Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care
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Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care · Mar 2008
ReviewParadigm of early parenteral nutrition support in combination with insufficient enteral nutrition.
Several observational studies have pointed out the negative effects of an energy deficit in long-staying ICU patients. Morbidity as well as mortality seem to be linked to such an energy deficit, which is often built up during the first week of stay. A combination of enteral and parenteral nutrition may be a strategy to avoid the development of an energy deficit. ⋯ This field of intensive care medicine is clearly lacking prospective randomized trials. The diversity of opinions is broad, ranging from questioning the use of any nonvolutional nutrition to the use of a combination of enteral and parenteral nutrition to obtain full coverage of the energy needed early on during ICU stay. The arguments for the latter view are summarized in this review.
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A substantial body of evidence supports the use of intensive insulin therapy in general critical care practice, particularly in surgical intensive care unit patients. The impact of intensive insulin therapy on the outcome of critically ill neurological patients, however, is still controversial. While avoidance of hyperglycemia is recommended in neurointensive care, no recommendations exist regarding the optimal target for systemic glucose control after severe brain injury. ⋯ Questions persist regarding the optimal target for glucose control after severe brain injury. Further studies are needed to analyze the impact of intensive insulin therapy on brain glucose metabolism and outcome of critically ill neurological patients. According to the available evidence, a less restrictive target for systemic glucose control (6-10 mmol/l) may be more appropriate.
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Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care · Mar 2008
ReviewThe nutritional and metabolic support of heart failure in the intensive care unit.
Heart failure and cardiovascular disease are common causes of morbidity and mortality, contributing to many ICU admissions. Nutritional deficiencies have been associated with the development and worsening of chronic heart failure. Nutritional and metabolic support may improve outcomes in critically ill patients with heart failure. This review analyzes the role of this support in the acute care setting of the ICU. ⋯ Shifting the metabolic milieu from catabolic to anabolic, reducing free radicals, and quieting inflammation in addition to caloric supplementation may be the key to nutritional support in the heart failure patient. Tight glycemic control with intensive insulin therapy plays an expanding role in the care of the critically ill. Glucose-insulin-potassium therapy probably does not improve the condition of the patient with heart failure or acute myocardial infarction.
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Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care · Mar 2008
ReviewEarly nutrition support in critical care: a European perspective.
Today, early nutrition support is considered standard care in most ICUs. The recommended method is the enteral route, although there is only minor evidence for this. Often inadequate delivery of energy and a cumulative energy deficit are implied. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the indication for early enteral nutrition or immunonutrition and to discuss the application of additional parenteral nutrition. ⋯ Early enteral nutrition is recommended for critically ill patients, with special formulas indicated in specific subgroups of patients. If enteral nutrition is insufficient or fails, parenteral nutrition should be instituted, respecting the often reduced demand for exogenous substrates in critically ill patients.
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Intradialytic nutritional support has been used for more than 30 years both in critically ill patients with acute renal failure and during maintenance hemodialysis. Present knowledge allows better estimation of its metabolic and nutritional efficacy, as well its effect on patient outcome. ⋯ Current information helps to better assess the effects of intradialytic nutritional support, to clarify the nutritional management of renal failure patients and to provide recommendations. Future research should focus on the possible means to improve the efficacy of nutritional support, either by modifying its components of by associating anabolic or anticatabolic agents.