 14.2 episodes of sepsis per 1000 patient days respectively. Subgroup analyses for infants <1000 g also revealed no difference in the rate of sepsis between the intervention and control groups. (p = 0.43). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes and development between the groups.

CONCLUSION

A bundle of measures including strict aseptic technique for parenteral nutrition line management did not result in a reduction in LOS when compared to a standard technique. There is no evidence to recommend this as routine practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Interdisciplinary Maternal Perinatal Australasian Collaborative Trials (IMPACT) Network, TRN registration number: PT0363. Date: 06/03/2001; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), TRN registration number: ACTRN12617000455369 . Date: 28/03/2017 (retrospectively registered).

Safety of parenteral nutrition in newborns: Results from a nationwide prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Limited or delayed availability of parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions, as well as difficulties in ordering are often identified as reasons for non-compliance with international guidelines in newborns. This study aims at assessing the modality of use and safety of premixed standardized PN solutions in a nationwide prospective cohort of newborns treated in clinical practice.

METHODS

Two premixed fixed formulations with respective osmolarity of 715 and 790 mOsm/L specifically designed for neonates were made available throughout the country for clinical use from birth onwards. Descriptive data and modality of use were prospectively collected in a case report form, whereas all related and unrelated adverse events were recorded on a separate adverse event form.

RESULTS

A total of 14,167 infants were prospectively included and 16,640 parenteral nutrition periods were analyzed. Mean age was 33 weeks of gestation, and mean weight was 2086 g. The majority of infants (81%) started the parenteral nutrition the first day of life or the day after. The route of parenteral nutrition delivery was peripheral in 47% of the parenteral nutrition periods. During the whole study, a total of 72 adverse events occurring in 68 infants were reported. Of these adverse events, 59 (0.37% of the nutrition periods), among which 19 serious adverse events, were reported as related to the parenteral nutrition solutions. The events related to parenteral nutrition solutions were general disorders and administration site conditions (n = 42 including 9 cases of cutaneous necrosis), and nutrition and metabolism disorders (n = 17). There was no case of thrombophlebitis. Six of the 19 serious events related to the parenteral nutrition solutions (32%) were due to the misuse of the infusion bag.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the concept that ready-to-use parenteral nutrition formulations can safely provide parenteral nutrition from birth onwards. They further support that parenteral solutions with an osmolarity up to 800 mOsm/L are well-tolerated when infused on a peripheral vein. Considering the potential risk of errors and misuses, this study also highlights the need for nutrition practice care guidelines for neonates and for regular campaigns providing information and strategies for a safe use of parenteral nutrition solutions.

Intestinal Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor Is Affected by Type and Route of Nutrition

BACKGROUND

Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) prevents adherence of pathogens at mucosal surfaces to prevent invasive infection. Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is located on the basolateral surface of epithelial cells and binds dimeric immunoglobulin A (IgA) produced by plasma cells in the lamina propria. This IgA-pIgR complex is transported apically, where IgA is exocytosed as SIgA to the mucosal surface. Our prior work shows that mice fed intragastric (IG, an elemental diet model) and IV parenteral nutrition (PN) solution have reduced intestinal T and B cells, SIgA, and interleukin-4 (IL-4) compared with mice fed chow or a complex enteral diet (CED). Prior work also demonstrates a reduction in IgA transport to mucosal surfaces in IV PN-fed mice. Because IL-4 up-regulates pIgR production, this work studies the effects of these diets on intestinal pIgR.

METHODS

Male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomized to chow (n = 11) with IV catheter, CED (n = 10) or IG PN (n = 11) via gastrostomy and IV PN (n = 12) for 5 days. CED and PN were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Small intestine was harvested for pIgR and IL-4 assays after mucosal washing for IgA. IgA and IL-4 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and pIgR by Western blot.

RESULTS

Small intestinal pIgR expression, IgA levels, and IL-4 levels decreased significantly in IV PN and IG PN groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of enteral stimulation affects multiple mechanisms responsible for decreased intestinal SIgA levels, including reduced T and B cells in the lamina propria, reduced Th-2 IgA-stimulating cytokines, and impaired expression of the IgA transport protein, pIgR.

Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Cholestasis Related to Parental Care

Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) is a complication not uncommon in the pediatric population. In severe cases, patients require a liver transplant. To our knowledge, we report the only case of PNAC with end-stage liver failure in a child with short bowel syndrome that resolved with a change in caretaker. Until his care was transferred from his abusive parents, he was frequently admitted for infection and sepsis. His liver function vastly improved from aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 3139 units/L, conjugated bilirubin 25.9 mg/dL to AST 47 units/L, direct bilirubin 0.3 mg/dL under the care of his attentive foster mother, and a liver transplant was no longer necessary. Bacterial infection and sepsis are risk factors correlated with patients with PNAC requiring liver transplant. Prevention of infection by a good caregiver may be a means to reduce the incidence of PNAC.