Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
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Nutrition support is an integral part of care among critically ill patients. However, critically ill patients are commonly underfed, leading to consequences such as increased length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, time on mechanical ventilation, infectious complications, and mortality. Nevertheless, the prevalence of underfeeding has not resolved since the first description of this problem more than 15 years ago. ⋯ A novel feeding protocol (the Enhanced Protein-Energy Provision via the Enteral Route Feeding Protocol in Critically Ill Patients [PEP uP] protocol) was proposed and proven to improve feeding adequacy significantly. However, some of the components in the protocol are controversial and subject to debate. This article is a review of the supporting evidences and some of the controversy associated with each component of the PEP uP protocol.
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Early provision of enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill and injured patients has become standard practice in surgical intensive care units (ICUs) due to its proven role in reducing septic complications. Increasingly, intensivists are confronted with patients with an open abdomen due to the use of damage control surgery and the recognition of the abdominal compartment syndrome; the role and timing of EN in these challenging patients continue to be debated. ⋯ Recent studies have investigated the utility of EN in the patient with an open abdomen, addressing these clinical concerns. The goal of this clinical review is to provide guidance to physicians caring for these complex patients.
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Initiating enteral nutrition in the postoperative patient can be challenging. Postoperative ileus and bowel edema, bowel anastomosis, and intra-abdominal pathology contribute to the reluctance and inability to achieve adequate nutrition in this patient population. The addition of vasopressors confounds the difficulties. ⋯ Consideration of the vasopressor agent being utilized and its dose is imperative, as are individual patient characteristics. Temporal changes in the dosage should be closely monitored, as increasing doses may reflect worsening clinical status that can be due to intestinal ischemia. Well-designed prospective trials are clearly necessary to address this controversial topic.
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Perioperative surgical care is undergoing a paradigm shift. Traditional practices such as prolonged preoperative fasting (nil by mouth from midnight), bowel cleaning, and reintroduction of oral nutrition 3-5 days after surgery are being shunned. These and other similar changes have been formulated into a protocol called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway. ⋯ The key elements of an ERAS protocol include preoperative counseling, optimization of nutrition, standardized analgesic and anesthetic regimes, and early mobilization. The recent literature is heavily influenced by colorectal surgery, but the principles are now being applied to a wide range of disciplines. As they challenge traditional surgical doctrine, the implementation of ERAS guidelines has been slow, despite the significant body of evidence indicating that ERAS guidelines may lead to improved outcomes.
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Review Case Reports
Avulsed Nasoenteric Bridle System Magnet as an Intranasal Foreign Body.
Nasoenteric tubes provide short-term nutrition support to patients unable to take an adequate oral diet. Bridling systems may be used to secure tubes to guard against displacement. ⋯ The primary methods of securing a nasogastric tube are reviewed, and comparative assessment of the 3 main systems is presented. Diagnosis and management of nasal foreign bodies relevant to this case are reviewed and prevention/safety considerations discussed.