Maximizing Nutrition Support Practice and Measuring Adherence to Nutrition Support Guidelines in a Canadian Tertiary Care ICU

Early enteral nutrition is associated with improved outcomes in critically ill mechanically ventilated medical and surgical patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Data suggest that guidelines for enteral nutrition (EN) initiation are not closely followed in clinical practice. In addition, critically ill mechanically ventilated (MV) patients have varying metabolic needs, which often increase and persist over time, requiring personalized nutrition intervention. While both over- and under-nutrition can impact patient outcomes, recent data suggest that targeted early EN delivery may reduce mortality and improve clinical outcomes. This study examined if early EN improves clinical outcomes and decreases costs in critically ill patients on MV.

METHODS

Data from a nationwide administrative-financial database between 2018 and 2020 was utilized to identify eligible adult critical care patients. Patients who received EN within 3 days after intubation (early EN) were compared to patients who started EN after 3 days of intubation (late EN). Outcomes of interest included hospital mortality, discharge disposition, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), MV days, and total cost. After inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting, outcomes were modeled using a nominal logistic regression model for hospital mortality and discharge disposition, a linear regression model for cost, and Cox proportional-hazards model for MV days, hospital and ICU LOS.

RESULTS

A total of 27,887 adult patients with early MV were identified, of which 16,772 (60.1%) received early EN. Regression analyses showed that the early EN group had lower hospital mortality (OR = 0.88, 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.94), were more likely to be discharged home (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.56), had fewer MV days (HR = 1.23, 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.37), shorter hospital LOS (HR = 1.43, 95% CI, 1.33 to 1.54) and ICU LOS (HR = 1.36, 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.46), and lower cost (-$21,226; 95% CI, -$23,605 to -$18,848) compared to the late EN group.

CONCLUSIONS

Early EN within 3 days of MV initiation in real-world practice demonstrated improved clinical and economic outcomes. These data suggest that early EN is associated with decreased hospital mortality, increased discharge to home, and decreased hospital and ICU LOS, time on MV, and cost compared to delayed initiation of EN; highlighting the importance of early EN to optimize utcomes ando support the recovery of critically ill patients on MV.

Enteral nutrition management in critically ill adult patients and its relationship with intensive care unit-acquired muscle weakness: A national cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence and determinants of ICU-acquired muscle weakness (ICUAW) in adult patients with enteral nutrition (EN) during the first 7 days in the ICU and mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours.

METHODS

A prospective, nationwide, multicentre cohort study in a national ICU network of 80 ICUs. ICU patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours and EN the first 7 days of their ICU stay were included. The primary outcome was incidence of ICUAW. The secondary outcome was analysed, during days 3-7 of ICU stay, the relationship between demographic and clinical data to contribute to the onset of ICUAW, identify whether energy and protein intake can contribute independently to the onset of ICUAW and degree of compliance guidelines for EN.

RESULTS

319 patients were studied from 69 ICUs in our country. The incidence of ICUAW was 153/222 (68.9%; 95% CI [62.5%-74.7%]). Patients without ICUAW showed higher levels of active mobility (p = 0.018). The logistic regression analysis showed no effect on energy or protein intake on the onset of ICUAW. Overfeeding was observed on a significant proportion of patient-days, while more overfeeding (as per US guidelines) was found among patients with obesity than those without (42.9% vs 12.5%; p<0.001). Protein intake was deficient (as per US/European guidelines) during ICU days 3-7.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ICUAW was high in this patient cohort. Early mobility was associated with a lower incidence of ICUAW. Significant overfeeding and deficient protein intake were observed. However, energy and protein intake alone were insufficient to explain ICUAW onset.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Low mobility, high incidence of ICUAW and low protein intake suggest the need to train, update and involve ICU professionals in nutritional care and the need for early mobilization of ICU patients.

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

BACKGROUND AND AIM

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Optimizing the Nutrition Support Care Model: Analysis of Survey Data

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is under-recognized and under-diagnosed, despite high prevalence rates and associated poor clinical outcomes. The involvement of clinical nutrition experts, especially physicians, in the care of high-risk patients with malnutrition remains low, despite evidence demonstrating lower complication rates with nutrition support team (NST) management. To facilitate solutions, a survey was designed to elucidate the nature of NSTs and physician involvement and identify needs for novel nutrition support care models.

METHODS

This survey assessed demographics of NSTs, factors contributing to the success of NSTs, elements of nutrition education, and other barriers to professional growth.

RESULTS

Of 255 respondents, 235 complete surveys were analyzed. The geographic distribution of respondents correlated with population concentrations of the United States (r = 90.8%, p-value <0.0001). Most responding physicians (80.7%) reported being a member of NSTs, compared with 56.5% of dietitians. Of those not practicing in NSTs (N = 81, 34.4%), 12.3% reported an NST was previously present at their institution but had been disbanded. Regarding NSTs, financial concerns were common (48.9%), followed by leadership (30.6%), and healthcare professional (HCP) interest (23.4%). A majority (73.6%) of all respondents wanted additional training in nutrition, but reported insufficient protected time, ability to travel, or support from administrators or other HCPs.

CONCLUSION

Core actions resulting from this survey focused on formalizing physician roles, increasing inter-disciplinary nutrition support expertise, utilizing cost-effective screening for malnutrition, and implementing intervention protocols. Additional actions included increasing funding for clinical practice, education, and research, all within an expanded portfolio of pragmatic nutrition support care models.

CLINICAL RELEVANCY STATEMENT

Physician engagement in nutrition support continues to remain low despite the increasing prevalence of malnutrition. This problem, and the working solution, is in the context of decreased engagement of other healthcare professionals in nutrition support, as well as declining Nutrition Support Team utilization. To address these issues, the ASPEN Physician Engagement Committee (PEC) conducted a survey of healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in nutrition support. Key findings include: (1) lack of financial support and physician champions with financial knowledge; (2) inadequate valuation of physicians and other nutrition support HCPs and NSTs, and their impact on clinical outcomes; and (3) significant barriers to primary and supplementary training for physicians in nutrition. Accordingly, the PEC recommends: (1) development of cost-effective screening and intervention for malnutrition; (2) expansion of nutrition support care models appropriately scaled to the available resources and expertise; and (3) development of a knowledge translation platform to foster transmission of novel breakthroughs while addressing research, knowledge, and practice gaps. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Factors associated with delayed enteral nutrition in the intensive care unit: a propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend enteral nutrition (EN) within 48 h of admission to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) in appropriate patients. However, delayed EN is still common.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to identify risk factors for delayed EN ordering in the ICU and to examine its association with patient outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study from 2010-2018. Adult patients were included if they were admitted to the medical ICU for >48 h, were appropriate for EN, and had an order for EN placed within 30 d of admission. The primary outcome was ordering of EN, classified as early if ordered within 48 h of ICU admission and otherwise as delayed. Propensity score matching was used to examine the relation between delayed EN and ICU-free days, and outcomes such as length of ICU admission, length of hospitalization during 30 d of follow-up, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 738 (79%) patients received early EN and 196 (21%) received delayed EN. The exposures most strongly associated with delayed EN were order placement by a Doctor of Medicine compared with a dietitian [adjusted OR (aOR): 2.58; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.24] and use of vasopressors within 48 h of ICU admission (aOR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.59). After propensity score matching to balance baseline characteristics, delayed EN ordering was significantly associated with fewer ICU-free days, longer ICU admissions, and longer hospitalizations, but not mortality, compared with early EN.

CONCLUSIONS

Provider-level factors were associated with delayed ordering of EN which itself was associated with worse outcomes. Interventions directed at providers may increase timely EN in the ICU and improve outcomes.

Impact of enteral nutrition interruptions on underfeeding in intensive care unit

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Malnutrition leads to poor outcomes for critically ill patients; however, underfeeding remains a prevalent issue in the intensive care unit (ICU). One of the reasons for underfeeding is enteral nutrition interruption (ENI). Our aim was to investigate the causes, frequency, and duration of ENIs and their association with underfeeding in critical care.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study conducted at the Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, Lithuania, between December 2017 and February 2018. It included adult medical and surgical ICU patients who received enteral nutrition (EN). Data on ENIs and caloric, as well as protein intake were collected during the entire ICU stay. Nutritional goals were assessed using indirect calorimetry, where available.

RESULTS

In total 73 patients were enrolled in the study. Data from 1023 trial days and 131 ENI episodes were collected; 68% of the patients experienced ENI during the ICU stay, and EN was interrupted during 35% of the trial days. The main reasons for ENIs were haemodynamic instability (20%), high gastric residual volume (GRV) (17%), tracheostomy (16%), or other surgical interventions (16%). The median duration of ENI was 12 [6-24] h, and the longest ENIs were due to patient-related factors (22 [12-42] h). The rate of underfeeding was 54% vs. 15% in the trial days with and without ENI (p < 0.001), respectively. Feeding goal was achieved in 26% of the days with ENI vs. 45% of days without ENI (p < 0.001). The daily average caloric provision was 77 ± 36% vs. 106 ± 29% in the trial days with and without ENI (p < 0.001) and protein provision was 0.96 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5 g/kg, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The episodes of ENI in critically ill patients are frequent and prolonged, often leading to underfeeding. Similar observations have been reported by other studies; however, the causes and duration of ENI vary, mainly because of different practices worldwide. Hence, safe and internationally recognised reduced-fasting guidelines and protocols for critically ill patients are needed in order to minimise ENI-related underfeeding and malnutrition.

Strategies to effect change in the ICU

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an update on implementation efforts in the care of critically ill patients, with a focus on work published in the last 2 years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Only half of surveyed members of the multidisciplinary care team in the ICU were aware of the Choosing Wisely campaign, and of those that were, approximately one-third reported no implementation of the recommendations. Barriers to implementation of the ABCDE bundle extend to beyond patient-level domains, and include clinician-related, protocol-related, and other domains. Prospective audit and feedback approaches have demonstrated moderate success for improving the quality of antibiotic prescription practices in the ICU.

SUMMARY

Clinical research in intensive care has moved beyond simple discovery and dissemination. Best practices must be applied to effect change in ICU care, requiring the application of principles from implementation science. Future work should move beyond simple before-after evaluations to provide a stronger case for causal inference following implementation efforts.

Comparison of the Outcomes of Three Different Nutritional Supports in Patients with Oral and Maxillofacial Malignant Tumors following Surgery

Objective. This study aimed to compare the physical and mental states and the clinical effects of parenteral nutrition combined with enteral nutrition (PN+EN), total enteral nutrition (TEN), and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) after surgery in patients with maxillofacial malignant tumors. Methods. A total of 112 patients were divided into three groups, with 58, 33, and 21 patients in the PN+EN, TPN, and TEN groups, respectively. The psychological survey contained the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FRS-R), visual analog scale (VAS), numerical rating scale (NRS), Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA), and short-form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36). Spirit symptoms, length of hospital stay, nutritional assessments, and related biochemical indices were recorded and compared. Results. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms of anxiety and dysphoria were least frequently identified in the TPN group. The levels of lymphocytes, hemoglobin (HB), albumin (ALB), and prealbumin (PA) were significantly higher in the PE+EN group, whereas white blood cell count, neutrophil count, HB, PA, and ALB were significantly lower in the TPN group. Better psychological scores were observed in the TPN group. The PE+EN group had a shorter length of stay and higher SGA categories. Potassium, sodium, and chlorine levels were significantly lower in the TEN group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions. As an auxiliary method, TCM symptoms can help to identify spirit disequilibrium earlier and are associated with blood indices. Without the consideration of cost and long length of hospital stay, patients in the TPN group had the best mental status, with PN+EN therapy being an alternative.

Bedside electromagnetic-guided placement of nasoenteral feeding tubes among critically Ill patients: A single-centre randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

We aimed to compare the effectiveness of EM-guided and endoscopic nasoenteral feeding tube placement among critically ill patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a single-center, randomized controlled trial among 161 adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) requiring nasoenteral feeding. Patients were randomly assigned to EM-guided or endoscopic nasoenteral feeding tube placement (1:1). The primary end point was the total success rate of correct jejunal placement.

RESULTS

This was achieved in 74/81 and 76/80 patients who underwent EM-guided and endoscopic jejunal tube placements, respectively (91.4% vs. 95%; relative risk, 0.556; [CI], 0.156-1.980; P = 0.360). The EM-guided group had more placement attempts, longer placement time, and shorter inserted nasal intestinal tube length. However, they had shorter total placement procedure duration and physician's order-tube placement and order-start of feeding intervals. The EM-guided group had higher discomfort level and recommendation scores and lesser patient costs. This trial is registered at Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-17011737).

CONCLUSION

Bedside EM-guided placement is as fast, safe, and successful as endoscopic placement and may be considered the preferred technique in critically ill patients.