Early enteral nutrition and clinical outcomes of severe traumatic brain injury patients in acute stage: a multi-center cohort study

Analysis of risk factors and development of predictive model for malnutrition in patients with traumatic brain injury

Malnutrition is a highly prevalent complication in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and it is closely related to the prognosis of patients. Accurate identification of patients at high risk of malnutrition is essential. Therefore, we analyzed the risk factors of malnutrition in patients with TBI and developed a model to predict the risk of malnutrition. A retrospective collection of 345 patients with TBI, and they were divided into malnutrition and comparison groups according to the occurrence of malnutrition. Univariate correlation and multifactor logistic regression analyses were performed to determine patients' malnutrition risk factors. We used univariate and logistic regression (forward stepwise method) analyses to identify significant predictors associated with malnutrition in patients with TBI and developed a predictive model for malnutrition prediction. The model's discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). A total of 216 patients (62.6%) developed malnutrition. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that pulmonary infection, urinary tract infection, dysphagia, application of NGT, GCS score ≤ 8, and low ADL score were independent risk factors for malnutrition in patients with TBI (P < 0.05). The area under the curve of the model was 0.947. Calibration plots showed good discrimination of model calibration. DCA showed that the column line plot models were all clinically meaningful when nutritional interventions were performed over a considerable range of threshold probabilities (0-0.98). Malnutrition is widespread in patients with TBI, and the nomogram is a good predictor of whether patients develop malnutrition.

Small-bore feeding tubes placed with an electromagnetic imaging device leads to cost avoidance and decreased time to initiation of enteral nutrition

BACKGROUND

The Cortrak Enteral Access System (CEAS) was previously approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in lieu of radiographic confirmation imaging for feeding tubes placed by trained clinicians. Following an institutional protocol change in 2016, our registered dietitians had the option to forgo radiographic confirmation imaging for tubes placed using the CEAS. Our research aimed to determine the difference in the number of radiographic confirmation images for feeding tubes placed using the CEAS between preprotocol and postprotocol environments and the associated cost avoidance after the institutional policy change.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from 506 tube placements (n = 253 per protocol environment) in adult patients with diverse diagnoses admitted to various in-patient care units.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in the mean number of radiographic images per tube placement (preprotocol = 1.10 [95% CI, 1.05-1.15]; postprotocol = 0.36 [95% CI, 0.30-0.41]; P < 0.001), leading to a cost avoidance of $67,282.80 for the 253 tube placements and a potential cost avoidance of $279,236 over the 5-year postprotocol environment. Additionally, the mean time to initiation of enteral nutrition was significantly reduced by 2.65 h in the postprotocol environment (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that using the CEAS can reduce the number of radiographic images, provide cost avoidance, and improve nutrition outcomes. However, updated 2022 FDA regulatory changes to the use of the CEAS for tube confirmation lead to an uncertain future for this practice because of safety concerns.

Modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically ill score and mortality in critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Understanding the relationship between nutrition risk at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and the prognosis of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may aid early recognition of high-risk patients.

METHODS

We extracted data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III and the electronic ICU Collaborative Research Databases. Using modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically ill score (mNUTRIC) within the first 24 h of ICU admission, 5153 patients were divided into three groups: low (≤1, n = 1765), moderate (2-4, n = 2574), and high (≥5, n = 814). The primary outcome was 28-day in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were 7-day in-hospital mortality, length of ICU stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up time of 6.69 days, 647 deaths occurred in total. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, setting the low mNUTRIC group as a reference, the risk of 28-day mortality was increased in the high and moderate mNUTRIC groups (hazard ratio [HR]high vs low [95% CI]: 4.21 [2.70-6.58] and 2.84 [1.95-4.14], respectively). Similarly, high and moderate mNUTRIC scores are linked to a higher risk of 7-day mortality (PTrend  < 0.001) and a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (PTrend  < 0.001). The effect of mNUTRIC on mortality varied by serum glucose level (PInteraction  = 0.01). Lastly, those whose mNUTRIC scores deteriorated within the first 3 days have a 1.46 times greater risk of dying compared with patients with improved mNUTRIC scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutrition risk screening by mNUTRIC score at the time of admission to the ICU may improve mortality prediction.

Optimization of Nutrition after Brain Injury: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Considerations

Emerging science continues to establish the detrimental effects of malnutrition in acute neurological diseases such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, status epilepticus and anoxic brain injury. The primary pathological pathways responsible for secondary brain injury include neuroinflammation, catabolism, immune suppression and metabolic failure, and these are exacerbated by malnutrition. Given this, there is growing interest in novel nutritional interventions to promote neurological recovery after acute brain injury. In this review, we will describe how malnutrition impacts the biomolecular mechanisms of secondary brain injury in acute neurological disorders, and how nutritional status can be optimized in both pediatric and adult populations. We will further highlight emerging therapeutic approaches, including specialized diets that aim to resolve neuroinflammation, immunodeficiency and metabolic crisis, by providing pre-clinical and clinical evidence that their use promotes neurologic recovery. Using nutrition as a targeted treatment is appealing for several reasons that will be discussed. Given the high mortality and both short- and long-term morbidity associated with acute brain injuries, novel translational and clinical approaches are needed.

Progress in research on the role of clinical nutrition in treating traumatic brain injury affecting the neurovascular unit

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels. NVU dysfunction involves the processes of neuroinflammation, and microcirculatory disturbances, as well as neuronal injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traditional anti-inflammatory drugs have limited efficacy in improving the prognosis of TBI. Thus, treatments that target NVU dysfunction may provide a breakthrough. A large number of clinical studies have shown that the nutritional status of patients with TBI was closely related to their conditions and prognoses. Nutrient complexes and complementary therapies for the treatment of TBI are therefore being implemented in many preclinical studies. Importantly, the mechanism of action for this treatment may be related to repair of NVU dysfunction by ensuring adequate omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, resveratrol, apigenin, vitamins, and minerals. These nutritional supplements hold promise for translation to clinical therapy. In addition, dietary habits also play an important role in the rehabilitation of TBI. Poor dietary habits may worsen the pathology and prognosis of TBI. Adjusting dietary habits, especially with a ketogenic diet, may improve outcomes in patients with TBI. This article discusses the impact of clinical nutrition on NVU dysfunction after TBI, focusing on nutritional complexes and dietary habits.

Impact of early nutrition and feeding route on clinical outcomes of neurocritically ill patients

Early proper nutritional support is important to critically ill patients. Nutritional support is also associated with clinical outcomes of neurocritically ill patients. We investigate whether early nutrition is associated with clinical outcomes in neurocritically ill patients. This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study including neurosurgical patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2013 to December 2019. Patients who started enteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition within 72 hours after ICU admission were defined as the early nutrition group. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. The secondary endpoint was an infectious complication. Propensity score matching (PSM) and propensity score weighting overlap weights (PSOW) were used to control selection bias and confounding factors. Among 1,353 patients, early nutrition was performed in 384 (28.4%) patients: 152 (11.2%) early enteral nutrition (EEN) and 232 (17.1%) early parenteral nutrition (EPN). In the overall study population, the rate of in-hospital mortality was higher in patients with late nutrition than in those with early nutrition (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality and infectious complications incidence between the late and the early nutrition groups in the PSM and PSOW adjusted population (all P>0.05). In the overall study population, EEN patients had a low rate of in-hospital mortality and infectious complications compared with those with EPN and late nutrition (P<0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). In the multivariable analysis of the overall, PSM adjusted, and PSOW adjusted population, there was no significant association between early nutrition and in-hospital mortality and infectious complications (all P>0.05), but EEN was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality and infectious complications (all P<0.05). Eventually, early enteral nutrition may reduce the risk of in-hospital mortality and infectious complications in neurocritically ill patients.

The Brain–Gut Axis in Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Nutrition Support

Purpose of Review

Early enteral nutrition improves outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI). This can prove difficult due to TBI-induced feeding intolerance secondary to disruption of the brain-gut axis, a network composed of central nervous system (CNS) input, autonomic signaling, and immunologic regulation that controls gut and CNS homeostasis. Here, we discuss the pathophysiology of brain–gut axis dysregulation and outline nutrition strategies in patients with TBI.

Recent Findings

Feeding intolerance following TBI is multifactorial; complex signaling between the CNS, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, and enteric nervous system that controls gut homeostasis is disrupted within hours post-injury. This has profound effects on the immune system and gut microbiome, further complicating post-TBI recovery. Despite this disruption, calorie and protein requirements increase considerably following TBI, and early nutritional supplementation improves survival following TBI. Enteral nutrition has proven more efficacious than parenteral nutrition in TBI patients and should be initiated within 48 hours following admission. Immune-fortified nutrition reduces CNS and gut inflammation and may improve outcomes in TBI patients.

Summary

Although autonomic dysregulation of the brain–gut axis results in feeding intolerance following TBI, early enteral nutrition is of paramount importance. Enteral nutrition reduces post-TBI inflammation and enhances immunologic and gut function. When feasible, enteral nutrition should be initiated within 48 hours following injury.

Nutritional Interventions in Children with Brain Injuries: A Systematic Review

Background: Brain injury has several consequences throughout life, its increased incidence has caused great public concern. The aim was identifying the main nutritional therapies recommended for children with brain injuries. Methods: A systematic review was carried out using the terms in the search strategy: “Brain Injuries”, “Nutrition Therapy”, and “Child” and their synonyms, from database inception up to August 2020. The search was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane library, LILACS, and grey literature. Two reviewers independently selected the included studies, according to the eligibility criteria and extracted data from the included articles. Results: A total of 1196 studies resulted from electronic searches, and out of these, 27 studies were read in full and eight studies were included. For early enteral nutritional support (<48 h), results suggest benefit in increasing survival rates. Type of dietary protein seems to be related to decreasing gastric emptying by 40%. The use of fibers seems to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and increase stool frequency. Conclusions: The evidence mapped was extracted from small studies analyzing different outcomes, so any decision making should be analyzed considering the context. We present the direction of the effect, but the magnitude is still unclear.

Efficacy and safety of a modified method for blind bedside placement of post-pyloric feeding tube: a prospective preliminary clinical trial

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of a new modified method of bedside post-pyloric feeding tube catheterization with the Corpak protocol versus electromagnetic-guided catheterization.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a single-center, single-blinded, prospective clinical trial. Sixty-three patients were treated with a non-gravity type gastrointestinal feeding tube using different procedures: modified bedside post-pyloric feeding tube placement (M group), the conventional Corpak protocol (C group), and standard electromagnetic-guided tube placement (EM group).

Results

The success rate in the M group, C group, and EM group was 82.9% (34/41), 70.7% (29/41), and 88.2% (15/17), respectively, with significant differences among the groups. The time required to pass the pylorus was significantly shorter in the M group (26.9 minutes) than in the C group (31.9 minutes) and EM group (42.1 minutes). The proportion of pylorus-passing operations completed within 30 minutes was significantly higher in the M group than in the C group and EM group. No severe complications occurred.

Conclusion

This modified method of bedside post-pyloric feeding tube catheterization significantly shortened the time required to pass the pylorus with no severe adverse reactions. This method is effective and safe for enteral nutrition catheterization of patients with dysphagia and a high risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Predictors of mortality of trauma patients admitted to the ICU: a retrospective observational study☆

Background and objectives

Worldwide, trauma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study is to identify the predictors of mortality of trauma patients requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in the ICU of our institution in Greece during a six-year period (2010–215).

Results

Among 326 patients, trauma was caused by road traffic accidents in .5%, followed by falls (21.1%) and violence (7.4%). Thirty-day mortality was 27.3%. Multivariate analysis showed that higher New Injury Severity Score (NISS), severe head/neck injury, acute kidney injury, septic shock and hemorrhagic shock were significantly associated with mortality while higher Revised Injury Severity Classification, version II (RISC II) and the administration of enteral nutrition were associated with survival. NISS showed the higher accuracy in predicting 30-day mortality followed by RISC II, while scores based only in physiological variables had lower predictive ability.

Conclusions

Increased mortality was strongly associated with the severity of the injury upon admission. Traumatic brain injury, septic shock and acute kidney injury have also been found among the strongest predictors of mortality. NISS can be considered as a statistically superior score in predicting mortality of severely injured patients.

Placement of Surgical Feeding Tubes Among Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Requiring Exploratory Abdominal Surgery : Better Early Than Late

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to identify trauma patients who would benefit from surgical placement of an enteral feeding tube during their index abdominal trauma operation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to 2 level I trauma centers between January 2013 and February 2018 requiring urgent exploratory abdominal surgery.

RESULTS

Six-hundred and one patients required exploratory abdominal surgery within 24 hours of admission after trauma activation. Nineteen (3% of total) patients underwent placement of a feeding tube after their initial exploratory surgery. On multivariate analysis, an intracranial Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥4 (odds ratio [OR] = 9.24, 95% CI 1.09-78.26, P = .04) and a Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8 (OR = 4.39, 95% CI 1.38-13.95, P = .01) were associated with increased odds of requiring a feeding tube. All patients who required a feeding tube had an Injury Severity Score ≥15. While not statistically significant, patients with an open surgical feeding tube compared with interventional radiology/percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement had lower median intensive care unit length of stay, fewer ventilator days, and shorter median total hospital length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Trauma patients with severe intracranial injury already requiring urgent exploratory abdominal surgery may benefit from early, concomitant placement of a feeding tube during the index abdominal operation, or at fascial closure.

Enteral combined with parenteral nutrition improves clinical outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury

Objective: To investigate the effect of nutritional support on nutritional status and clinical outcomes of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods: Sixty-one patients with TBI from the intensive care unit and neurosurgery of Xianyang Central Hospital from 2017 to 2019 were retrospectively included. General and clinical data of the study subjects were collected. The control group (n = 28) received parenteral nutrition alone, and the observation group (n = 33) received parenteral nutrition combined with enteral nutrition. The general conditions and biochemical indicators of both groups of patients were divided into two groups of ≤8 and ≥9 for stratified analysis to compare the nutritional support status and infection complications during hospitalization Occurrence, ICU length of stay, total length of stay, total cost of stay, and prognostic indicators of the patients were analyzed and compared.Results: There were no significant differences in biochemical indicators between both groups of patients when they were discharged. Among patients with GCS ≤8 points, the incidence of lung infection in the observer was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001), but the incidence of intracranial infection, stress ulcers, and diarrhea was not statistically different from that in the control group (P = 0.739). No significant differences were observed in hospitalization time and hospitalization costs between both groups (P = 0.306 and P = 0.079, respectively). The observation group was significantly better than the control group in GSC score and long-term quality of life score (P = 0.042 and P = 0.025, respectively). When GCS was ≥ 9 points, there was no statistical difference in the incidence of lung infections and intracranial infections between both groups of patients (P = 0.800 and P = 0.127, respectively). The observation group was significantly higher than the control group in terms of length of hospital stay, nasal feeding time and hospitalization costs (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). The observation group was significantly better than the control group in GSC score and long-term quality of life score (P = 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). There was no significant difference in the incidence of pulmonary infection and intracranial infection between both groups of patients (P = 0.800 and P = 0.127, respectively).Conclusion: Enteral nutrition combined with parenteral nutrition intervention has a positive effect on the clinical prognosis of TBI patients.

Nutrition Therapy, Glucose Control, and Brain Metabolism in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Multimodal Monitoring Approach

The goal of neurocritical care in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is to prevent secondary brain damage. Pathophysiological mechanisms lead to loss of body mass, negative nitrogen balance, dysglycemia, and cerebral metabolic dysfunction. All of these complications have been shown to impact outcomes. Therapeutic options are available that prevent or mitigate their negative impact. Nutrition therapy, glucose control, and multimodality monitoring with cerebral microdialysis (CMD) can be applied as an integrated approach to optimize systemic immune and organ function as well as adequate substrate delivery to the brain. CMD allows real-time bedside monitoring of aspects of brain energy metabolism, by measuring specific metabolites in the extracellular fluid of brain tissue. Sequential monitoring of brain glucose and lactate/pyruvate ratio may reveal pathologic processes that lead to imbalances in supply and demand. Early recognition of these patterns may help individualize cerebral perfusion targets and systemic glucose control following TBI. In this direction, recent consensus statements have provided guidelines and recommendations for CMD applications in neurocritical care. In this review, we summarize data from clinical research on patients with severe TBI focused on a multimodal approach to evaluate aspects of nutrition therapy, such as timing and route; aspects of systemic glucose management, such as intensive vs. moderate control; and finally, aspects of cerebral metabolism. Research and clinical applications of CMD to better understand the interplay between substrate supply, glycemic variations, insulin therapy, and their effects on the brain metabolic profile were also reviewed. Novel mechanistic hypotheses in the interpretation of brain biomarkers were also discussed. Finally, we offer an integrated approach that includes nutritional and brain metabolic monitoring to manage severe TBI patients.

Early Achievement of Enteral Nutrition Protein Goals by Intensive Care Unit Day 4 is Associated With Fewer Complications in Critically Injured Adults

: Objective: We hypothesized that failure to achieve protein goals early in the critical care course via enteral nutrition is associated with increased complications.

BACKGROUND

Although robust randomized controlled trials are lacking, present data suggest that early, adequate nutrition is associated with improved outcomes in critically ill patients. Injured patients are at risk of accumulating significant protein debt due to interrupted feedings and intolerance.

METHODS

Critically injured adults who were unable to be volitionally fed were included in this retrospective review. Data collected included demographics, injury characteristics, number and types of operations, total prescribed and delivered protein and calories during the first 7 days of critical care admission, complications, and outcomes. Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to identify subgroups with similar feeding trajectories in the cohort.

RESULTS

There were 274 patients included (71.2% male). Mean age was 50.56  ± 19.76 years. Group-based trajectory modeling revealed 5 Groups with varying trajectories of protein goal achievement. Group 5 fails to achieve protein goals, includes more patients with digestive tract injuries (33%, P = 0.0002), and the highest mean number of complications (1.52, P = 0.0086). Group 2, who achieves protein goals within 4 days, has the lowest mean number of complications (0.62, P = 0.0086) and operations (0.74, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is heterogeneity in the trajectory of protein goal achievement among various injury pattern Groups. There is a sharp decline in complication rates when protein goals are reached within 4 days of critical care admission, calling into question the application of current guidelines to healthy trauma patients to tolerate up to 7 days of nil per os status and further reinforcing recommendations for early enteral nutrition when feasible.

The correlation between feeding intolerance and poor prognosis of patients with severe neurological conditions: a case-control study

Background: This study aims to investigate the current status of feeding intolerance (FI) among patients with severe neurological conditions and to further determine the correlation between FI and their poor prognosis.Methods: This study performed a retrospective analysis of the medical data of 58 patients from January 2017 to December 2017. Patients were divided into two groups according to modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relevant factors for the poor prognosis of these patients.Results: General data analysis showed that age and diagnosis(stroke) were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that APACHE II score, vomiting within 3 days of NICU admission, gastrointestinal bleeding within 3 days of NICU admission and occurrence of FI within 3 days of NICU admission were all risk factors for a poor prognosis of these patients(P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that FI within 3 days of NICU admission(OR 8.026, 95%CI(1.550-26.039)) and diagnosis(stroke)(OR 10.654, 95%CI (1.746-21.291)) were independent factors for a poor prognosis of patients with severe neurological conditions.Conclusion: The incidence of early FI in stroke patients is correlated with a poor prognosis.

Status and nutritional therapy in elective and emergency neurosurgery patients

OBJEVECT

To evaluate the Nutritional Status (NS) and follow the Enteral Nutritional Therapy (ENT) of patients in neurosurgical intervention.

METHOD

Cohort study in emergency or elective surgery patients with exclusive ENT. Anthropometric measurements (Arm Circumference (AC and Triceps Skinfold (TSF)) were measured on the first, seventh and 14th day. For the ENT monitoring, caloric/protein adequacy, fasting, inadvertent output of the enteral probe and residual gastric volume were used.

RESULTS

80 patients, 78.7% in emergency surgery and 21.3% in elective surgery. There was a reduction in AC and Body Mass Index (BMI) (p>0.01), especially for the emergency group. The caloric/protein adequacy was higher in the emergency group (86.7% and 81.8%).

CONCLUSION

The EN change was greater in the emergency group, even with better ENT adequacy. Changes in body composition are frequent in neurosurgical patients, regardless of the type of procedure.

Supplements, nutrition, and alternative therapies for the treatment of traumatic brain injury

Studies using traditional treatment strategies for mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) have produced limited clinical success. Interest in treatment for mild TBI is at an all time high due to its association with the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other neurodegenerative diseases, yet therapeutic options remain limited. Traditional pharmaceutical interventions have failed to transition to the clinic for the treatment of mild TBI. As such, many pre-clinical studies are now implementing non-pharmaceutical therapies for TBI. These studies have demonstrated promise, particularly those that modulate secondary injury cascades activated after injury. Because no TBI therapy has been discovered for mild injury, researchers now look to pharmaceutical supplementation in an attempt to foster success in human clinical trials. Non-traditional therapies, such as acupuncture and even music therapy are being considered to combat the neuropsychiatric symptoms of TBI. In this review, we highlight alternative approaches that have been studied in clinical and pre-clinical studies of TBI, and other related forms of neural injury. The purpose of this review is to stimulate further investigation into novel and innovative approaches that can be used to treat the mechanisms and symptoms of mild TBI.

Effects of sequential nutritional support on nutritional status and expression of regulatory T lymphocyte in patients with early severe traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of sequential nutritional support on nutritional status and immune regulation in patients with early severe traumatic brain injury (STBI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 62 patients diagnosed with STBI enrolled from Chaoyang Hospital (Beijing, China) from February 2015 to October 2016 were divided into two groups. The observational group (n=34) was given sequential nutritional support and the control group (n=28) was given the standard formula of whole protein enteral preparations. The energy supply for the two groups was 30 kcal/kg/d and protein 1.6 g/kg/d, respectively. The albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), and regulatory T cells before and after nutritional treatment were measured in both groups.

RESULTS

At the 14th day, the levels of ALB (41.7±4.2 g/L) and TP (70.6±4.9 g/L) were significantly higher than those in the control group (33.5±2.3 g/L and 62.3±3.9 g/L) (P<0.05). The levels of Hs-CRP and NSE were significantly lower in the observational group (0.96±0.82 mg/L and 11.96±7.82 ng/L) than in the control group (1.17±0.74 mg/L and 19.17±6.74 ng/L) (P<0.05). The GCS score in the observational group (11.5±2.9) was significantly higher than that in the control group (8.1±1.7) (P<0.05). The percentage of Tregs in the peripheral CD4⁺ lymphocytes was significantly lower in the observational group than in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The effect of sequential nutritional support is better than conventional nutritional support in patients with STBI. The findings call for early identification of malnutrition and individual nutritional support.

Acute Management of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in patients with trauma. Management strategies must focus on preventing secondary injury by avoiding hypotension and hypoxia and maintaining appropriate cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), which is a surrogate for cerebral blood flow. CPP can be maintained by increasing mean arterial pressure, decreasing intracranial pressure, or both. The goal should be euvolemia and avoidance of hypotension. Other factors that deserve important consideration in the acute management of patients with TBI are venous thromboembolism, stress ulcer, and seizure prophylaxis, as well as nutritional and metabolic optimization.

Effects of early enteral nutrition on T helper lymphocytes of surgical septic patients: A retrospective observational study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of early enteral nutrition (EEN) on T helper lymphocytes and the subpopulations ratios of surgical septic patients.We performed a retrospective study including 107 eligible patients from February 2014 to December 2015. Patients were divided into EEN, delayed enteral nutrition (DEN), or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) group according to the duration before enteral feeding. Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg lymphocyte percentages were collected on days 3, 7, and 14 after admission. The disease severity and clinical outcome variables were also recorded.The Th1, Th17 percentages, and Th1/Th2, Th17/Treg ratios of EEN group were significantly lower than those of DEN or TPN group on the 14th day after admission (P < .05). Compared with TPN, DEN might have a tendency to decrease the Th1 and Th17 percentages. EEN could improve the disease severity and clinical outcomes of septic patients, however, no difference on 28-day mortality was found between EEN and DEN group.EEN could improve the dysregulation of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios during early stage of sepsis. Compared with DEN, EEN could improve the disease severity and clinical outcomes, but not decrease the 28-day mortality of surgical septic patients.

Early feeds not force feeds: Enteral nutrition in traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines recommend the early use of enteral nutrition to optimize recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our aim was to examine the effect of early feeds (≤24 hours) on clinical outcomes after TBI.

METHODS

We performed a 3-year retrospective study of patients with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score <8) who were intubated, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and received tube feeds. Early tube feeds (early TF) were defined as initiation of tube feeds within 24 hours, whereas late tube feeds (late TF) were defined as initiation of tube feeds after 24 hours. Outcome measures included pneumonia rates, days on ventilator, hospital and ICU stay, and mortality rates.

RESULTS

A total of 90 patients (early TF: 58, late TF: 32) were included, of which 73.3% were male, mean age was 42 (SD, 20) years, and median head Abbreviated Injury Scale score was 4 (range, 3-5). There was no difference in age (p = 0.1), head Abbreviated Injury Scale score (p = 0.5), or admission Glasgow Coma Scale score (p = 0.9) between the two groups. Patients with early TF were associated with higher number of ICU days (p = 0.03) and higher pneumonia rates (p = 0.04), but there was no significant difference in mortality (p = 0.44) as compared with those who underwent late TF.

CONCLUSIONS

Although early tube feeds are known to improve outcomes in TBI patients, our data suggest that early feeds in TBI patients are associated with higher rates of pneumonia and greater hospital resource utilization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level IV.

Early Enteral Combined with Parenteral Nutrition Treatment for Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Effects on Immune Function, Nutritional Status and Outcomes

Objective To compare the conjoint effect of enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) with single EN or PN on immune function, nutritional status, complications and clinical outcomes of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI). Methods A prospective randomized control trial was carried out from January 2009 to May 2012 in Neurological Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Patients of STBI who met the enrolment criteria (Glasgow Coma Scale score 6~8; Nutritional Risk Screening ≥3) were randomly divided into 3 groups and were admi- nistrated EN, PN or EN+PN treatments respectively. The indexes of nutritional status, immune function, complications and clinical outcomes were examined and compared statistically. Results There were 120 patients enrolled in the study, with 40 pationts in each group. In EN+PN group, T lymthocyte subsets CD3+%, CD4+%, ratio of CD3+/CD25+, ratio of CD4+/CD8+, the plasma levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG at 20 days after nutritional treatment were significantly increased compared to the baseline(t=4.32-30.00, P<0.01), and they were significantly higher than those of PN group (t=2.44-14.70; P<0.05,or P<0.01) with exception of CD4+/CD8+, higher than those of EN group (t=2.49-13.31, P<0.05, or P<0.01) with exceptions of CD3+/CD25+, CD4+/CD8+, IgG and IgM. For the nutritional status, the serum total protein, albumin, prealbumin and hemoglobin were significantly higher in the EN (t=5.87-11.91; P<0.01) and EN+PN groups (t=6.12-13.12; P<0.01) than those in PN group after nutrition treatment. The serum prealbumin was higher in EN+PN group than that in EN group (t=2.08; P<0.05). Compared to the PN group, the complication occurrence rates of EN+PN group were significantly lower in stress ulcer (22.5% vs. 47.5%; χ²= 8.24, P<0.01), intracranial infection (12.5% vs 32.5%;χ²= 6.88, P<0.01) and pyemia (25.0% vs. 47.5%; χ²= 6.57, P<0.05). Compared to the EN group, the complication occurrence rates of EN+PN group were significantly lower in aspirated pneumonia (27.5% vs. 50.0%; χ²= 6.39, P<0.05), hypoproteinemia (17.5% vs. 55.0%; χ²= 18.26, P<0.01) and diarrhea (20.0% vs. 60.0%; χ²= 20.00, P<0.01). The EN+PN group also had significant less length of stay in NICU (t=2.51, 4.82; P<0.05, P<0.01), number of patients receiving assisted mechanical ventilation (χ²= 6.08, 12.88; P<0.05, P<0.01) and its durations (t=3.41, 9.08; P<0.05, P<0.01), and the death rate (χ²=7.50, 16.37; P<0.05, P<0.01) than those of EN or PN group. Conclusion Early EN+PN treatment could promote the recovery of the immune function, enhance nutritional status, decrease complications and improve the clinical outcomes in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Improving the quality of nurse-influenced patient care in the intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Quality of care is a major focus in the intensive care unit (ICU).

AIM

To describe a nurse-initiated quality improvement (QI) project that improved the care of critically ill patients in a New Zealand tertiary ICU.

DESIGN

A framework for QI was developed and implemented as part of a practice change initiative.

METHODS

Audit data were collected, analysed and reported across seven nurse-influenced patient care standards. The seven standards were enteral nutrition delivered within 24 h of admission, timely administration of antibiotics, sedation holds for eligible patients, early mobilization and three pressure ulcer prevention strategies.

RESULTS

Comparison of audit data collected in 2014 and 2015 demonstrated improvements in five of the seven standards. Those standards with the largest practice improvements were related to the following standards: all eligible patients have enteral nutrition commenced within the first 24 h of ICU admission (3% increase); all eligible patients receive antibiotics within 30 min of prescription time (6% increase); all eligible patients have a daily sedation interruption (DSI; 24% increase); and all eligible patients are mobilized daily in their ICU stay (11% increase in percentage of patients mobilized daily).

CONCLUSIONS

The nursing-initiated QI project demonstrated improved ICU patient care in relation to early enteral nutrition commencement, DSIs and early and daily mobilizing.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The use of a nursing QI framework incorporating audit and feedback is one method of evaluating and enhancing the quality of care and improving patient outcomes. This initiative demonstrated the improved quality of nursing care for ICU patients, particularly in relation to early enteral nutrition commencement, timely antibiotics, DSIs and daily mobilizing. It is thus highly relevant to critical care nursing teams, particularly those working to create a culture where change is safe, achievable and valued.

Nutrition support practices in critically ill head-injured patients: a global perspective

Background

Critical illness following head injury is associated with a hypermetabolic state but there are insufficient epidemiological data describing acute nutrition delivery to this group of patients. Furthermore, there is little information describing relationships between nutrition and clinical outcomes in this population.

Methods

We undertook an analysis of observational data, collected prospectively as part of International Nutrition Surveys 2007-2013, and extracted data obtained from critically ill patients with head trauma. Our objective was to describe global nutrition support practices in the first 12 days of hospital admission after head trauma, and to explore relationships between energy and protein intake and clinical outcomes. Data are presented as mean (SD), median (IQR), or percentages.

Results

Data for 1045 patients from 341 ICUs were analyzed. The age of patients was 44.5 (19.7) years, 78 % were male, and median ICU length of stay was 13.1 (IQR 7.9-21.6) days. Most patients (94 %) were enterally fed but received only 58 % of estimated energy and 53 % of estimated protein requirements. Patients from an ICU with a feeding protocol had greater energy and protein intakes (p <0.001, 0.002 respectively) and were more likely to survive (OR 0.65; 95 % CI 0.42-0.99; p = 0.043) than those without. Energy or protein intakes were not associated with mortality. However, a greater energy and protein deficit was associated with longer times until discharge alive from both ICU and hospital (all p <0.001).

Conclusion

Nutritional deficits are commonplace in critically ill head-injured patients and these deficits are associated with a delay to discharge alive.

Immunonutrition - the influence of early postoperative glutamine supplementation in enteral/parenteral nutrition on immune response, wound healing and length of hospital stay in multiple trauma patients and patients after extensive surgery

INTRODUCTION

In the postoperative phase, the prognosis of multiple trauma patients with severe brain injuries as well as of patients with extensive head and neck surgery mainly depends on protein metabolism and the prevention of septic complications. Wound healing problems can also result in markedly longer stays in the intensive care unit and general wards. As a result, the immunostimulation of patients in the postoperative phase is expected to improve their immunological and overall health.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A study involving 15 patients with extensive ENT tumour surgery and 7 multiple-trauma patients investigated the effect of enteral glutamine supplementation on immune induction, wound healing and length of hospital stay. Half of the patients received a glutamine-supplemented diet. The control group received an isocaloric, isonitrogenous diet.

RESULTS

In summary, we found that total lymphocyte counts, the percentage of activated CD4+DR+ T helper lymphocytes, the in-vitro response of lymphocytes to mitogens, as well as IL-2 plasma levels normalised faster in patients who received glutamine-supplemented diets than in patients who received isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets and that these parameters were even above normal by the end of the second postoperative week.

SUMMARY

We believe that providing critically ill patients with a demand-oriented immunostimulating diet is fully justified as it reduces septic complications, accelerates wound healing, and shortens the length of ICU (intensive care unit) and general ward stays.

Effect of arginine-rich enteral nutrition support on prognosis of patients with severe brain injury

AIM: To investigate the effect of arginine-rich enteral nutrition support on the prognosis of patients with severe craniocerebral injury, and to provide scientific and effective nutritional support for patients with severe brain injury.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of clinical data of 309 patients with severe craniocerebral injury treated from July 2014 to July 2015 at our hospital. According to postoperative enteral nutrition the patients received, these patients were divided into a standard nutrition group (EN group) and an arginine enhanced group (AEN group). On postoperative day 7, nutritional indicators, immunological indexes, postoperative complications and prognosis were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: Preoperative total protein content, albumin, hemoglobin and albumin levels showed no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). On day 7 after intervention total protein content showed no statistical significance between the two groups (P > 0.05), but albumin, hemoglobin, and prealbumin levels were significantly higher in the AEN group than in the EN group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in white blood cells or the proportion of CD8⁺ cells between the two groups (P > 0.05), but total lymphocyte content, proportion of CD4⁺ cells, and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio were significantly higher in the AEN group than in the EN group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the rates of wound infection or respiratory tract infection between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the total number of cases of urinary tract infections and the proportion of postoperative complications were significantly lower in the AEN group than in the EN group (P < 0.05). Time to first defecation and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the AEN group than in the EN group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Enteral nutritional support can not only effectively improve the nutritional status and immune function of patients with severe craniocerebral injury, but also effectively reduce the incidence of complications and shorten the length of hospital stay.

[Neurological diseases and nutrition -- what can we do?]

Neurological diseases and nutrition are in complex relationship. In the first part of this review the nutritional consequences of acute neurological diseases is presented, with special emphasis on traumatic injuries of the nervous system and stroke. Nutritional therapy of these patients is described in detail. In addition, chronic, degenerative neurological pathological conditions are also discussed, including nutritional consequences and possibilities of therapy. Some ethical and legal issues are also considered. The second part of this review article describes neurological consequences of nutritional problems, both deficits of macro- and micronutrients and toxic effects.

Nutrition therapy in the optimisation of health outcomes in adult patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: findings from a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Patients who have sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) have increased nutritional requirements yet are often unable to eat normally, and adequate nutritional therapy is needed to optimise recovery. The aim of the current scoping review was to describe the existing evidence for improved outcomes with optimal nutrition therapy in adult patients with moderate to severe TBI, and to identify gaps in the literature to inform future research.

METHODS

Using an exploratory scoping study approach, Medline, Cinahl, Embase, CENTRAL, the Neurotrauma reviews in the Global Evidence Mapping (GEM) Initiative, and Evidence Reviews in Acquired Brain Injury (ERABI) were searched from 2003 to 14 November 2013 using variations of the search terms 'traumatic brain injury' and 'nutrition'. Articles were included if they reported mortality, morbidity, or length of stay outcomes, and were classified according to the nature of nutrition intervention and study design.

RESULTS

Twenty relevant articles were identified of which: 12 were original research articles; two were systematic reviews; one a meta-analysis; and five were narrative reviews. Of these, eleven explored timing of feed provision, eight explored route of administration of feeding, nine examined the provision of specific nutrients, and none examined feeding environment. Some explored more than one intervention. Three sets of guidelines which contain feeding recommendations were also identified.

DISCUSSION

Inconsistency within nutrition intervention methods and outcome measures means that the present evidence base is inadequate for the construction of best practice guidelines for nutrition and TBI. Further research is necessary to elucidate the optimal nutrition therapy for adults with TBI with respect to the timing, route of administration, nutrient provision and feeding environment. A consensus on the ideal outcome measure and the most appropriate method and timing of its measurement is required as a foundation for this evidence base.

General intensive care for patients with traumatic brain injury: An update

Background:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing epidemic throughout the world and may present as major global burden in 2020. Some intensive care units throughout the world still have no access to specialized monitoring methods, equipments and other technologies related to intensive care management of these patients; therefore, this review is meant for providing generalized supportive measurement to this subgroup of patients so that evidence based management could minimize or prevent the secondary brain injury.

Methods:

Therefore, we have included the PubMed search for the relevant clinical trials and reviews (from 1 January 2007 to 31 March 2013), which specifically discussed about the topic.

Results:

General supportive measures are equally important to prevent and minimize the effects of secondary brain injury and therefore, have a substantial impact on the outcome in patients with TBI. The important considerations for general supportive intensive care unit care remain the prompt reorganization and treatment of hypoxemia, hypotension and hypercarbia. Evidences are found to be either against or weak regarding the use of routine hyperventilation therapy, tight control blood sugar regime, use of colloids and late as well as parenteral nutrition therapy in patients with severe TBI.

Conclusion:

There is also a need to develop some evidence based protocols for the health-care sectors, in which there is still lack of specific management related to monitoring methods, equipments and other technical resources. Optimization of physiological parameters, understanding of basic neurocritical care knowledge as well as incorporation of newer guidelines would certainly improve the outcome of the TBI patients.

Nutritional support for patients sustaining traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Background

In traumatic brain injury (TBI), the appropriate timing and route of feeding, and the efficacy of immune-enhancing formulae have not been well established. We performed this meta-analysis aiming to compare the effects of different nutritional support modalities on clinical outcomes of TBI patients.

Methods

We systematically searched Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until October, 2012. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized prospective studies (NPSs) that compared the effects of different routes, timings, or formulae of feeding on outcomes in TBI patients were selected. The primary outcomes included mortality and poor outcome. The secondary outcomes included the length of hospital stay, the length of ventilation days, and the rate of infectious or feeding-related complications.

Findings

13 RCTs and 3 NPSs were included. The pooled data demonstrated that, compared with delayed feeding, early feeding was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of mortality (relative risk [RR] = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.24–0.50), poor outcome (RR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54–0.91), and infectious complications (RR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59–0.99). Compared with enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition showed a slight trend of reduction in the rate of mortality (RR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.34–1.09), poor outcome (RR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.51–1.04), and infectious complications (RR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.66–1.22), whereas without statistical significances. The immune-enhancing formula was associated with a significant reduction in infection rate compared with the standard formula (RR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35–0.82). Small-bowel feeding was found to be with a decreasing rate of pneumonia compared with nasogastric feeding (RR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22–0.76).

Conclusion

After TBI, early initiation of nutrition is recommended. It appears that parenteral nutrition is superior to enteral nutrition in improving outcomes. Our results lend support to the use of small-bowel feeding and immune-enhancing formulae in reducing infectious complications.

[Nutritional management of severely injured patients : Treatment between guidelines and reality]

Severe trauma triggers endocrine and inflammatory responses, leading to hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance and protein catabolism. Pharmacological and nutritional interventions cannot counteract these metabolic disturbances. However, adequate supply of energy and proteins may reduce excessive catabolism.Available guidelines recommend early use of enteral nutrition with energetic supply of about 25 kcal/kg and additional protein supply of 1.5 g/kg/day. These aims will be missed frequently by solely providing enteral nutrition in severely injured patients. Early supplemental parenteral nutrition should be used in these cases. Concomitantly, gastric paresis and paralytic ileus hampering enteral nutrition should be treated by propulsive and prokinetic drugs and by use of duodenal or jejunal site of application in selected cases.Euphoric hopes linked with intensified insulin therapy (IIT), targeting blood glucose levels <110 mg/dl in intensive care patients, had to be widely abandoned in recent years. The goal for blood glucose levels should be set at 180 mg/dl as the upper limit according to current knowledge, which promises to optimize the balance between efficacy and safety.

Contemporary view on neuromonitoring following severe traumatic brain injury

Evolving brain damage following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is strongly influenced by complex pathophysiologic cascades including local as well as systemic influences. To successfully prevent secondary progression of the primary damage we must actively search and identify secondary insults e.g. hypoxia, hypotension, uncontrolled hyperventilation, anemia, and hypoglycemia, which are known to aggravate existing brain damage. For this, we must rely on specific cerebral monitoring. Only then can we unmask changes which otherwise would remain hidden, and prevent adequate intensive care treatment. Apart from intracranial pressure (ICP) and calculated cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), extended neuromonitoring (SjvO₂, ptiO₂, microdialysis, transcranial Doppler sonography, electrocorticography) also allows us to define individual pathologic ICP and CPP levels. This, in turn, will support our therapeutic decision-making and also allow a more individualized and flexible treatment concept for each patient. For this, however, we need to learn to integrate several dimensions with their own possible treatment options into a complete picture. The present review summarizes the current understanding of extended neuromonitoring to guide therapeutic interventions with the aim of improving intensive care treatment following severe TBI, which is the basis for ameliorated outcome.