Lipid enemas for meconium evacuation in preterm infants – a retrospective cohort study

Background Enemas are used in preterm infants to promote meconium evacuation, but frequent high-volume enemas might contribute to focal intestinal perforation (FIP). To replace a regime consisting of frequent enemas of varying volume and composition, we implemented a once-daily, low-volume lipid enema (LE) regimen. We investigated its impact on meconium evacuation, enteral nutrition, and gastrointestinal complications in preterm infants. Methods We performed a single-center retrospective study comparing cohorts of preterm infants < 28 weeks gestation or < 32 weeks, but with birth weight < 10th percentile, before and after implementing LE. Outcomes were rates of FIP, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and sepsis. We assessed stooling patterns, early enteral and parenteral nutrition. We used descriptive statistics for group comparisons and logistic regression to identify associations between LE and gastrointestinal complications and to adjust for group imbalances and potential confounders. Exclusion criteria were gastrointestinal malformations or pre-determined palliative care. Results Data from 399 infants were analyzed, 203 before vs. 190 after implementing LE; in the latter period, 55 protocol deviations occurred where infants received no enema, resulting in 3 groups with either variable enemas, LE or no enema use. Rates of FIP and sepsis were 11.9% vs. 6.4% vs. 0.0% and 18.4% vs. 13.5% vs. 14.0%, respectively. NEC rates were 3.0% vs. 7.8% vs. 3.5%. Adjusted for confounders, LE had no effect on FIP risk (aOR 1.1; 95%CI 0.5–2.8; p = 0.80), but was associated with an increased risk of NEC (aOR 2.9; 95%CI 1.0–8.6; p = 0.048). While fewer enemas were applied in the LE group resulting in a prolonged meconium passage, no changes in early enteral and parenteral nutrition were observed. We identified indomethacin administration and formula feeding as additional risk factors for FIP and NEC, respectively (aOR 3.5; 95%CI 1.5–8.3; p < 0.01 and aOR 3.4; 95%CI 1.2–9.3; p = 0.02). Conclusion Implementing LE had no clinically significant impact on meconium evacuation, early enteral or parenteral nutrition. FIP and sepsis rates remained unaffected. Other changes in clinical practice, like a reduced use of indomethacin, possibly affected FIP rates in our cohorts. The association between LE and NEC found here argues against further adoption of this practice. Trial registration Registered at the German Register of Clinical Trials (no. DRKS00024021; Feb 022021).

Energy target achievement and its determinants in critically ill COVID-19 patients in Indonesia

Introduction. Achievement of energy target in critically ill Covid-19 patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is challenging. This study was aimed to depict the possibility of achieving energy target and its determinants in critically ill Covid-19 patients. Methods. A cross sectional study was conducted in ICU of dr. Kariadi Hospital Semarang, Indonesia. Secondary data were obtained from Covid-19 patients who were in ICU for minimum 3 days, from March to December 2020. Data collected included age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), comorbidities, Modified Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) score, energy intake, route of nutrition delivery (enteral or combination of enteral and parenteral nutrition), lactate status, ICU length of stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilator and mortality. Risk Prevalence calculations were conducted to measure risks. Variables with significant associations and p< 0.25 were included in multiple logistic regression. Results. A total of 188 subjects were included in the analysis. Most patients were male (62.8%) and obese (61.8%). As much as 56.9% patients were able to achieve energy target of 20 kcal/kgBW on day 3 of ICU stay. Those with low risk mNUTRIC score and nutrition delivery was through enteral and parenteral route were more likely to achieve target energy of 20 kcal/kgBW in the first 3 days in the ICU. Conclusions. Achieving energy target of 20 kcal on day 3 of ICU stay for critically ill Covid-19 patients is feasible. Low mNutric score and nutrition delivery through enteral and parenteral route were two determinants for the achievement.

Omega-3 fatty acids as component of nutritional and metabolic treatment of patients with COVID-19 and other viral diseases (literature review)

Nutritional deficit in patients with viral diseases, including COVID-19, can reduce the efficacy of specific treatment, decrease the survival rate, and increase medical expenses. According to international guidelines, timely correction of nutritional status with supplemental enteral and parenteral nutrition containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid from fish oil (omega-3 PUFAs: ЕРА and DHA) is able to improve clinical outcomes of specific antiviral treatment. The authors conducted an analytical review to assess the results from the study of clinical use of omega-3 PUFAs for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and other viral infections. Supplementation of clinical (enteral and parenteral) nutrition with omega-3 PUFAs allows for symptom reduction, shorter stay in hospital, and quicker recovery of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. When used in combination with adequate macronutrient support, it can reverse nutritional deficit and improve clinical outcomes.

Small and Large Intestine (II): Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Short Bowel Syndrome, and Malignant Tumors of the Digestive Tract

The small intestine is key in the digestion and absorption of macro and micronutrients. The large intestine is essential for the absorption of water, to allow adequate defecation, and to harbor intestinal microbiota, for which their nutritional role is as important as it is unknown. This article will describe the causes and consequences of malnutrition in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, the importance of screening and replacement of micronutrient deficits, and the main indications for enteral and parenteral nutrition in these patients. We will also discuss the causes of short bowel syndrome, a complex entity due to anatomical or functional loss of part of the small bowel, which can cause insufficient absorption of liquid, electrolytes, and nutrients and lead to complex management. Finally, we will review the causes, consequences, and management of malnutrition in patients with malignant and benign digestive tumors, including neuroendocrine tumors (present not only in the intestine but also in the pancreas).

Assessment of nutritional status of the cirrhotic patients on enteral and parenteral feeding

Background: Cirrhosis is an irreversible disease that replaces healthy tissues with scar tissues. According to the Pakistan Medical Research Council’s national general population survey (2008–2014), the ratio of cirrhosis was 4.8% among the population. Objectives: To assess the nutritional status of cirrhotic patients on enteral and parenteral nutrition and to assess the degree of malnutrition among cirrhotic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shalamar and Shiekh Zayed Hospitals of Lahore from January–April 2017. The convenient sampling technique was used. Inclusion criteria were the patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, whereas compensated patients were excluded from the study. Data were collected through the patient’s file, nurse’s, and dietitian’s notes. The nutritional status of participants was assessed based on socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, biochemical assessment, clinical signs, and dietary recall. Variables were categorized and compared to observe the level of significance in enteral and parenteral nutrition. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze data. Results: Patients on parenteral nutrition had a higher ratio of malnutrition with a significant Child–Pugh score—61.8% of patients belonged to Class C and 35.3% Class B, while in enteral support, 7.3% belonged to Class C and 43.9% patients belonged to Class B ( p-value = 0.000). There was a definite relationship observed in the route of intake and malnutrition among cirrhotic patients. Conclusion: Enteral route of nutrition is an effective and the safest way to provide appropriate nutrients according to the patient’s demands.