Intravenous Nutritional Support Research Articles

Multimodal management of more than 50% mixed deep dermal and full thickness burns in a child

IntroductionEarly tangential excision and wound coverage by autologous skin grafting is the mainstay of treatment for deep dermal and full-thickness burns. They are challenging in children with major burns involving more than 50% of the body surface area.AimThis article highlights a young boy who suffered from 52% mixed deep dermal and full-thickness burns after alleged thermal burns and we discuss his treatment strategies.Case studyA 10-year-old boy suffered 52% mixed deep dermal and full-thickness burns after alleged thermal burns. After initial resuscitation, pain relief and fluid replacement, he underwent an emergent escharotomy of bilateral lower limbs followed by a series of surgeries. His treatment was complicated by many hurdles such as graft failure, difficult intravenous access, nutritional support and local wound infection which were tackled aptly with a multidisciplinary approach.Results and discussionA sequential excision of eschar tissue and advocation of multiple modalities of burn wound coverage, including glycerol-preserved cadaveric allograft (GPCA) and MEEK micrografting. GPCA decreases the bacterial load and helps to re-establish the skin barrier, normalise the physiological state and promote capillary ingrowth into the wound. MEEK micrografting allows better re-epithelization and has a shorter operation time.ConclusionsVarious modalities can be used to achieve skin coverage such as GPCA and MEEK micrografting. Extensive burns need to be managed in a tertiary centre with a combination of skin coverage techniques such as GPCA and MEEK micrografting in order to overcome the unavailability of normal skin for conventional skin grafting.

Энтеральная и внутривенная нутриентная поддержка для улучшения репродуктивных исходов

Aim: To describe the tools for determining the nutritional status of patients, possible methods for its correction, the main components (vitamins, macro- and micronutrients, and antioxidants) for oral and intravenous administration, involved in the implementation of the reproductive function. Key points. The correct combination of enteral and parenteral forms of vitamins, macro- and microelements makes it possible to adequately, personalized and quickly compensate for the deficient conditions of patients at the pregravid stage, to ensure a favorable start of pregnancy, taking into account personal risks. The optimal nutritional status maintains normal immunological reactivity of the organism, influencing the processes of implantation and placentation, which is extremely important for overcoming miscarriage, especially in the early stages. Conclusion. Intravenous nutritional support is an additional tool in the practitioners' arsenal to improve reproductive outcomes and improve patients' quality of life. Keywords: vitamins, macro- and micronutrients, preconception preparation, antioxidants, intravenous nutritional therapy.

Presentation, Treatment, and Complications of Acute Dehydration in Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition affecting a group of pregnant women, poses a complex clinical situation marked by persistent vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. The prevalence rate of HG ranges from 0.5% to 2%, which means it carries risks for both the health of the mother and the developing fetus throughout pregnancy. The multifaceted etiology of HG involves hormonal factors, genetic predisposition, and other potential contributors. This review explores the key findings, clinical manifestations, and management strategies associated with HG. Identifiable risk factors, including prior HG history, multiple gestations, and extreme maternal age, contribute to its development. Hormonal factors, including increased levels of gonadotropin (hCG) and dysfunction in the thyroid, play a role in its development. Clinically, HG is marked by severe vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and notable weight loss. Timely and comprehensive management is paramount, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach involving intravenous fluids, antiemetic medications, nutritional support, and psychological counseling. In conclusion, HG underscores the unique healthcare needs of pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of addressing these needs promptly and comprehensively to safeguard both maternal and fetal well-being. This review sheds light on the intricate nature of HG, highlighting the significance of tailored interventions and continuous care throughout pregnancy to mitigate complications and ensure safe outcomes.

Digital surgery group versus traditional experience group in head and neck reconstruction: a retrospective controlled study to analyze clinical value and time-economic-social effect

ObjectiveDiscuss the application value of digital surgical technology in the reconstruction of head and neck defects after tumor resection and comprehensively evaluate time-economic-benefit cost.MethodsA retrospective analysis of head and neck cancer patients who underwent reconstructive operations in head and neck surgery at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2015 to January 2021 was performed. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 52 cases were included, including 25 cases using digital surgery (DS) and 27 cases using the conventional surgery (CS). The clinical-pathological characteristics, postoperative complications, functional aesthetic evaluation indexes, and time-cost-satisfaction evaluation indexes between the two groups were compared and statistically analyzed. Typical cases using digital surgery were shared.ResultsOutcomes between the two groups were comparable, and there was no significant difference in survival outcome and follow-up time between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the defect size, pathological type, other major clinicopathological features, or operation-related indicators (P > 0.05). The incidence of titanium plate displacement, deformation or exposure, and facial scar deformity in the DS group was significantly lower than that in the CS group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in other short-term or long-term complications (P > 0.05). The incidence of dysphagia and eating disorders in the DS group was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The speech and social functions were improved, but not significantly (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in the evaluation index of facial aesthetics in this study (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the total operation time, preparation time of bone flap from the donor site, osteotomy time, and reconstruction time in the DS group were significantly lower than those in the traditional operation group (P < 0.05), but the shaping time and vascular anastomosis time of recipient area could not be shortened (P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in total hospitalization days between the DS group and CS group (P > 0.05), but the time of ICU treatment and postoperative intravenous nutrition support in the DS group were shorter than those in the CS group (P < 0.05). In particular, the preoperative doctor-patient communication of the DS group was more effective, and the treatment satisfaction of patients including their families was higher after operation (P < 0.05).ConclusionComprehensive application of digital surgical technology (CAD, CAM, VR, MA, etc.) in the reconstruction of the head and neck after tumor resection is feasible in clinical practice, which can not only improve the accuracy of repair, decrease some surgical complications, better preserve and improve patient’s diet and speech function, and reduce the operation and hospitalization time, but also increase the treatment cost. Furthermore, it is conducive to doctor-patient communication and improves patient satisfaction.

Congenital nephrotic syndrome.

Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS), a challenging form of nephrotic syndrome, is characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. Extensive leakage of plasma proteins is the main feature of CNS. Patients can be diagnosed in utero or during the first few weeks of life, usually before three months. The etiology of CNS can be related to either genetic or nongenetic etiologies. Pathogenic variants in NPHS1, NPHS2, LAMB2, WT1, and PLCE1 genes have been implicated in this disease. The clinical course is complicated by significant edema, infections, thrombosis, hypothyroidism, failure to thrive, and others. Obtaining vascular access, frequent intravenous albumin infusions, diuretic use, infection prevention, and nutritional support are the mainstay management during their first month of life. The best therapy for these patients is kidney transplantation. CNS diagnosis and treatment continue to be a challenge for clinicians. This review increases the awareness about the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of CNS patients.

Post\u2010traumatic cerebral fat embolism syndrome with a favourable outcome: a case report

BackgroundFat embolism syndrome (FES) is a change in physiology resulting from mechanical causes, trauma, or sepsis. Neurological manifestations of FES can vary from mild cognitive changes to coma and even cerebral oedema and brain death. Here, we present an unusual case of cerebral fat emboli that occurred in the absence of acute chest syndrome or right-to-left shunt.Case presentationA previously healthy 57-year-old right-handed male was admitted to our department because of unconsciousness after a car accident for 3 days. He suffered from multiple fractures of the bilateral lower extremities and pelvis. This patient had severe anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Head MRI showed multiple small lesions in the whole brain consistent with a “star field” pattern, including high signals on T2-weighted (T2w) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images in the bilateral centrum semiovale; both frontal, parietal and occipital lobes; and brainstem, cerebellar hemisphere, and deep and subcortical white matter. Intravenous methylprednisolone, heparin, mannitol, antibiotics and nutritional support were used. Although this patient had severe symptoms at first, the outcome was favourable.ConclusionsWhen patients have long bone and pelvic fractures, multiple bone fractures and deteriorated neurological status, cerebral fat embolism (CFE) should be considered. Additionally, CFE may occur without an intracardiac shunt. The early diagnosis and appropriate management of FES are important, and prior to and following surgery, patients should be monitored comprehensively in the intensive care unit. With appropriate treatment, CFE patients may achieve good results.

Refeeding risks in patients requiring intravenous nutrition support: Results of a two-centre, prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trial.

Refeeding syndrome can result following excessive feeding of malnourished patients. The syndrome remains poorly defined but encompasses a range of adverse effects including electrolyte shifts, hyperglycaemia and other less well-defined phenomena. There are additional risks of underfeeding malnourished individuals. Studies of refeeding syndrome have generally focussed on critical care environments or patients with anorexia nervosa. Here we have conducted a two-centre, prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trial amongst all patients referred to hospital nutrition support teams for intravenous nutrition support. We sought to determine whether electrolyte and other abnormalities suggestive of refeeding syndrome risk varied depending on initial rate of intravenous feeding. Patients at moderate or high risk of refeeding syndrome, as defined by United Kingdom National Institute of Health and Care Excellence guidelines, were screened for inclusion. Patients were randomised to receive either high (30kcal/kg/day, 0.25gN/kg/day) or low (15kcal/day, 0.125gN/kg/day) rate feeding for the first 48h prior to escalation to standard parenteral nutrition regimens. The primary outcome was rates of potential refeeding risks within the first 7 days as defined by electrolyte imbalance or hyperglycaemia requiring insulin. Secondary outcomes included effects on QTc interval, infections and length of hospital stay. Statistical analysis was performed with χ2 or Wilcoxon rank sum tests and all analysis was intention-to-treat. Problems with study recruitment led to premature termination of the trial. Registered on the EU Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT number 2007-005547-17). 534 patients were screened and 104 randomised to either high or low rate feeding based on risk of refeeding syndrome. Seven patients were withdrawn prior to collection of baseline demographics and were excluded from analysis. 48 patients were analysed for the primary outcome with potential refeeding risks identified in 46%. No differences in risks were seen between high and low rate feeding (p>0.99) or high and moderate risk feeding (p=0.68). There were no differences in QTc abnormalities, infection rates, or hospital length of stay between groups. In this randomised trial of rates of refeeding risk, in patients pre-stratified as being at high or moderate risk, we found no evidence of increased refeeding related disturbances in those commenced on high rate feeding compared to low rate. No differences were seen in secondary endpoints including cardiac rhythm analysis, infections or length of stay. Our study reflects real world experience of patients referred for nutrition support and highlights challenges encountered when conducting clinical nutrition research.

Second-line chemotherapy using taxane in patients with advanced gastric cancer who presented with severe peritoneal metastasis: a multicenter retrospective study.

Individuals with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) who present with severe peritoneal metastasis (SPM) have poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of second-line treatment for patients with such condition. This retrospective study included patients receiving taxane-based second-line chemotherapy at three Japanese institutions between 2010 and 2016. Patients with AGC who present with SPM were included if they had massive ascites and/or inadequate oral intake requiring intravenous nutritional support. In this study, 43 (40%) of 108 patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status score ≥ 2, and the median serum albumin level of the patients was 3.3g/dL. Ramucirumab was used in combination with paclitaxel in 21 patients. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 5.1 and 2.8months, respectively. Inadequate oral intake was considered a negative prognostic factor of both OS and PFS in the multivariate analysis. Three treatment-related deaths were observed, which include those attributed to febrile neutropenia, gastrointestinal perforation, and pneumonitis. Common grade ≥ 3 adverse events were neutropenia (35%), leukopenia (30%), anemia (24%), and anorexia (16%). We observed febrile neutropenia in 8% and gastrointestinal perforation in 4% of patients, and such conditions were dominantly observed in patients with inadequate oral intake. Taxane-based second-line chemotherapy was effective and safe for patients with AGC who present with SPM. Attention must be provided when treating patients with inadequate oral intake as they are likely to have short prognosis and serious toxicities.

Medical management of a unilateral obstructive ureterolith in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A 5-year-old neutered male French lop rabbit presented with a 6-hour history of stranguria and reduced faecal output. Routine haematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis and diagnostic imaging were performed. Ultrasonography revealed...

The hidden cost of catheter related blood stream infections in patients on parenteral nutrition

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a valuable and life-saving treatment for patients with intestinal failure. While its use is increasing, it has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for intravenous catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) - a significant, serious and potentially fatal complication of PN use. CRBSI can have serious secondary consequences for patients, though, there is a paucity of literature describing these. The aim of this study is to audit the incidence of, and evaluate the consequences of, complications associated with CRBSI. Medical records were examined for all parenterally fed patients diagnosed with a CRBSI from 01/01/16 to 31/12/17 in a UK tertiary referral centre for patients requiring intravenous nutritional support. Patients were identified prospectively; data relating to the infection and complications was collected retrospectively. 114 episodes of CRBSI were recorded in 80 patients. 57 occurred during an inpatient admission, 57 occurred in the community and resulted in admission. 21 different adverse events occurred as a result of the CRBSI. The complications identified were varied with the most common being acute kidney injury, deranged electrolytes and urinary tract infections. Other significant complications included DVT, pulmonary abscess and infective endocarditis. 35% of episodes resulted in delayed discharge and 12% required escalation to a critical care bed. The financial impact is estimated at over £800,000 per annum. The findings demonstrate a plethora of complications which can arise following CRBSI, which pose a significant health risk to parenterally fed patients who already have reduced physiological reserve. Moreover, these findings represent additional financial and resource burden to the health service. The adverse events resulting from CRBSIs should, therefore, be audited to improve outcomes: well-resourced specialist centres are best placed to provide this service.

Hydrogen gas therapy induced shrinkage of metastatic gallbladder cancer: A case report

BACKGROUNDWe present the case of a 72-year-old female patient with gallbladder cancer (GBC) who developed in situ recurrence and liver metastases 9 mo after irreversible electroporation ablation and oral tegafur (a fluoropyrimidine derivative) chemotherapy, which failed to control the progression of the disease. The patient further developed metastases in the lymph nodes around the head of the pancreas. The patient had severe anemia, requiring weekly blood transfusions. The gallbladder tumor invaded the descending part of the duodenum, causing intestinal leakage and hepatic colonic adhesion.CASE SUMMARYThe patient refused other treatments and began daily hydrogen inhalation therapy. After 1 mo of treatment, the gallbladder and liver tumors continued to progress, and intestinal obstruction occurred. After continuous hydrogen therapy and symptomatic treatments including gastrointestinal decompression and intravenous nutrition support, the intestinal obstruction was gradually relieved. Three months after hydrogen therapy, the metastases in the abdominal cavity gradually reduced in size, her anemia and hypoalbuminemia were corrected, lymphocyte and tumor marker levels returned to normal, and the patient was able to resume normal life.CONCLUSIONThis is the first report of an efficacy and safety study about hydrogen therapy in patient with metastatic GBC and a critical general condition, who has remained stable for more than 4 months.

Fluoropyrimidine with or without platinum as first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer and severe peritoneal metastasis: a multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundThere is no standard first-line chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer with severe peritoneal metastasis. Although fluoropyrimidine is often used, its efficacy is limited, and it remains unclear whether combination therapy with platinum improves clinical outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective study involved patients at six Japanese academic hospitals between 2010 and 2016. Patients with advanced gastric cancer and severe peritoneal metastasis were included if they had massive ascites and/or inadequate oral intake requiring intravenous nutritional support. We then compared the efficacy and safety of fluoropyrimidine monotherapy with those of fluoropyrimidine/platinum combination therapy.ResultsCompared with the combination therapy group (n = 64), the monotherapy group (n = 65) had worse general health (more patients with elderly age, performance status > 2, and having both massive ascites and inadequate oral intake). Both overall survival (9.0 vs 5.0 months, p < 0.01) and progression-free survival (4.3 vs 2.3 months, p < 0.01) were significantly longer in the combination group, and the significance remained after adjusting for prognostic variables (hazard ratios of 0.47 and 0.41, respectively; p < 0.01). Improvements in ascites and oral intake were also greater in the combination group. Although neutropenia (grade ≥ 3) occurred more frequently with combination therapy, both treatments in this study were tolerable.ConclusionsCombination therapy with fluoropyrimidine and platinum might be more effective than monotherapy with fluoropyrimidine and was tolerable for patients with advanced gastric cancer and severe peritoneal metastasis.

Accurate prognostic awareness and preference states influence the concordance between terminally ill cancer patients’ states of preferred and received life-sustaining treatments in the last 6 months of life

Background: Factors facilitating/hindering concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining treatments may be distorted if preferences and predictors are measured long before death. Aim: To examine factors facilitating/hindering concordance between cancer patients’ preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states in their last 6 months. Design: Longitudinal, observational design. Setting/participants: States of preferred and received life-sustaining treatments (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, intensive care unit care, cardiac massage, intubation with mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutritional support, and nasogastric tube feeding) were examined in 218 Taiwanese cancer patients by a latent transition model with hidden Markov modeling. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to examine factors facilitating/hindering concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states. Results: Concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states was poor (40.8%, kappa value (95% confidence interval): 0.05 [–0.03, 0.14]). Patients who accurately understood their prognosis and preferred comfort care were significantly more likely to receive preferred life-sustaining treatments before death than those who did not know their prognosis but wanted to know, those who were uniformly uncertain about what life-sustaining treatments they preferred to receive, and those who preferred nutritional support but declined other life-sustaining treatments. Patient age, physician–patient end-of-life-care discussions, symptom distress, and functional dependence were not associated with concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states. Conclusion: Prognostic awareness and preferred states of life-sustaining treatments were significantly associated with concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states. Personalized interventions should be developed to cultivate terminally ill cancer patients’ accurate prognostic awareness, allowing them to formulate realistic life-sustaining-treatment preferences and facilitating their receiving value-concordant end-of-life care.

Intravenous Lipid Emulsions to Deliver Bioactive Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Improved Patient Outcomes.

Lipids used in intravenous nutrition support (i.e., parenteral nutrition) provide energy, building blocks, and essential fatty acids. These lipids are included as emulsions since they need to be soluble in an aqueous environment. Fish oil is a source of bioactive omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). Lipid emulsions, including fish oil, have been used for parenteral nutrition for adult patients post-surgery (mainly gastrointestinal). This has been associated with alterations in biomarkers of inflammation and immune defense, and in some studies, a reduction in length of intensive care unit and hospital stay. These benefits, along with a reduction in infections, are emphasized through recent meta-analyses. Perioperative administration of fish oil may be superior to postoperative administration, but this requires further exploration. Parenteral fish oil has been used in critically ill adult patients. Here, the influence on inflammatory processes, immune function, and clinical endpoints is less clear. However, some studies found reduced inflammation, improved gas exchange, and shorter length of hospital stay in critically ill patients if they received fish oil. Meta-analyses do not present a consistent picture but are limited by the small number and size of studies. More and better trials are needed in patient groups in which parenteral nutrition is used and where fish oil, as a source of bioactive omega-3 fatty acids, may offer benefits.

Extent and Determinants of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients' Concordance Between Preferred and Received Life-Sustaining Treatment States: An Advance Care Planning Randomized Trial in Taiwan

ContextPromoting patient value-concordant end-of-life care is a priority in health care systems but has rarely been examined in randomized clinical trials. ObjectivesTo examine the effectiveness of an advance care planning intervention in facilitating concordance between cancer patients' preferred and received life-sustaining treatment (LST) states and to explore modifiable factors facilitating or impeding such concordance. MethodsTerminal cancer patients (N = 460) were randomly assigned 1:1 to the experimental and control arms of a randomized clinical trial, with 430 deceased participants comprising the final sample. States of preferred LSTs (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intensive care unit care, chest compression, intubation with mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutrition, and nasogastric tube feeding) and LSTs received in the last month were examined by hidden Markov modeling. Concordance and its modifiable predictors were evaluated by kappa and multivariate logistic regression, respectively. ResultsWe identified three LST-preference states (uniformly preferring LSTs, rejecting LSTs except intravenous nutrition support, and mixed LST preferences) and three received LST states (uniformly receiving LSTs, received intravenous nutrition only, and selectively receiving LSTs). Concordance was not significantly higher in the experimental than the control arm (kappa [95% CI]: 0.126 [0.032, 0.221] vs. 0.050 [−0.028, 0.128]; arm difference: odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.008 [0.675, 1.5001]). Preferred-received LST-state concordance was facilitated by accurate prognostic awareness, better quality of life, and more depressive symptoms, whereas concordance was impeded by more anxiety symptoms. ConclusionsOur advance care planning intervention did not facilitate concordance between terminally ill cancer patients' preferred and received LST states, but patient value-concordant end-of-life care may be facilitated by interventions to cultivate accurate prognostic awareness, improve quality of life, support depressive patients, and clarify anxious patients' overexpectations of LST efficacy.

Hydroelectrolytic and infectious complications in one year of parenteral nutrition in critical care

Abstract Objective Parenteral nutrition consists of the intravenous administration of macronutrients, micronutrients and electrolytes. Our objectives were to evaluate the biochemical alterations during the first ten days of initiation and to quantify the bacteremia related to the central venous catheter during the administration of parenteral nutrition. Material and methods Retrospective study of incidence and prevalence. We included 51 patients who started intravenous nutritional support therapy at Critical Care. We intend to know the infectious complications of the central line associated with parenteral nutrition, to evaluate the most frequent hydroelectrolytic complications of parenteral nutrition, and to identify minimum control points in the detection of hydroelectrolytic alterations. Results Statistically significant daily variations were found for glucose, magnesium, potassium and creatinine, and bordering on the statistical significance for albumin and phosphate, the alterations occurring between the second and third days fundamentally. Hypoalbuminemia and hypocalcemia were very frequent. GGT was the liver enzyme that increased more frequently. The infection rate was 14.86 per 1000 days of central venous catheter. Conclusions We found daily variations in glucose, potassium and magnesium, as well as a decrease in creatinine. We emphasize the frequency of hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia and elevation of GGT. The most important variations occurred between the second and third day, highlighting the precocity of potassium alteration and the peak of glycemia. The rate of infection related to the central venous catheter in patients with parenteral nutrition was high.

Clinical study of preoperative enteral nutrition on malignant digestive tumors patients with nutritional risk

Objective To assess the effect of preoperative enteral nutrition on malignant digestive tumors patients with nutritional risk. Methods A prospective clinical study was conducted on 73 malignant digestive tumors patients who were admitted in Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January to June in 2015. Seventy-three patients were screened preoperatively by NRS 2002 and then divided into two groups: enteral nutrition group (n=31) and control group(n=42). Patients in enteral nutrition group were given oral or tube feeding elemental diet for 7-10 days before operation. Patients in control group ate normally. Both patients were given intravenous nutritional support postoperatively. The data of body weight, body mass index, blood total protein, albumin, pre-albumin and incidence of postoperative complications were compared on admission and before operation.Measured data were expressed as ±s. The t-test was used to compare the indexes between groups. The paired t-test was used for comparison between admission and before surgery; the count data were expressed as frequency and percentage (%), comparison between groups use Chi-square test or Fisher′s exact probability method. Results The nutritional status including body weight, body mass index, blood total protein, albumin and pre-albumin were significantly improved pre-operatively in enteral nutrition group(P 0.05). Conclusion Pre-operative enteral nutrition is safe and efficacy, which is helpful for malignant digestive tumors patients with nutritional risk. Key words: Digestive system; Neoplasms; Nutritional risk; Enteral nutrition

Complicaciones hidroelectrolíticas e infecciosas en un año de nutrición parenteral en cuidados críticos

ObjectiveParenteral nutrition consists of the intravenous administration of macronutrients, micronutrients and electrolytes. Our objectives were to evaluate the biochemical alterations during the first ten days of initiation and to quantify the bacteremia related to the central venous catheter during the administration of parenteral nutrition. Material and methodsRetrospective study of incidence and prevalence. We included 51 patients who started intravenous nutritional support therapy at Critical Care. We intend to know the infectious complications of the central line associated with parenteral nutrition, to evaluate the most frequent hydroelectrolytic complications of parenteral nutrition, and to identify minimum control points in the detection of hydroelectrolytic alterations. ResultsStatistically significant daily variations were found for glucose, magnesium, potassium and creatinine, and bordering on the statistical significance for albumin and phosphate, the alterations occurring between the second and third days fundamentally. Hypoalbuminemia and hypocalcemia were very frequent. GGT was the liver enzyme that increased more frequently. The infection rate was 14.86 per 1,000 days of central venous catheter. ConclusionsWe found daily variations in glucose, potassium and magnesium, as well as a decrease in creatinine. We emphasize the frequency of hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia and elevation of GGT. The most important variations occurred between the second and third day, highlighting the precocity of potassium alteration and the peak of glycemia. The rate of infection related to the central venous catheter in patients with parenteral nutrition was high.

Improving Evidence Based Bronchiolitis Care

Bronchiolitis is the number one cause of hospitalization in infants during the first year of life. Clinical guidelines recommend primarily supportive care and discourage use of pharmacotherapies and diagnostics. However, there continues to be widespread use of non-recommended therapies and variation in the use of therapeutic interventions among hospitals in the United States. Here we review evidence-based management of this common disease in order to optimize resource utilization, decrease healthcare costs, and decrease unnecessary hospitalization. Current evidence does not support the routine use of chest radiographs, viral testing or laboratory evaluation in children with bronchiolitis. In addition, routine administration of bronchodilators, including albuterol and nebulized epinephrine, corticosteroids and hypertonic saline are not recommended for infants and children with bronchiolitis. Intravenous or nasogastric hydration and nutritional support, supplemental oxygen, and respiratory support are recommended. Standardization of bronchiolitis care with evidence based institutional clinical pathways spanning ED to inpatient care can help optimize resource utilization while simultaneously improving care of bronchiolitis and reducing hospital length of stays and costs.

Fluoropyrimidine (F) alone versus F plus platinum (P) as first-line chemotherapy in patients (pts) with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) and severe peritoneal metastasis (SPM): A multicenter observational study.

121 Background: The standard 1st-line chemotherapy for AGC pts with SPM has not been established. F alone is generally used for their treatment because of difficulty of hydration for dosing of cisplatin (CDDP) in pts with massive ascites, and has shown limited efficacy. It is unclear whether a combination of F and P (CDDP or oxaliplatin): FP improves their clinical outcome. We therefore investigated the efficacy and safety of FP in comparison with F alone. Methods: This retrospective study comprised of AGC pts with SPM and HER2 negative or unknown tumors who received FP or F as 1st-line chemotherapy between Jul 2010 and Sep 2016 at 6 institutions in Japan. SPM was defined as having massive ascites and/or inadequate oral intake requiring intravenous nutrition support. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), response rate of ascites, improvement rate of oral intake, and safety were compared between two treatment groups. Results: A total of 129 pts (64 in FP group, 65 in F group) were included. Patient characteristics (FP vs F) were as follows: median age, 62 vs 67; PS 0/1/2/3/4 (%), 6/64/25/3/2 vs 8/42/42/8/0; massive ascites/inadequate oral intake/both (%), 61/25/14 vs 35/29/35; number of metastatic sites 1-2/3-5 (%), 77/23 vs 78/22; median serum albumin level (g/ml), 3.1 vs 3.1. OS was significantly longer in FP group than F group (median, 9.0 vs 5.0 months; HR 0.56, 95%CI 0.39-0.82; log-rank p &lt; 0.01); it remained significant upon multivariate analysis adjusting for prognostic variables (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32-0.73, p &lt; 0.01). Pts in FP group had significantly better PFS in both uni- and multivariate analyses (median, 4.3 vs 2.3 months; HR 0.44, p &lt; 0.01 and HR 0.40, p &lt; 0.01, respectively). Response rate of ascites (51% vs 17%) and improvement rate of oral intake (64% vs 43%) also were better in FP group (p &lt; 0.01 and p = 0.09, respectively). Toxicities were tolerable in both groups, but grade ≥3 neutropenia was more frequent in FP group (36% vs 11%). Conclusions: FP showed significantly better efficacy than F alone, and it could be a promising option as 1st-line treatment for AGC pts with SPM.