Quality control of parenteral nutrition in hospitalized patients

ObjectiveFor hospitalized patients requiring parenteral nutrition (PN), adequate nutritional support has a profound effect on hospital length of stay, morbidity, mortality, and complication rates. Inappropriate or inadequate nutritional therapy may worsen clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the compliance with nutritional guidelines for PN in a university hospital setting.MethodsOver a 6-mo period, this monocentric study prospectively recruited 107 (41 women, 66 men) hospitalized medical and surgical patients requiring PN. Data on nutritional support were collected before nutritional counseling. Nutritional requirements were estimated on the basis of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) Guidelines for Adult Parenteral Nutrition (2009).ResultsThe mean patient age was 65 ± 1.4 y and the mean body mass index was 23.2 ± 0.5 kg/m². Only 75% of the caloric requirement was met. Multivitamin supplementation was adequate in only 37%, and for vitamin K in only 6% of cases. Trace element supplementation was adequate in only 35%. PN in complete agreement with the ESPEN guidelines was achieved in none of the patients.ConclusionsIn routine hospital practice, PN is generally not provided in compliance with established guidelines. To improve the quality of nutritional therapy, a nutritional support team should be established. Furthermore, there should be periodical training sessions in nutrition for medical and nursing staff, as well as in standard operating procedures.     

Assessing appropriate parenteral nutrition ordering practices in tertiary care medical centers

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an essential feeding route for specific patient populations. Despite its utility, PN is invasive, costly, and associated with clinical complications. In most U.S. hospitals, PN is overprescribed. This study measured rates of inappropriate PN use in hospitalized adults, as determined by the 2002 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines, at 4 tertiary care South Carolina hospitals (facilities A–D). Secondary aims were to identify indicators of inappropriate use and estimated preventable costs. Methods: Over a 3‐month period, trained registered dietitians at each site collected data retrospectively and prospectively to determine PN appropriateness and indicators of use in 278 randomly selected PN cases. Results: PN therapy was inappropriately prescribed in 32% of cases, resulting in approximately 552 days and $138,000 in preventable hospital costs. Thirteen percent of patients who were prescribed inappropriate PN were discharged on home PN. Mean duration of PN therapy was higher in inappropriate cases vs appropriate cases (6 ± 7 days [range, 1–78 days] vs 10 ± 10.6 days [range, 1–51 days]; P < .004). Facility B had lower rates of inappropriately prescribed PN (23%) compared with facilities A (33%), C (35%), and D (38%). Dietitians recommended against PN in >70% of all inappropriate cases at facilities A and D compared with <45% at facilities B and D (P < .001). Facility B employed more certified nutrition support dietitians (68% of staff) and was among the 2 hospitals using a nutrition support team (NST). Conclusion: This study was novel by comparing PN practices in statewide hospitals. Results indicate that NSTs and certified nutrition support clinicians can curtail preventable spending from inappropriate PN use. Future studies should identify barriers in implementing evidence‐based practice.     

Future Doctors' Perceptions about Incorporating Nutrition into Standard Care Practice

Objective: The increasing prevalence of chronic disease has been largely attributed to long-term poor nutrition and lifestyle choices. This study investigates the attitudes of our future physicians toward nutrition and the likelihood of incorporating nutrition principles into current treatment protocols.Methods: Setting: The setting of this study was an Australian university medical school. Subjects: Subjects including year 1–4 students (n = 928) in a 4-year medical bachelor, bachelor of surgery (MBBS) degree program. Students were invited to participate in a questionnaire based on an existing instrument, the Nutrition in Patient Care Attitude (NIPC) Questionnaire, to investigate their attitudes toward nutrition in health care practices.Results: Respondents indicated that “high risk patients should be routinely counseled on nutrition” (87%), “nutrition counseling should be routine practice” (70%), and “routine nutritional assessment and counseling should occur in general practice” (57%). However, despite overall student support of nutritional counseling (70%) and assessment (86%), students were reluctant to perform actual dietary assessments, with only 38% indicating that asking for a food diary or other measure of dietary intake was important.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that future physicians are aware of the importance of considering nutrition counseling and assessment. However, students are unlikely to adequately integrate relevant nutritional information into their treatment protocols, evidenced by their limited use of a basic nutritional assessment. This is potentially the result of a lack of formal nutrition education within their basic training.     

Perioperative nutritional support of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery in the age of ERAS

ObjectiveThe results achieved through the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach in gastrointestinal surgery have led to its enthusiastic acceptance in pancreatic surgery. However, the ERAS program also involves an early oral feeding that is not always feasible after pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of this review was to investigate in the literature whether the difficulty with early oral feeding in these patients was adequately balanced by perioperative enteral or parenteral nutritional support as recommended by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) guidelines or whether these recommendations have lost value in the “bundle” of the ERAS.MethodsWe reanalyzed both ESPEN guidelines and literature regarding the ERAS program in surgical pancreatic patients.ResultsThere was a high prevalence of malnutrition (and consequently of postoperative complications) in patients with pancreatic cancer, and there is evidence that many of these patients should be candidates for perioperative nutritional support according to ESPEN guidelines. The start of oral fluid and solid feeding was quite variable in literature reporting the use of ERAS in pancreatic cancer surgery, with a consistent gap between the recommended and the effective start of both the feedings. The use of nasogastric/jejunal tube or of a needle-catheter jejunostomy was discouraged by the ERAS guidelines but their use could prove beneficial in patients who are recognized at high risk for postoperative complications according to the scores available in the literature.ConclusionThe current practice of the ERAS program in these patients appears to neglect some ESPEN recommendations. On the other hand, both ESPEN and ERAS recommendations could be combined for a supplemental benefit for the patient.     

Use of new technologies to notify possible contagion of sexually-transmitted infections among men

BackgroundAmong men who have sex with men (MSM), the association between searching for sexual partners’ on the Internet and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/HIV infection, together with current low levels of partner notification (PN), justifies a study to explore the intention to use new communication technologies for PN in Spain.MethodsTwo cross-sectional surveys were performed: the first was administered online to visitors to web pages where the survey was advertised; the second was administered on paper to patients attending an STI Unit and centres similar to Community-Based Voluntary Counselling and Testing centres.ResultsThe study population comprised 1578 Spanish residents (median age, 34 years [range: 18 to 74]); 84% lived in urban areas, and 69% reported searching for sexual partners on the Internet. Thirty-seven per cent would be willing to use a website for PN, 26% did not know if they would use one, and 37% would not want to use one. The main reasons for not intending to notify STI/HIV were “shame or fear” (stable partner) and “not knowing how to contact them” (casual partner). The preferred method of notification was face to face (73%) for both stable and casual partners, although using new technologies (Short Messaging System, e-mail, web page, phone applications) was widely accepted for notifying casual partners.ConclusionsFighting stigma and promoting alternative methods of PN among MSM and health professionals through new technologies could increase the frequency of PN. This approach will improve early detection and reduce transmission in Spain.     

消化系统恶性肿瘤病人围手术期营养支持现况调查

目的:调查我院消化系统恶性肿瘤大手术病人营养支持现状和存在问题,为进一步规范肿瘤病人的临床营养支持工作提供依据。方法:回顾性调查我院肿瘤外科2010年1个月内出院的消化系统恶性肿瘤大手术病人病历180份,对其围手术期营养支持情况进行分析。结果:肠外营养(PN)与肠内营养支持(EN)人数比为3.2∶1。手术前后营养支持率分别为5.2%和100%。围手术期营养支持平均天数为(12.1±8.3)天,术后营养支持中位天数分别为胰腺癌13.3 d,食管贲门癌13.2 d,胃癌8.0 d,肝胆癌5.4 d,结直肠癌5.1 d。术后营养支持人均供给热量为5 633.3～693.7 kJ(1 346.4±165.8kcal)/d,其中每公斤理想体重平均供给热量104.6～125.5kJ(25～30 kcal)/(kg.d)的人数占32.8%,<83.68 kJ(20 kcal)/(kg.d)的人数占28.4%,<62.76 kJ(15 kcal)/(kg.d)的人数占7.8%。此外,PN病人中92.7%人次使用了谷氨酰胺、鱼油免疫营养支持治疗,EN病人中14.8%人次使用了富含鱼油的EN制剂。营养制剂费用人均(7 024.4±7 330.2)元人民币,日均(611.6±473.5)元人民币,日均营养制剂费用PN组显著高于EN组(P<0.01)。结论:我院肿瘤外科病人的营养支持已得到普遍重视。然而,围手术期营养支持不尽合理,不足和过度并存,仍需继续推广基于证据的肠外肠内营养指南。     

Appropriateness of Parenteral Nutrition Usage in Cancer Patients

This study is to investigate the indication appropriateness of parenteral nutrition (PN) administration in cancer patients. Between December 2013 and August 2014, all cancer patients who received PN (including total PN and Kabiven) in a regional hospital of Southern Taiwan were included in this retrospective study. A total of 107 cancer patients received PN. Among them, colorectal cancer was the most common type of cancer (n = 45, 42.1%), followed by gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, and esophageal cancer. After evaluation of the appropriateness of PN administration, 88 (82.2%) PN episodes were considered appropriate and unavoidable, 4 (3.7%) as appropriate and avoidable but 15 (14.1%) as inappropriate. In conclusion, PN could be inappropriately used by some oncologic physicians. Physicians and nutrition support team specialists should carefully evaluate the indication of PN administration for cancer patients to obey the generally acknowledged usage rule.     

Malnutrition screening tools: Comparison against two validated nutrition assessment methods in older medical inpatients

ObjectiveAlthough several validated nutritional screening tools have been developed to “triage” inpatients for malnutrition diagnosis and intervention, there continues to be debate in the literature as to which tool/tools clinicians should use in practice. This study compared the accuracy of seven validated screening tools in older medical inpatients against two validated nutritional assessment methods.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of medical inpatients at least 65 y old. Malnutrition screening was conducted using seven tools recommended in evidence-based guidelines. Nutritional status was assessed by an accredited practicing dietitian using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Energy intake was observed on a single day during first week of hospitalization.ResultsIn this sample of 134 participants (80 ± 8 y old, 50% women), there was fair agreement between the SGA and MNA (κ = 0.53), with MNA identifying more “at-risk” patients and the SGA better identifying existing malnutrition. Most tools were accurate in identifying patients with malnutrition as determined by the SGA, in particular the Malnutrition Screening Tool and the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002. The MNA Short Form was most accurate at identifying nutritional risk according to the MNA. No tool accurately predicted patients with inadequate energy intake in the hospital.ConclusionBecause all tools generally performed well, clinicians should consider choosing a screening tool that best aligns with their chosen nutritional assessment and is easiest to implement in practice. This study confirmed the importance of rescreening and monitoring food intake to allow the early identification and prevention of nutritional decline in patients with a poor intake during hospitalization.     

Impact of nutritional support on clinical outcome in patients at nutritional risk: A multicenter,prospective cohort study in Baltimore and Beijing teaching hospitals

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of nutritional support on clinical outcomes in patients at nutritional risk defined by the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, hospitalized patients from three departments in Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and two teaching hospitals in Beijing were recruited from March 2007 to May 2008. Data were collected on the nutritional risk screening, application of parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition, surgery, complications, and length of stay.ResultsThere were 1831 patients recruited, with 45.2% of them at nutritional risk. Of the “at-risk” patients, the complication rate was significantly lower in the nutritional-support group than in the no-support group (20.3% versus 28.1%, P = 0.009), mainly because of the lower rate of infectious complications (10.5% versus 18.9%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed the complication rate was significantly lower in the enteral nutrition group (P < 0.001) but not in the parenteral nutrition group (P = 0.29) when compared with the no-support group. Of the patients without nutritional risk, the complication rate was not different between the nutritional-support group and the no-support group (P = 0.10). Multivariate analysis showed nutritional support was a protective factor for complications in at-risk patients when adjusted for confounders (odds ratio 0.54, P < 0.001). No difference in length of stay was found.ConclusionThe findings suggested that nutritional support was beneficial to the patients at nutritional risk according to Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 by a lower complication rate.     

Le concept du « Baby stomach » appliqué à la nutrition du patient agressé

Following the findings of deleterious effects of excessive nutritional support during the acute phase of critical illness, the concept of “baby stomach” was introduced to characterize the restricted ability to use macro-nutrients and to inhibit the endogenous glucose production. The clinical practice guidelines evolved in parallel. “Permissive underfeeding”, e.g. caloric and nitrogen intakes lower than energy expenditure and protein losses during the acute phase are now recommended by the scientific societies. Progressive caloric intakes reaching a maximum of 70 % of energy expenditure during the first 3–7 days after injury are proposed. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the deleterious effects of excessive nutritional intakes are partially elucidated and include overfeeding, the inhibition of autophagy and refeeding hypophosphatemia. The data from the available clinical studies trigger a number of basic and clinical research, whose answers are definitely needed to further improve the nutritional management of the critically ill patients.     

Use of parenteral nutrition in hospitals in the North of England

BACKGROUND: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a costly technology used widely to provide nutrition to patients who have an inaccessible or nonfunctioning intestine. A prospective survey was designed to collect data on PN for inpatients to study the current use of PN, its complications and outcomes in the north of England. The study objectives were to use the Northern Nutrition Network to collect data from all acute hospital inpatients prospectively receiving PN, for 3 months and to provide evidence for current PN practice, and to establish whether this is in line with recognized published clinical guidelines. METHODS: Using a paper-based collection tool information was recorded on aspects of PN including: total inpatient episodes, patient demographics, indications, duration, venous access used, complications, number returning to enteral feeding and mortality. The presence of a nutrition support team was also recorded. RESULTS: Data on 193 patient PN episodes were recorded totalling 1708 patient days. The median age of the patients was 67 years. Of these, 158 (82%) were deemed to have a clear indication for PN using the indications cited in the NICE guidelines (http://www.nice.org.uk). The median duration of PN was 7 days (range 1-93). Thirty (16%) patients developed complications due to PN, 23 (12%) had catheter infections which were most common on medical wards. Thirty-nine (20%) patients died within 28 days of PN starting; no deaths were attributable to PN. A total of 118 (61%) patients returned to full enteral feeding. Only three hospitals had nutrition support teams, which had no significant effect on outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral nutrition practice in the north of England is generally in line with current guidelines, however, only three of 15 hospitals had nutrition support teams. Eighteen per cent of patients did not have a clearly documented indication for PN and 15% developed a complication, most often a catheter-related infection.     

Methodology of Clinical Nutrition Guidelines for Adult Cancer Patients

Background: Malnutrition delays recovery from cancer treatment and can lead to additional serious complications. Clinical guidelines for the management of malnutrition in cancer patients are essential tools for optimizing nutritional care; therefore, their methodological quality is of great importance. This review assesses the methodological quality of international clinical guidelines for the management of malnutrition in adult cancer patients. Methods: Guidelines were identified through searches in multiple electronic databases; afterward, they were systematically reviewed with the AGREE instrument, which is one method of evaluating the methodological quality of guidelines. Results: The methodological quality of the guidelines reviewed varied greatly. The highest scores were observed in the domains “scope and purpose” and “clarity and presentation,” while the lowest scores were awarded in the domains “editorial independence,” “stakeholder involvement,” and “applicability.” Furthermore, there was consensus on the indication for parenteral nutrition and nutrition screening. However, there was a lack of consensus on how nutritional therapy should be provided. No improvement was observed in methodological quality of the more recent guidelines compared to the older ones. Conclusions: The methodological quality of clinical guidelines on malnutrition for cancer patients and the way they are reported need to be improved. To achieve this, developers should utilize available guideline assessment tools, such as the AGREE instrument, when writing or updating guidelines on this topic.     

Parenteral nutrition (PN) use for adult hospitalized patients: a study of usage in a tertiary medical center.

The use of parenteral nutrition (PN) is essential for patients who are unable to meet their nutrition requirements through oral or enteral nutrition. Many earlier studies have noted that PN is often inappropriately used in the hospital setting, thereby increasing the risk of associated complications and costs. A prospective study was performed at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), using a nutrition support database to determine the appropriateness of PN use and the associated hospital costs for patients on 3 surgical services over a 6-month period. Appropriateness of PN therapy was determined according to the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) guidelines. A total of 139 new PN therapies were initiated in the 6-month period. Forty percent of the cases were deemed inappropriate. A total of 573 PN days ($80,000 hospital PN costs) could have been saved if inappropriate PN therapy had not been ordered. The avoidable costs only reflect the PN solution and not the additional costs associated with laboratory monitoring, central line placement and maintenance care, nursing administration, and ongoing pharmacy and dietitian clinical management. This study illustrated that PN was not always being provided according to A.S.P.E.N. guidelines. In addition, cost savings could be achieved if PN was provided only to MUSC patients who meet these guidelines.     

内分泌科住院患者营养风险筛查及营养支持应用状况

目的调查内分泌科住院患者营养风险、营养不良（不足）、超重和肥胖发生率及营养支持应用情况。方法采用定点连续抽样,选择2008年9月至12月在北京协和医院内分泌科住院的患者进行营养风险筛查2002（NRS2002）,于患者人院次日早晨实施,并调查患者2周内（或至出院时）的营养支持状况,分析营养风险和营养支持之间的关系。NRS2002≥3分为有营养风险,体重指数（BMI）〈18．5kg／m。并结合患者临床情况判定为营养不足。结果共有152例患者入选并全部完成NRS2002筛查,NRS2002的适用率为100％;营养不足和营养风险的发生率分别为7．9％和27．6％。老年患者（≥60岁）营养风险发生率为36．8％,明显高于中青年患者（18—59岁）的20．2％（P=0．023）。在42例有营养风险的患者中,有9例（21．4％）接受了营养支持;在无营养风险的110例患者中,有12例（10．9％）接受了营养支持。所有患者肠外和肠内营养的应用比例为1：3．2。结论NRS2002适用于内分泌科住院患者的营养筛查。内分泌科有一定量的住院患者存在营养风险或营养不足,营养支持应用仍存在某些不合理性,应推广和应用基于证据的营养支持指南以改善此状况。     

Complications nutritionnelles de la chirurgie de l’obésité : prévalence,prévention,traitement. Revue systématique de littérature

BackgroundIn France, the use of obesity surgery is increasing sharply. Yet effective on severe obesity and its comorbidities, it exposes to the risk of serious postoperative complications, including nutritional issues. We aimed to synthesize the research-based evidence concerning these nutritional complications: prevalence, risk factors, recommendations on their treatment and prevention.MethodsWe carried out a PRISMA systematic review, the articles included were analyzed into a synoptic table, allowing the development of summary tables.ResultsPostoperative nutritional deficiencies are frequent (vitamin D 25–100%, B12 7–70%, iron 7–63%). A lifelong micronutrient supplementation is essential (multivitamin and minerals, vitamin D-calcium, iron, vitamin B12) to prevent the hematological, neurological, or musculoskeletal consequences of deficiencies. Their prevention-screening-treatment are part of a global postoperative management which must be multimodal and interdisciplinary. Severe malnutrition exists (<5%) and could lead to serious complications (“nutritional disasters”) that may require artificial nutrition. Studies with high level of evidence on postoperative follow-up and supplementation are rare, not allowing the development of consensus guidelines. To prevent nutritional deficiencies and their consequences, the collaboration between general practitioners and medico-surgical teams should be strengthened.ConclusionNutritional complications are common after obesity surgery. Potentially serious, they are accessible to screening and prevention, through lifelong biochemical and clinical monitoring, and micronutrient supplementation. A coordinated follow-up, as part of a tailored “community care-hospital” patient healthcare pathway, could improve postoperative outcomes.