Energy and protein intakes of hospitalised patients with acute respiratory failure receiving non-invasive ventilation

Nutrition intake, muscle thickness, and recovery outcomes for critically ill patients requiring non-invasive forms of respiratory support: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is increasing, yet reporting of nutrition intake, muscle thickness, or recovery outcomes in this population is limited.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to quantify muscle thickness, nutrition intake, and functional recovery outcomes for patients receiving HFNC/NIV within the ICU.

METHODS

A single-centre, prospective, observational study in adult ICU patients recruited within 48 hrs of commencing HFNC/NIV. Change in quadriceps muscle layer thickness using ultrasound (primary outcome) and 24 hr nutrition intake from study inclusion to day 7 (D7), functional capacity (Barthel Index), and quality of life (EuroQol five-dimension five-level utility index) at D90 were assessed. Data are n (%), mean ± standard deviation or median [interquartile range], are compared using paired sample t-test, and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Primary outcome data were available for n = 28/42: 64 ± 13 y, 61% male, body mass index: 29.1 ± 9.0 kg/m2, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score: 17 ± 5. Quadriceps muscle layer thickness reduced from 2.41 ± 0.87 to 2.12 ± 0.73 cm; mean difference: -0.29 cm (95% confidence interval: -0.44, -0.13). Nutrition intake increased from study inclusion to D7: 1735 ± 1283 to 5448 ± 2858 kJ and 17.4 ± 16.6 to 60.9 ± 36.8g protein. Barthel Index was 87 ± 20 at baseline and 91 ± 15 at D90 (out of 100). Quality of life was impaired at D90: 0.64 ± 0.23 (health = 1.0).

CONCLUSION

Critically ill patients receiving HFNC/NIV experienced muscle loss and impaired quality of life.

A Food Intake Estimation System Using an Artificial Intelligence-Based Model for Estimating Leftover Hospital Liquid Food in Clinical Environments: Development and Validation Study

BACKGROUND

Medical staff often conduct assessments, such as food intake and nutrient sufficiency ratios, to accurately evaluate patients' food consumption. However, visual estimations to measure food intake are difficult to perform with numerous patients. Hence, the clinical environment requires a simple and accurate method to measure dietary intake.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop a food intake estimation system through an artificial intelligence (AI) model to estimate leftover food. The accuracy of the AI's estimation was compared with that of visual estimation for liquid foods served to hospitalized patients.

METHODS

The estimations were evaluated by a dietitian who looked at the food photo (image visual estimation) and visual measurement evaluation was carried out by a nurse who looked directly at the food (direct visual estimation) based on actual measurements. In total, 300 dishes of liquid food (100 dishes of thin rice gruel, 100 of vegetable soup, 31 of fermented milk, and 18, 12, 13, and 26 of peach, grape, orange, and mixed juices, respectively) were used. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) were used as metrics to determine the accuracy of the evaluation process. Corresponding t tests and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to verify the accuracy of the measurements by each estimation method with the weighing method.

RESULTS

The RMSE obtained by the AI estimation approach was 8.12 for energy. This tended to be smaller and larger than that obtained by the image visual estimation approach (8.49) and direct visual estimation approach (4.34), respectively. In addition, the R2 value for the AI estimation tended to be larger and smaller than the image and direct visual estimations, respectively. There was no difference between the AI estimation (mean 71.7, SD 23.9 kcal, P=.82) and actual values with the weighing method. However, the mean nutrient intake from the image visual estimation (mean 75.5, SD 23.2 kcal, P<.001) and direct visual estimation (mean 73.1, SD 26.4 kcal, P=.007) were significantly different from the actual values. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were high for energy (ρ=0.89-0.97), protein (ρ=0.94-0.97), fat (ρ=0.91-0.94), and carbohydrate (ρ=0.89-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

The measurement from the food intake estimation system by an AI-based model to estimate leftover liquid food intake in patients showed a high correlation with the actual values with the weighing method. Furthermore, it also showed a higher accuracy than the image visual estimation. The errors of the AI estimation method were within the acceptable range of the weighing method, which indicated that the AI-based food intake estimation system could be applied in clinical environments. However, its lower accuracy than that of direct visual estimation was still an issue.

Practical Guidelines by the Andalusian Group for Nutrition Reflection and Investigation (GARIN) on Nutritional Management of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Review

Malnutrition is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and is associated with worse lung function and greater severity. This review by the Andalusian Group for Nutrition Reflection and Investigation (GARIN) addresses the nutritional management of adult COPD patients, focusing on Morphofunctional Nutritional Assessment and intervention in clinical practice. A systematic literature search was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, followed by critical appraisal based on Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines. Recommendations were graded according to the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) system. The results were discussed among GARIN members, with consensus determined using a Likert scale. A total of 24 recommendations were made: 2(A), 6(B), 2(O), and 14(GPP). Consensus exceeded 90% for 17 recommendations and was 75-90% for 7. The care of COPD patients is approached from a nutritional perspective, emphasizing nutritional screening, morphofunctional assessment, and food intake in early disease stages. Nutritional interventions include dietary advice, recommendations on food group intake, and the impact of specialized nutritional treatment, particularly oral nutritional supplements. Other critical aspects, such as physical activity and quality of life, are also analyzed. These recommendations provide practical guidance for managing COPD patients nutritionally in clinical practice.

Nutrition practices in hospitalized adults receiving noninvasive forms of respiratory support: A scoping review

The use of noninvasive respiratory support is increasing, with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and high-flow nasal cannula providing unique barriers to nutrition support. Limited data related to nutrition management for these patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) exist; however, the literature in non-critically ill patients is not well described, and its improvement may help to inform practice within the ICU. Therefore, a scoping review was conducted of MEDLINE, EmCare, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases on August 18, 2022, to identify original publications that included adult patients receiving noninvasive respiratory support in a hospital setting with data related to nutrition management. Data were extracted on study design, population, details of respiratory support, and concepts relating to nutrition management (grouped into nutrition screening, assessment, delivery route, intake, and anthropometry). Eleven studies were included, most of which were small (<100 patients), single-center, observational trials in patients receiving NIV only. Five studies reported results related to route of nutrition and nutrition assessment, two on anthropometry, and one each on quantifying intake and nutrition screening; some studies reported multiple parameters. There was a lack of consensus regarding the ideal method for nutrition assessment and route of nutrition. Oral nutrition was the route most frequently reported, yet calorie and protein delivery via this route were inadequate, and barriers to intake included poor appetite, fatigue, and patient cognition. Future research should address barriers pertinent to this population and the impact of nutrition on outcomes.

Nutrition practices in critically ill adults receiving noninvasive ventilation: A quantitative survey of Australian and New Zealand intensive care clinicians

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is frequently used in the intensive care unit (ICU), yet there is a paucity of evidence to guide nutrition management during this therapy. Understanding clinicians' views on nutrition practices during NIV will inform research to address this knowledge gap.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe Australian and New Zealand clinicians' views and perceptions of nutrition management during NIV in critically ill adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional quantitative online survey of Australian and New Zealand medical and nursing staff with ≥12 months ICU experience was disseminated through professional organisations via purposive snowball sampling from 29 August to 9 October 2022. Data collection included demographics, current practices, and views and perceptions of nutrition during NIV. Surveys <50% complete were excluded. Data are represented in number (%).

RESULTS

A total of 152 surveys were analysed; 71 (47%) nursing, 69 (45%) medical, and 12 (8%) not specified. There was limited consensus on nutrition management during NIV; however, most clinicians (n = 108, 79%) reported that nutrition during NIV was 'important or very important'. Oral intake was perceived to be the most common route (n = 83, 55%), and 29 (21%) respondents viewed this as the safest. Most respondents (n = 106, 78%) reported that ≤50% of energy targets were met, with gastric enteral nutrition considered most likely to meet targets (n = 55, 40%). Reported nutrition barriers were aspiration risk (n = 87, 64%), fasting for intubation (n = 84, 62%), and nutrition perceived as a lower priority (n = 73, 54%). Reported facilitators were evidence-based guidelines (n = 77, 57%) and an NIV interface compatible with enteral nutrition tube (n = 77, 57%).

CONCLUSION

ICU medical and nursing staff reported nutrition during NIV to be important; however, there was a lack of consensus on the route of feeding considered to be the safest and most likely to achieve nutrition targets. Interventions to minimise aspiration and fasting, including an interface with nasoenteric tube compatibility, should be explored.

ESPEN practical and partially revised guideline: Clinical nutrition in the intensive care unit

Following the new ESPEN Standard Operating Procedures, the previous 2019 guideline to provide best medical nutritional therapy to critically ill patients has been shortened and partially revised. Following this update, we propose this publication as a practical guideline based on the published scientific guideline, but shortened and illustrated by flow charts. The main goal of this practical guideline is to increase understanding and allow the practitioner to implement the Nutrition in the ICU guidelines. All the items discussed in the previous guidelines are included as well as special conditions.

Medical Nutrition Therapy in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19-A Single-Center Observational Study

Medical nutrition should be tailored to cover a patient's needs, taking into account medical and organizational possibilities and obstacles. This observational study aimed to assess calories and protein delivery in critically ill patients with COVID-19. The study group comprised 72 subjects hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) during the second and third SARS-CoV-2 waves in Poland. The caloric demand was calculated using the Harris-Benedict equation (HB), the Mifflin-St Jeor equation (MsJ), and the formula recommended by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). Protein demand was calculated using ESPEN guidelines. Total daily calorie and protein intakes were collected during the first week of the ICU stay. The median coverages of the basal metabolic rate (BMR) during day 4 and day 7 of the ICU stay reached: 72% and 69% (HB), 74% and 76% (MsJ), and 73% and 71% (ESPEN), respectively. The median fulfillment of recommended protein intake was 40% on day 4 and 43% on day 7. The type of respiratory support influenced nutrition delivery. A need for ventilation in the prone position was the main difficulty to guarantee proper nutritional support. Systemic organizational improvement is needed to fulfill nutritional recommendations in this clinical scenario.

How processed is the hospital menu? An analysis based on NOVA food scoring system

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Having healthier, less processed hospital menus is an emerging issue. Diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) have lower nutrient density, but the incidence of UPF in hospital menus has not been previously addressed. The present study determined the presence of UPF, minimally processed foods (MPF) and processed culinary ingredients (PCI) and their correlations with provided energy and nutrients.

METHODS

We recorded the hospital diet for 14 consecutive days and analyzed it with the USDA database, and published NOVA values.

RESULTS

The NOVA score of the menu was 1.90, 1.80-1.93, while the energy from UPF was 25.2%, 23.2%-29.9% (medians, interquartile ranges). Energy from UPF was positively related to beta-cryptoxanthin and negatively associated with dietary cholesterol and manganese. In contrast, the energy from MPF and PCI was positively associated with energy, protein, zinc, selenium, iron and B₁₂.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, MPF and PCI in hospital diets relate to higher energy, protein and several micronutrients, which is essential to combat hospital malnutrition.

Association of Subjective Global Assessment with outcomes in the intensive care unit: A retrospective cohort study

AIMS

This retrospective audit was conducted to investigate the association between outcome and protein-energy malnutrition diagnosed using Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), to evaluate the predictive validity of Subjective Global Assessment in adults admitted to intensive care.

METHODS

The audit analysed the medical records of 1034 consecutive adult patients who had nutrition assessment on admission to the intensive care unit between January 2017 and July 2018. Extracted data included patient demographics, nutritional status, outcomes, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. Regression was used to explore the association between Subjective Global Assessment and outcomes.

RESULTS

The prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition was 39.5% (342 patients SGA-B, and 75 patients SGA-C), and there was a significant independent association between Subjective Global Assessment and outcomes both in surgical and non-surgical patients. Compared with well-nourished patients, mortality was significantly higher in the malnourished, during the intensive care admission (p = 0.007), in hospital (p < 0.0001), at 90 days (p = 0.001) and at 180 days (p = 0.002). Pressure injuries were more common (p = 0.01). Length of stay was longer in intensive care (p = 0.001) and in hospital (p < 0.001), with increased readmission rate (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Protein-energy malnutrition diagnosed by Subjective Global Assessment had a significant independent association with adverse clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Subjective Global Assessment appears to have predictive validity in this patient population.

Peripheral and respiratory muscle impairment during murine acute lung injury

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with skeletal muscle compromise, which decreases survival and impairs functional capacity. A comparative analysis of peripheral and respiratory muscles' atrophy and dysfunction in acute lung injury (ALI) has not been performed. We aimed to evaluate diaphragmatic and peripheral muscle mass and contractility in an ALI animal model. ALI was induced in C57BL/6 mice by intratracheal lipopolysaccharides instillation. Muscle mass and in vitro contractility were evaluated at different time points in hindlimb soleus (slow-twitch) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL, fast-twitch), as well as in the main respiratory muscle diaphragm. Myogenic precursor satellite cell-specific transcription factor Pax7 expression was determined by Western blot. Lung injury was associated with atrophy of the three studied muscles, although it was more pronounced and persistent in the diaphragm. Specific contractility was reduced during lung injury in EDL muscle but restored by the time lung injury has resolved. Specific force was not affected in soleus and diaphragm. A persistent increase in Pax7 expression was detected in diaphragm and EDL muscles after induction of ALI, but not in soleus muscle. Different peripheral and respiratory skeletal muscles are distinctly affected during the course of ALI. Each of the studied muscles presented a unique pattern in terms of atrophy development, contractile dysfunction and Pax7 expression.

When is enteral nutrition indicated?

Enteral nutrition (EN) is a vital component of nutrition around the world. EN allows for delivery of nutrients to those who cannot maintain adequate nutrition by oral intake alone. Common questions regarding EN are when to initiate and in what scenarios it is safe. The answers to these questions are often complex and require an evidence-based approach. The Board of Directors of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) established an Enteral Nutrition Committtee to address the important questions surrounding the indications for EN. Consensus recommendations were established based on eight extremely clinically relevant questions regarding EN indications as deemed by the Enteral Nutrition Committee. These consensus recommendations may act as a guide for clinicians and stakeholders on difficult questions pertaining to indications for EN. This paper was approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors.

Various Aspects of Non-Invasive Ventilation in COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is primarily used to treat acute respiratory failure. However, it has broad applications to manage a range of other diseases successfully. The main advantage of NIV lies in its capability to provide the same physiological effects as invasive ventilation while avoiding the placement of an artificial airway and its associated life-threatening complications. The war on the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. The present narrative review aimed at identifying various aspects of NIV usage, in COVID-19 and other patients, such as the onset time, mode, setting, positioning, sedation, and types of interface. A search for articles published from May 2020 to April 2021 was conducted using MEDLINE, PMC central, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. Of the initially identified 5,450 articles, 73 studies and 24 guidelines on the use of NIV were included. The search was limited to studies involving human cases and English language articles. Despite several reported benefits of NIV, the evidence on the use of NIV in COVID-19 patients does not yet fully support its routine use.

Nutrition Management for Critically Ill Adult Patients Requiring Non-Invasive Ventilation: A Scoping Review

Nutrition management is a core component of intensive care medicine. Despite the increased use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for the critically ill, a paucity of evidence on nutrition management precludes recommendations for clinical practice. A scope of the available literature is required to guide future research on this topic. Database searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were conducted to identify original research articles and available grey literature in English from 1 January 1990 to 17 November 2021 that included adult patients (≥16 years) receiving NIV within an Intensive Care Unit. Data were extracted on: study design, aim, population, nutrition concept, context (ICU type, NIV: use, duration, interface), and outcomes. Of 1730 articles, 16 met eligibility criteria. Articles primarily included single-centre, prospective, observational studies with only 3 randomised controlled trials. Key concepts included route of nutrition (n = 7), nutrition intake (n = 4), energy expenditure (n = 2), nutrition status (n = 1), and nutrition screening (n = 1); 1 unpublished thesis incorporated multiple concepts. Few randomised clinical trials that quantify aspects of nutrition management for critically ill patients requiring NIV have been conducted. Further studies, particularly those focusing on the impact of nutrition during NIV on clinical outcomes, are required to inform clinical practice.

Nutritional Status Associated with Clinical Outcomes among Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Multicenter Prospective Study in Egypt

Few studies have addressed the relationship between the nutritional status of patients with COVID-19 and their disease course. This multicenter prospective study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and its association with their clinical outcomes. Sociodemographic, physical, clinical, and nutritional data of 121 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were collected upon admission and at discharge from three COVID-19 quarantine hospitals in Egypt via a questionnaire and a standardized scale. The majority (73.6%) of the patients had a reduced dietary intake over the last week before admission, and 57% were severely ill. Overall, 14% had a high risk of malnutrition on admission, increased to 26.3% at discharge. Malnutrition was present in most (85.7%) of intensive care unit patients, and deaths, compared with recovered patients (14%). We concluded that malnutrition might worsen the clinical outcomes and increase the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 patients. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to manage patients with Covid-19, considering their nutritional status before and during infection, with early detection of high-risk patients in order to design and provide the appropriate nutritional support. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Nutrition Therapy in Non-intubated Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A challenging aspect of the care for patients with acute respiratory failure is their nutrition management. This manuscript consists of a literature review on nutrition therapy in non-intubated patients with acute respiratory failure receiving high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation or non-invasive positive pressure ventilation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies show that non-intubated patients with acute respiratory failure either on non-invasive ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula are largely underfed in the initial phase of their hospitalization. Although data is limited, the available evidence suggests the feasibility of initiating oral diet in the majority of these patients in the early phase. Initial evaluation includes mental status evaluation, the Yale swallowing screening protocol, and an assessment of severity of illness. The goal should be to initiate oral diet within 24 h. If patient cannot initiate oral diet, the reason for not initiating oral diet should dictate the next step. For instance, if the reason is failure of the swallow screening, further evaluation with fiberoptic endoscopy is warranted. The inability to provide oral diet for a patient in respiratory distress may a harbinger of failure of non-invasive oxygen therapy and should prompt consideration for endotracheal intubation. We suggest placement of a small-bore feeding tube for enteral nutrition if patient is unable receive oral diet after 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The nutrition management of these patients is better provided by a multidisciplinary team in a protocolized manner.

Recovery Focused Nutritional Therapy across the Continuum of Care: Learning from COVID-19

Targeted nutritional therapy should be started early in severe illness and sustained through to recovery if clinical and patient-centred outcomes are to be optimised. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has shone a light on this need. The literature on nutrition and COVID-19 mainly focuses on the importance of nutrition to preserve life and prevent clinical deterioration during the acute phase of illness. However, there is a lack of information guiding practice across the whole patient journey (e.g., hospital to home) with a focus on targeting recovery (e.g., long COVID). This review paper is of relevance to doctors and other healthcare professionals in acute care and primary care worldwide, since it addresses early, multi-modal individualised nutrition interventions across the continuum of care to improve COVID-19 patient outcomes. It is of relevance to nutrition experts and non-nutrition experts and can be used to promote inter-professional and inter-organisational knowledge transfer on the topic. The primary goal is to prevent complications and support recovery to enable COVID-19 patients to achieve the best possible nutritional, physical, functional and mental health status and to apply the learning to date from the COVID-19 pandemic to other patient groups experiencing acute severe illness.

Reflux events detected by multichannel bioimpedance smart feeding tube during high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy and enteral feeding: First case report

The use of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy is common in patients with respiratory distress to prevent intubation or ensure successful extubation. However, these critical patients also need medical nutritional support and practitioners are often reluctant to prescribe oral or enteral feeding, leading to a decrease in energy and protein intake. Vomiting and aspiration are the major concerns. A new technology detecting the presence and duration of gastro-esophageal reflux and preventing aspiration in real-time has been developed and our case shows how HFNC oxygen therapy exposes patients to significantly more reflux events as compared to mechanical ventilation. This is the first description of this technique observed in critical care.

Recomendaciones para la atención nutricional hospitalaria en pacientes con COVID-19. Revisión de la literatura

  Introducción. La enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) puede llevar a la hospitalización de los pacientes en los casos más graves; por tanto, es necesario establecer recomendaciones teórico-prácticas de intervención nutricional hospitalaria. Objetivo. Identificar las recomendaciones dirigidas a los equipos de salud hospitalarios para brindar atención nutricional a pacientes hospitalizados mayores de 18 años e infectados con COVID-19. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura en PubMed mediante la siguiente estrategia de búsqueda: periodo de publicación: diciembre 1 de 2019 a marzo 21 de 2020; idiomas de publicación: inglés y chino; términos de búsqueda: “Coronavirus Infection”, “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome” y “Nutrition for Vulnerable Groups”. Resultados. Se identificaron 283 artículos en la búsqueda inicial, de los cuales se seleccionaron 6 para analizar las prácticas de atención nutricional hospitalaria. Las áreas de investigación de estas publicaciones fueron soporte nutricional; evaluación de intervenciones para abordar y disminuir la severidad de las complicaciones pulmonares y hepáticas, y efectos de antioxidantes y ácidos grasos omega-3 en adultos con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda. Conclusión. Las recomendaciones para la atención nutricional hospitalaria en pacientes con COVID-19 se basan en procesos de cuidado nutricional y en la gestión de los servicios de alimentación; según estas recomendaciones, se deben establecer estrategias de evaluación de riesgo nutricional, realizar intervenciones de soporte nutricional que reduzcan el riesgo de desnutrición y vigilar los riesgos asociados a la administración del soporte nutricional y las alteraciones metabólicas asociadas a esta enfermedad. 

[Nutritional management of the critically ill inpatient with COVID-19. A narrative review]

Introduction

The current COVID-19 pandemic mainly affects older people, those with obesity or other coexisting chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure. It has been observed that about 20 % of patients will require hospitalization, and some of them will need the support of invasive mechanical ventilation in intensive care units. Nutritional status appears to be a relevant factor influencing the clinical outcome of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Several international guidelines have provided recommendations to ensure energy and protein intake in people with COVID-19, with safety measures to reduce the risk of infection in healthcare personnel. The purpose of this review is to analyze the main recommendations related to adequate nutritional management for critically ill patients with COVID-19 in order to improve their prognosis and clinical outcomes.

Nutrition-related outcomes and dietary intake in non-mechanically ventilated critically ill adult patients: A pilot observational descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients who do not receive invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are a growing population, experiencing complex interventions that may impair dietary intake and nutrition-related outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to quantify intake and nutrition-related outcomes of non-IMV critically ill patients and to establish feasibility of methods to measure nutrition-related outcomes in this population.

METHODS

Non-IMV adult patients expected to remain in the intensive care unit (ICU) for ≥24 h were eligible. Nutrition-related outcomes were assessed at baseline by subjective global assessment (SGA); on alternate study days by mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC), and ultrasound of quadriceps muscle layer thickness (QMLT); and daily by body weight and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Data were censored at day 5 or ICU discharge. Dietary intake from all sources, including oral intake via investigator-led weighed food records, was quantified on days 1-3. Feasibility was defined as data completion rate ≥70%. Data are expressed as mean (standard deviation) or median [interquartile range (IQR)].

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients consented (50% male; 53 [42-64] y; ICU stay: 2.8 [1.9-4.0] d). Nutrition-related outcomes at baseline and ICU discharge were as follows: MUAC: 33.2 (8.6) cm (n = 18) and 29.3 (5.4) cm (n = 6); CC: 39.5 (7.4) cm (n = 16) and 37.5 (6.2) cm (n = 6); body weight: 95.3 (34.8) kg (n = 19) and 95.6 (41.0) kg (n = 10); and QMLT: 2.6 (0.8) cm (n = 15) and 2.5 (0.3) cm (n = 5), respectively. Oral intake provided 3155 [1942-5580] kJ and 32 [20-53] g protein, with poor appetite identified as a major barrier. MUAC, CC, QMLT, and SGA were feasible, while BIA and body weight were not.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral intake in critically ill patients not requiring IMV is below estimated requirements, largely because of poor appetite. The small sample and short study duration were not sufficient to quantify changes in nutrition-related outcomes. MUAC, CC, QMLT, and SGA are feasible methods to assess nutrition-related outcomes at a single time point in this population.

Nutritional status and COVID-19: an opportunity for lasting change?

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed many healthcare systems, including the NHS, under unprecedented pressure. Mortality appears to be highest among older people and those with comorbidities, who are also often the most at risk of undernutrition in society. Despite international efforts to identify a specific treatment, therapy remains supportive and is principally focused on optimising respiratory function. However, the timely identification and correction of undernutrition also has the potential to improve outcomes cost-effectively, and should not be forgotten. This piece outlines why nutritional status may be particularly compromised during this crisis, among both the population and hospital inpatients. Practical steps to improve nutritional status at a time when hospital services are particularly stretched are also considered. Finally, the case is made for behaviour change at all levels including government, the general population and healthcare professionals.

ESPEN expert statements and practical guidance for nutritional management of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection

The COVID-19 pandemics is posing unprecedented challenges and threats to patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Acute respiratory complications that require intensive care unit (ICU) management are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Patients with worst outcomes and higher mortality are reported to include immunocompromised subjects, namely older adults and polymorbid individuals and malnourished people in general. ICU stay, polymorbidity and older age are all commonly associated with high risk for malnutrition, representing per se a relevant risk factor for higher morbidity and mortality in chronic and acute disease. Also importantly, prolonged ICU stays are reported to be required for COVID-19 patients stabilization, and longer ICU stay may per se directly worsen or cause malnutrition, with severe loss of skeletal muscle mass and function which may lead to disability, poor quality of life and additional morbidity. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition should therefore be routinely included in the management of COVID-19 patients. In the current document, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) aims at providing concise guidance for nutritional management of COVID-19 patients by proposing 10 practical recommendations. The practical guidance is focused to those in the ICU setting or in the presence of older age and polymorbidity, which are independently associated with malnutrition and its negative impact on patient survival.

A Prospective Study Identifying a Change in Energy and Protein Intake of Older Adults during Inpatient Rehabilitation

Understanding older patients' dietary intake patterns may improve the timing of strategies to address hospital malnutrition. The aims of this study were to explore longitudinally the change in daily energy (kJ/day) and protein (g/day) intake, and associated factors. Data were derived using a 5-point scale to visually estimate plate waste, and known nutrient composition data. Analyses determined the change in intake between admission and day 14, and admission, day 14 and day 28, respectively. Data were available for 39 participants between admission and day 14 (median (interquartile range) age 82 (78⁻87) years; 54% male) and 12 participants between admission, day 14 and day 28 (median (IQR) age 79 (69⁻84) years; 58% male). From admission to day 14 there was a significant increase in the mean (SD) daily intake of energy (6177 (1879) kJ/day vs. 7213 (1903), p < 0.001) and protein (63.7 (23) g/day vs. 76.4 (23.0) g/day, p = 0.003) but no change from admission to day 14 to day 28. There was a significant inverse relationship between amount consumed at admission and change in intake. Variability in elderly patients' intake over time has implications for the timing of nutritional care and data collection in research studies.

Protein Intake Falls below 0.6 g•kg-1•d-1 in Healthy, Older Patients Admitted for Elective Hip or Knee Arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

Hospitalization is generally accompanied by changes in food intake. Patients typically receive hospital meals upon personal preference within the framework of the food administration services of the hospital. In the present study, we assessed food provision and actual food and snack consumption in older patients admitted for elective hip or knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

SETTING

Orthopedic nursing ward of the Maastricht University Medical Centre+.

PARTICIPANTS

In the present study, n=101 patients (age: 67±10 y; hospital stay: 6.1±1.8 d) were monitored during hospitalization following elective hip or knee arthroplasty.

MEASUREMENTS

Energy and protein provided by self-selected hospital meals and snacks, and actual energy and protein (amount, distribution, and source) consumed by patients was weighed and recorded throughout 1-6 days.

RESULTS

Self-selected meals provided 6.5±1.5 MJ•d-1, with 16, 48, and 34 En% provided as protein, carbohydrate, and fat, respectively. Self-selected hospital meals provided 0.75±0.16 and 0.79±0.21 g•kg-1•d-1 protein in males and females, respectively. Actual protein consumption averaged merely 0.59±0.18 and 0.50±0.21 g•kg-1•d-1, respectively. Protein consumption at breakfast, lunch, and dinner averaged 16±8, 18±9, and 20±6 g per meal, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Though self-selected hospital meals provide patients with ~0.8 g•kg-1•d-1 protein during short-term hospitalization, actual protein consumption falls well below 0.6 g•kg-1•d-1 with a large proportion (~32%) of the provided food being discarded. Alternative strategies are required to ensure maintenance of habitual protein intake in older patients admitted for elective orthopedic surgery.

ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in the intensive care unit

Following the new ESPEN Standard Operating Procedures, the previous guidelines to provide best medical nutritional therapy to critically ill patients have been updated. These guidelines define who are the patients at risk, how to assess nutritional status of an ICU patient, how to define the amount of energy to provide, the route to choose and how to adapt according to various clinical conditions. When to start and how to progress in the administration of adequate provision of nutrients is also described. The best determination of amount and nature of carbohydrates, fat and protein are suggested. Special attention is given to glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids. Particular conditions frequently observed in intensive care such as patients with dysphagia, frail patients, multiple trauma patients, abdominal surgery, sepsis, and obesity are discussed to guide the practitioner toward the best evidence based therapy. Monitoring of this nutritional therapy is discussed in a separate document.

Relevance of nutritional support and early rehabilitation in hospitalized patients with COPD

Exacerbation of COPD is associated with a worsening of lung function and symptoms, and a serious loss in functional status and health related quality of life. It also represents the major cause for emergency hospitalization in COPD patients which places the patient at risk for developing further muscle weakness. Actually, loss of muscle function developed fast and continued to decrease over time during hospitalization and may be further compromised when disease deterioration would require the use of ventilator support. Exacerbations have long term consequences on physical performance, physical activity and health-related quality of life as recovery of skeletal muscle function is slow and incomplete and may even be compromised in case of re-exacerbation. Factors such as bed rest, reduced physical activity, hypoxia, inflammation, drug treatment and negative protein balance due to insufficient dietary intake and increased resting energy expenditure are all potential contributors to skeletal muscle weakness during exacerbation. Because low levels of physical activity and poor physical performance are predictor of hospital re-admission and are associated with lower survival in these patients, interventions to prevent the additional loss of muscle function during exacerbation or to hasten functional recovery have been recently explored. This review focuses on the knowledge regarding the potential benefit of early rehabilitation and nutritional supplementation as modifiable factors susceptible to ameliorate muscle weakness during exacerbation in hospitalized COPD patients.

Mealtime interruptions, assistance and nutritional intake in subacute care

Protected mealtimes is an initiative to support increased nutritional intake for all hospitalised patients, particularly those who are malnourished. The increased focus on maximising independence of patients in the subacute setting may provide a supportive environment for implementing these strategies. The aim of the present study was to gain insight into subacute ward practices at mealtimes under usual conditions (i.e. at baseline) where no protected mealtimes policy was implemented. Participants were patients aged ≥65 years recruited from subacute care facilities at a large healthcare network in Victoria, Australia. Participants were observed at mealtimes and mid meals (i.e. morning tea, afternoon tea and supper) to determine daily energy and protein intake, provision of mealtime assistance and mealtime interruptions. Almost all participants received assistance when it was needed, with positive and negative interruptions experienced by 56.2% and 76.2% of participants, respectively. There was an energy deficit of approximately 2 MJ per day between average intake and estimated requirements. In conclusion, mealtime practices were suboptimal, with particularly high rates of negative interruptions. Protected mealtimes is one strategy that may improve the mealtime environment to support patients' dietary intake. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate its implementation and effects.

Initial nutritional management during noninvasive ventilation and outcomes: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Patients starting noninvasive ventilation (NIV) to treat acute respiratory failure are often unable to eat and therefore remain in the fasting state or receive nutritional support. Maintaining a good nutritional status has been reported to improve patient outcomes. In the present study, our primary objective was to describe the nutritional management of patients starting first-line NIV, and our secondary objectives were to assess potential associations between nutritional management and outcomes.

Methods

Observational retrospective cohort study of a prospective database fed by 20 French intensive care units. Adult medical patients receiving NIV for more than 2 consecutive days were included and divided into four groups on the basis of nutritional support received during the first 2 days of NIV: no nutrition, enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition only, and oral nutrition only.

Results

Of the 16,594 patients admitted during the study period, 1075 met the inclusion criteria; of these, 622 (57.9%) received no nutrition, 28 (2.6%) received enteral nutrition, 74 (6.9%) received parenteral nutrition only, and 351 (32.7%) received oral nutrition only. After adjustment for confounders, enteral nutrition (vs. no nutrition) was associated with higher 28-day mortality (adjusted HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2–4.4) and invasive mechanical ventilation needs (adjusted HR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1–4.2), as well as with fewer ventilator-free days by day 28 (adjusted relative risk, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–0.9).

Conclusions

Nearly three-fifths of patients receiving NIV fasted for the first 2 days. Lack of feeding or underfeeding was not associated with mortality. The optimal route of nutrition for these patients needs to be investigated.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-017-1867-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Nutrition: A Primary Therapy in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Appropriate nutrition is an essential component of intensive care management of children with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and is linked to patient outcomes. One out of every two children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) will develop malnutrition or have worsening of baseline malnutrition and present with specific micronutrient deficiencies. Early and adequate enteral nutrition (EN) is associated with improved 60-day survival after pediatric critical illness, and, yet, despite early EN guidelines, critically ill children receive on average only 55% of goal calories by PICU day 10. Inadequate delivery of EN is due to perceived feeding intolerance, reluctance to enterally feed children with hemodynamic instability, and fluid restriction. Underlying each of these factors is large practice variation between providers and across institutions for initiation, advancement, and maintenance of EN. Strategies to improve early initiation and advancement and to maintain delivery of EN are needed to improve morbidity and mortality from pediatric ARDS. Both, over and underfeeding, prolong duration of mechanical ventilation in children and worsen other organ function such that precise calorie goals are needed. The gut is thought to act as a "motor" of organ dysfunction, and emerging data regarding the role of intestinal barrier functions and the intestinal microbiome on organ dysfunction and outcomes of critical illness present exciting opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Nutrition should be considered a primary rather than supportive therapy for pediatric ARDS. Precise nutritional therapies, which are titrated and targeted to preservation of intestinal barrier function, prevention of intestinal dysbiosis, preservation of lean body mass, and blunting of the systemic inflammatory response, offer great potential for improving outcomes of pediatric ARDS. In this review, we examine the current evidence regarding dose, route, and timing of nutrition, current recommendations for provision of nutrition to children with ARDS, and the current literature for immune-modulating diets for pediatric ARDS. We will examine emerging data regarding the role of the intestinal microbiome in modulating the response to critical illness.