Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Defic it intake of ω-3 polyuns aturated fatty ac ids (PUFAs) may be as sociated with developm ent of PTSD.This study randomized mechanically ventilated patients suffering from multiple trauma (n = 150) into 2 groups: a study and a control group that received enteral feeding with or without fish oil. Fifty-one patients were interviewed 6 months after discharge from the ICU. Psychometric parameters of PTSD were assessed by questionnaires. The fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was performed by homogenization of the cells in hexane-isopropanol.No differences were found in baseline characteristics between the groups. Erythrocyte membrane composition showed significantly higher concentrations of ω-3 fatty acids in the study group. Anxiety and depression symptoms were correlated with an increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on days 4 and 8 for depression and EPA on day 4 and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on day 8 for anxiety. Total ω-3 content was positively correlated with anxiety and depression as well. An inverse correlation was found between DHA and EPA in the treatment group and with the total ω-3 and DHA in the control group for the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire.Administration of an ω-3 PUFA-enriched diet during the ICU stay did not prevent development of PTSD in trauma patients 6 months after discharge from ICU.
Abstract Purpose Older adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) usually have fair baseline functional capacity, yet their age and frailty may compromise their management. We compared the characteristics and management of older (≥ 75 years) versus younger adults hospitalized in ICU with hospital-acquired bloodstream infection (HA-BSI). Methods Nested cohort study within the EUROBACT-2 database, a multinational prospective cohort study including adults (≥ 18 years) hospitalized in the ICU during 2019–2021. We compared older versus younger adults in terms of infection characteristics (clinical signs and symptoms, source, and microbiological data), management (imaging, source control, antimicrobial therapy), and outcomes (28-day mortality and hospital discharge). Results Among 2111 individuals hospitalized in 219 ICUs with HA-BSI, 563 (27%) were ≥ 75 years old. Compared to younger patients, these individuals had higher comorbidity score and lower functional capacity; presented more often with a pulmonary, urinary, or unknown HA-BSI source; and had lower heart rate, blood pressure and temperature at presentation. Pathogens and resistance rates were similar in both groups. Differences in management included mainly lower rates of effective source control achievement among aged individuals. Older adults also had significantly higher day-28 mortality (50% versus 34%, p < 0.001), and lower rates of discharge from hospital (12% versus 20%, p < 0.001) by this time. Conclusions Older adults with HA-BSI hospitalized in ICU have different baseline characteristics and source of infection compared to younger patients. Management of older adults differs mainly by lower probability to achieve source control. This should be targeted to improve outcomes among older ICU patients.
It is currently uncertain whether early administration of protein improves patient outcomes. We examined mortality rates of critically ill patients receiving early compared to late protein administration. This was a retrospective cohort study of mixed ICU patients receiving enteral or parenteral nutritional support. Patients receiving >0.7 g/kg/d protein within the first 3 days were considered the early protein group and those receiving less were considered the late protein group. The latter were subdivided into late-low group (LL) who received a low protein intake (<0.7 g/kg/d) throughout their stay and the late-high group (LH) who received higher doses (>0.7 g/kg/d) of protein following their first 3 days of admission. The outcome measure was all-cause mortality 60 days after admission. Of the 2253 patients included in the study, 371 (36%) in the early group, and 517 (43%) in the late-high group had died (p < 0.001 for difference). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, while controlling for confounders, early protein administration was associated with increased survival (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71–0.97, p = 0.017). Administration of protein early in the course of critical illness appears to be associated with improved survival in a mixed ICU population, even after adjusting for confounding variables.
Purpose of review Instead of comparing iso versus low energy or high versus low protein intake, the proportions between nutrients and the effects of specific amino or fatty acids may yield promising benefits for the nutritional therapy of critically ill patients. Recent findings Larger proportion of carbohydrates than lipids is usual in most of the commercial products. However, patients suffering from sepsis and from acute kidney injury preferentially utilize lipids. Parenteral omega-3-fatty acids, in particular, may be beneficial. Protein source and amount are important factors to achieve the best absorption and an improved nitrogen balance. Hydrolyzed whey protein reaches the highest amino acid plasma level if administered in large doses (35% of the measured energy expenditure). Muscle mass preservation may be achievable with large protein intake. β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate has been shown to improve muscle strength in a large meta-analysis. Summary The nutritional therapy should take into account the fact that lipids are more oxidized. Intravenous lipid emulsions containing olive and fish oil are preferred, improving morbidity significantly in a recent meta-analysis. Enteral protein should be selected carefully according to protein source, origin and amount. Hydrolyzed whey protein improves nitrogen balance. The ultimate goal is to preserve muscle mass and muscle function. β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate may improve muscle strength.
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