Can caloric restriction improve outcomes of elective surgeries?

Energy restriction (ER) is a nutrition method to reduce the amount of energy intake while maintaining adequate nutrition. In clinical medicine, applications of ER have been implicated in longevity, mortality, metabolic, immune, and psychological health. However, there are limited studies showing the clinical benefit of ER within the immediate surgical setting. A specific, clinically oriented summary of the potential applications of ER is needed to optimize surgery outcomes for patients. The purpose of this article is to examine how ER can be used for perioperative optimization to improve outcomes for the patient and surgeon. It will also explore how these outcomes can feasibly fit in with enhanced recovery after surgery protocols and can be used as a method for nutrition optimization in surgery. Despite evidence of caloric restriction improving outcomes in critically ill surgical patients, there is not enough evidence to conclude that ER, perioperatively across noncritically ill cohorts, improves postoperative morbidity and mortality in elective surgeries. Nevertheless, a contemporary account of how ER techniques may have a significant role in reducing risk factors of adverse surgical outcomes in this cohort, for example, by encouraging preoperative weight loss contributing to decreased operating times, is reviewed.

Omega-3 fatty acids in parenteral nutrition - A systematic review with network meta-analysis on clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Accumulating scientific evidence supports the benefits of parenteral nutrition (PN) with fish oil (FO) containing intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) on clinical outcomes. Yet, the question of the most effective ILE remains controversial. We conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare and rank different types of ILEs in terms of their effects on infections, sepsis, ICU and hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality in adult patients. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to May 2022, investigating ILEs as a part of part of PN covering at least 70% of total energy provision. Lipid emulsions were classified in four categories: FO-ILEs, olive oil (OO)-ILEs, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)/soybean oil (SO)-ILEs, and pure SO-ILEs. Data were statistically combined through Bayesian NMA and the Surface Under the Cumulative RAnking (SUCRA) was calculated for all outcomes. RESULTS: 1651 publications were retrieved in the original search, 47 RCTs were included in the NMA. For FO-ILEs, very highly credible reductions in infection risk versus SO-ILEs [odds ratio (OR) = 0.43 90% credibility interval (CrI) (0.29-0.63)], MCT/soybean oil-ILEs [0.59 (0.43-0.82)], and OO-ILEs [0.56 (0.33-0.91)], and in sepsis risk versus SO-ILEs [0.22 (0.08-0.59)], as well as substantial reductions in hospital length of stay versus SO-ILEs [mean difference (MD) = -2.31 (-3.14 to -1.59) days] and MCT/SO-ILEs (-2.01 (-2.82 to -1.22 days) were shown. According to SUCRA score, FO-ILEs were ranked first for all five outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized patients, FO-ILEs provide significant clinical benefits over all other types of ILEs, ranking first for all outcomes investigated. REGISTRATION NO: PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022328660.

Retrospective value assessment of a dedicated, trauma hybrid operating room.

BACKGROUND: In traumatic hemorrhage, hybrid operating rooms offer near simultaneous performance of endovascular and open techniques, with correlations to earlier hemorrhage control, fewer transfusions, and possible decreased mortality. However, hybrid operating rooms are resource intensive. This study quantifies and describes a single-center experience with the complications, cost-utility, and value of a dedicated trauma hybrid operating room. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 292 consecutive adult trauma patients who underwent immediate (<4 hours) operative intervention at a Level I trauma center. A total of 106 patients treated before the construction of a hybrid operating room served as historical controls to the 186 patients treated thereafter. Demographics, hemorrhage-control procedures, and financial data as well as postoperative complications and outcomes were collected via electronic medical records. Value and incremental cost-utility ratio were calculated. RESULTS: Demographics and severity of illness were similar between cohorts. Resuscitative endovascular occlusion of the aorta was more frequently used in the hybrid operating room. Hemorrhage control occurred faster (60 vs. 49 minutes, p = 0.005) and, in the 4- to 24-hour postadmission period, required less red blood cell (mean, 1.0 vs. 0 U, p = 0.001) and plasma (mean, 1.0 vs. 0 U, p < 0.001) transfusions. Complications were similar except for a significant decrease in pneumonia (7% vs. 4%, p = 0.008). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo classification, ≥3) were similar. Across the patient admission, costs were not significantly different ($50,023 vs. $54,740, p = 0.637). There was no change in overall value (1.00 vs. 1.07, p = 0.778). CONCLUSION: The conversion of our standard trauma operating room to an endovascular hybrid operating room provided measurable improvements in hemorrhage control, red blood cell and plasma transfusions, and postoperative pneumonia without significant increase in cost. Value was unchanged. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic/Value-Based Evaluations; Level III.

Obesity and critical care nutrition: current practice gaps and directions for future research.

BACKGROUND: This review has been developed following a panel discussion with an international group of experts in the care of patients with obesity in the critical care setting and focuses on current best practices in malnutrition screening and assessment, estimation of energy needs for patients with obesity, the risks and management of sarcopenic obesity, the value of tailored nutrition recommendations, and the emerging role of immunonutrition. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) increasingly present with overweight and obesity that require individualized nutrition considerations due to underlying comorbidities, immunological factors such as inflammation, and changes in energy expenditure and other aspects of metabolism. While research continues to accumulate, important knowledge gaps persist in recognizing and managing the complex nutritional needs in ICU patients with obesity. Available malnutrition screening and assessment tools are limited in patients with obesity due to a lack of validation and heterogeneous factors impacting nutrition status in this population. Estimations of energy and protein demands are also complex in patients with obesity and may include estimations based upon ideal, actual, or adjusted body weight. Evidence is still sparse on the role of immunonutrition in patients with obesity, but the presence of inflammation that impacts immune function may suggest a role for these nutrients in hemodynamically stable ICU patients. Educational efforts are needed for all clinicians who care for complex cases of critically ill patients with obesity, with a focus on strategies for optimal nutrition and the consideration of issues such as weight stigma and bias impacting the delivery of care. CONCLUSIONS: Current nutritional strategies for these patients should be undertaken with a focus on individualized care that considers the whole person, including the possibility of preexisting comorbidities, altered metabolism, and chronic stigma, which may impact the provision of nutritional care. Additional research should focus on the applicability of current guidelines and evidence for nutrition therapy in populations with obesity, especially in the setting of critical illness.

Carnitine Deficiency in an Adult With Short Bowel Syndrome After Surgical Resection.

Carnitine is an essential cofactor for fatty acid metabolism. Deficiencies can be associated with muscle weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and cardiomyopathies. A 27-year-old woman with short bowel syndrome (SBS) presented with significant weight loss, fatigue, and muscle wasting despite adequate parenteral nutrition. Her laboratory test results revealed carnitine deficiency secondary to malnutrition. Levocarnitine supplementation was initiated with normalization of her carnitine levels. Her fatigue improved, and her weight returned to baseline. Carnitine deficiencies are seldomly reported in adults, particularly those with SBS. Carnitine deficiency should be suspected and corrected in patients with SBS and malabsorptive capacity due to surgical resection.

Incidental Zenker's diverticulum during exploration of penetrating neck wound†.

Intraoperative incidental findings are a persistent concern for surgeons. Even when such findings are not overtly life-threatening, surgeons must quickly decide whether to intervene. Esophageal diverticula are rare and underdescribed incidental findings associated with increased morbidity. A 40-year-old man was brought in by EMS after sustaining a penetrating Zone II left anterolateral neck wound. Emergent surgical exploration revealed a full-thickness distal oropharyngeal injury. The endotracheal tube was exposed and a Zenker's diverticulum was identified on the superior edge of the laceration. The diverticulum was excised and oversewn along with the oropharyngeal laceration repair. Intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy leak test and 7-day post-op computed tomography esophagram were negative. Our case describes the first successful management of an incidental Zenker's diverticulum in the literature. The decision to resect the diverticulum allowed for proper repair of the oropharyngeal laceration and improved outcomes by reducing the need for future surgical intervention.

Preoperative computed tomography for acutely incarcerated ventral or inguinal hernia.

BACKGROUND: The utility of preoperative computed tomography for urgent abdominal wall hernia repair is unclear. This study tests the hypothesis that there is no difference in patient outcomes for acutely incarcerated ventral or inguinal hernias diagnosed by preoperative computed tomography versus clinical assessment alone. METHODS: This retrospective cohort analysis included 270 adult patients undergoing urgent repair of ventral or inguinal hernia. Demographics, risk factors for complications, operative management strategies, and 1-year outcomes were compared between patients with (n = 179) versus without (n = 91) preoperative computed tomography. RESULTS: Among 179 preoperative computed tomography scans, 15 (8.4%) were ordered by surgeons, and all others were ordered by referring providers. The computed tomography and no computed tomography groups had similar age (58 vs 58 years, P = .77), body mass index (30.7 vs 30.6 kg/m2, P = .30), American Society of Anesthesiologists class (3.0 vs 3.0, P = .39), incidence of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (19.0% vs 20.9%, P = .75), and incidence of recurrent hernia (16.8% vs 19.8%, P = .61). The interval between admission and incision was longer in the computed tomography group (11.2 hours vs 6.6 hours, P < .001). The computed tomography and no computed tomography groups had similar duration of surgery (125 minutes in both groups, P = .88), proportions of patients with biologic mesh (21.2% vs 17.6%, P = .52) and synthetic mesh (35.2% vs 46.2%, P = .09) placement, and 1-year outcomes including incidence of superficial (8.4% vs 6.6%, P = .81) and deep or organ/space surgical site infection (5.0% vs 6.6%, P = .59), mesh explant for infection (2.2% vs 3.3%, P = .69), reoperation for recurrent hernia (3.9% vs 1.1%, P = .27), and mortality (7.8% vs 4.4%, P = .44). CONCLUSION: The performance of preoperative computed tomography was associated with a longer interval between admission and incision and no differences in mesh placement, mesh type, or 1-year patient outcomes. These results support the safety of performing urgent repair of acutely incarcerated ventral or inguinal hernias based on clinical assessment alone.

Nutritional impact of omega 3 fatty acids and metabolites in acute and chronic critical illness.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lipids have been utilized historically as a calorie dense means to ensure delivery of essential fatty acids (FA). Since the development of mixed lipid emulsion and investigation of immunomodulatory formulas, there has been an awakening that not all lipids are created equal. This narrative review focuses on contemporary evidence in the utilization of lipids (namely omega 3 fatty acids) in both acute and chronic critical illness. RECENT FINDINGS: Though randomized control trials and meta-analyses provide little guidance regarding clinical practice for patients suffering from chronic critical illness, available literature suggests the potential to use lipid formulas to decrease the inflammatory cycle that drives catabolism. Additionally, this review will address the expanding evidence that specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) may be the future of immunomodulating inflammation in acute and chronic critical illness and the persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolic syndrome (PICS). SUMMARY: Although societal guidelines, expert consensus, and literature support the use of omega 3 fatty acids in the acute critically ill population, more research is needed regarding omega 3 fatty acids for chronic critical illness and PICS.

Optimizing the nutrition support care model: Analysis of survey data.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is underrecognized and underdiagnosed, despite high prevalence rates and associated poor clinical outcomes. The involvement of clinical nutrition experts, especially physicians, in the care of high-risk patients with malnutrition remains low despite evidence demonstrating lower complication rates with nutrition support team (NST) management. To facilitate solutions, a survey was designed to elucidate the nature of NSTs and physician involvement and identify needs for novel nutrition support care models. METHODS: This survey assessed demographics of NSTs, factors contributing to the success of NSTs, elements of nutrition education, and other barriers to professional growth. RESULTS: Of 255 respondents, 235 complete surveys were analyzed. The geographic distribution of respondents correlated with population concentrations of the United States (r = 90.8%, p < .0001). Most responding physicians (46/57; 80.7%) reported being a member of NSTs, compared with 56.5% (88/156) of dietitians. Of those not practicing in NSTs (N = 81/235, 34.4%), 12.3% (10/81) reported an NST was previously present at their institution but had been disbanded. Regarding NSTs, financial concerns were common (115/235; 48.9%), followed by leadership (72/235; 30.6%), and healthcare professional (HCP) interest (55/235; 23.4%). A majority (173/235; 73.6%) of all respondents wanted additional training in nutrition but reported insufficient protected time, ability to travel, or support from administrators or other HCPs. CONCLUSION: Core actions resulting from this survey focused on formalizing physician roles, increasing interdisciplinary nutrition support expertise, utilizing cost-effective screening for malnutrition, and implementing intervention protocols. Additional actions included increasing funding for clinical practice, education, and research, all within an expanded portfolio of pragmatic nutrition support care models.

Improved perioperative mortality after secondary aortoenteric fistula repair and lessons learned from a 20-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Secondary aortoenteric fistulas (SAEFs) are rare but represent one of the most challenging and devastating problems for vascular surgeons. Several issues surrounding SAEF treatment remain unresolved, including optimal surgical reconstruction and conduit choice. We performed an audit of our experience with SAEFs and highlight aspects of care that have affected outcomes over time with the intent to identify factors associated with best outcomes. METHODS: We performed a single center, retrospective review of all consecutive SAEF repairs (1999-2019), defined as presence of a false communication between an enteric structure and pre-existing aortic graft. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Secondary endpoints included incidence of complications and overall survival. Time-dependent outcome comparison was performed. Cox proportional hazards modeling and life-table analysis estimated risk and freedom from endpoints. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients (63% male; n = 36) presented with SAEF (median age, 69 years; interquartile range [IQR], 61-74 years). Median follow-up time was 10 months (interquartile range, 3-21 months. The most common presenting symptoms were gastrointestinal bleeding (60%; n = 34) and abdominal pain (56%; n= 3 2). For the overall cohort, 30% (n = 17) underwent extra-anatomic bypass with aortic ligation, 30% (n = 17) rifampin-soaked Dacron graft, 26% (n = 15) femoral vein (eg, neoaortoiliac system), and 14% (n = 8) cryopreserved aortic allograft. The enteric communication involved the duodenum in 85% (n = 48), and a double-layer hand-sewn primary repair was most commonly employed (61%; n = 35). Thirty-day mortality was 35% (n = 20) with no significant difference between 90 days (39%; n = 22) and 180 days (42%; n = 24). Morbidity was 70% (n = 40), with gastrointestinal (30%; n = 17; leak [9%]), pulmonary (25%; n = 14), and renal (21%) complications being most common. Incidence of reoperation for any vascular and/or gastrointestinal-related complication was 56% (n = 32). One-year and 3-year survival was 54% ± 6% and 48% ± 8%, respectively. Over time, 30- and 90-day mortality improved (odds ratio, 0.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-0.5; P = .002) despite no change in patient factors, operative strategy, conduit choice, or morbidity rate. Prehospital history of gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with worse survival (hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.9; P = .06); however, reconstruction strategy (in-situ vs extra-anatomic bypass), postoperative gastrointestinal and/or vascular complication, omental flap use, and preoperative endovascular aneurysm repair history were not associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we observed improved short-term mortality despite no significant change in patient presentation or postoperative complications. This highlights increasing institutional experience in selecting the optimal surgical strategy and improved ability to rescue patients experiencing adverse postoperative events. An individualized approach to reconstruction and conduit choice can lead to best outcomes after SAEF management when patients are treated at a high-volume aortic surgery center.

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia: A rare but lethal complication of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)/ Society of Critical Care Medicine and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism guidelines recognize that critically ill patients receiving stable, low doses of vasopressors have experienced the advantages of early initiation of enteral nutrition (EN). However, clinical questions remained unanswered including vasopressor combinations associated with complications, the advent of other therapies during hypotensive states, as well as the volume and content of EN that might contribute to the development of a nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI). PRESENTATION: A 68-year old male with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease with two-vessel bypass grafting, and peripheral vascular disease underwent subtotal excision of an infected right axillofemoral-femoral bypass graft. Postoperatively, EN was held because of hemodynamic instability and postsurgical complications. A fiber-free, high-protein, and low-residue formula was started at 10 ml/h while the patient was receiving stable doses of midodrine, norepinephrine, and vasopressin. Despite advancement of tube-feed rates to goal, nasogastric output never exceeded 300 ml. Computerized tomography of the abdomen showed diffuse bowel distention with pneumatosis, concerning for bowel ischemia. No surgical interventions were pursued, and the patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient developed NOMI postoperatively while receiving EN. Further studies addressing EN route, trophic vs full EN, recommended formula, the safety of vasoactive agents, the addition of fiber to EN, and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration in relation to NOMI are needed, as there continues to be clinical controversy regarding these topics.

Estimated vs measured energy expenditure in ventilated surgical-trauma critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: The American and European guidelines recommend measuring resting energy expenditure (REE) using indirect calorimetry (IC). Predictive equations (PEs) are used to estimate REE, but there is limited evidence for their use in critically ill patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the degree of agreement and accuracy between IC-measured REE (REE-IC) and 10 different PEs in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients with surgical trauma who met their estimated energy requirement. METHODS: REE-IC was retrospectively compared with REE-PE by 10 PEs. The degree of agreement between REE-PE and REE-IC was analyzed by the Bland-Altman test (BAt) and the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). The accuracy was calculated by the percentage of patients whose REE-PE values differ by up to ±10% in relation to REE-IC. All analyses were stratified by gender and body mass index (BMI; <25 vs ≥25). RESULTS: We analyzed 104 patients and the closest estimate to REE-IC was the modified Harris-Benedict equation (mHB) by the BAt with a mean difference of 49.2 overall (61.6 for males, 28.5 for females, 67.5 for BMI <25, and 42.5 for BMI ≥25). The overall CCC between the REE-IC and mHB was 0.652 (0.560 for males, 0.496 for females, 0.570 for BMI <25, and 0.598 for BMI ≥25). The mHB equation was the most accurate with an overall accuracy of 44.2%. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of PEs for estimating the REE of mechanically ventilated surgical-trauma critically ill patients is limited. [Correction added on 17 February 2022, after first online publication: The word "with" was deleted before "is limited" in the preceding sentence.] Nonetheless, of the 10 equations examined, the closest to REE-IC was the mHB equation.

Chronic Critical Illness and PICS Nutritional Strategies.

The nutritional hallmark of chronic critical illness (CCI) after sepsis is persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism syndrome (PICS), which results in global resistance to the anabolic effect of nutritional supplements. This ultimately leaves these patients in a downward phenotypic spiral characterized by cachexia with profound weakness, decreased capacity for rehabilitation, and immunosuppression with the propensity for sepsis recidivism. The persistent catabolism is driven by a pathologic low-grade inflammation with the inability to return to homeostasis and by ongoing increased energy expenditure. Better critical care support systems and advances in technology have led to increased intensive care unit (ICU) survival, but CCI due to PICS with poor long-term outcomes has emerged as a frequent phenotype among ICU sepsis survivors. Unfortunately, therapies to mitigate or reverse PICS-CCI are limited, and recent evidence supports that these patients fail to respond to early ICU evidence-based nutrition protocols. A lack of randomized controlled trials has limited strong recommendations for nutrition adjuncts in these patients. However, based on experience in other conditions characterized by a similar phenotype, immunonutrients aimed at counteracting inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism may be important for improving outcomes in PICS-CCI patients. This manuscript intends to review several immunonutrients as adjunctive therapies in treating PICS-CCI.

Enteral Nutrition Administration Record Prescribing Process Using Computerized Order Entry: A New Paradigm and Opportunities to Improve Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of malnutrition has been reported in 60% of hospitalized and up to 78% of patients admitted to intensive care units. Malnutrition has been associated with complications, such as infection, increased hospital length of stay, morbidity, and mortality. Nutritional support has been shown to reduce avoidable readmissions, pressure ulcers, malpractice claims, and hospital costs. Creating a new electronic nutrition administration record (ENAR) with a linked nutrition tab within the electronic health record (EHR) would promote enhanced patient outcomes by improving adherence to established institutional enteral nutrition (EN) protocols and achieving early energy goals. Additionally, it would enable a clear and standardized method for documentation and administration of EN therapy. METHODS: The multidisciplinary nutrition support team was established and met on a weekly basis to discuss strategies and barriers, identify stakeholders, evaluate the current state, and establish a process and workflow from the point of order entry, delivery, administration, and electronic documentation of orders of EN supplements. The aim of this article is to describe a systematic approach and process of creating a new ENAR with a linked nutrition tab in the EHR, and to illustrate the order panel built and lessons learned from the process. RESULTS: A separate nutrition tab was created in the EHR with minimal disruption in patient care and end-users' positive feedback for the new order panel. CONCLUSION: ENAR allows for easier data collection and promotes nutrition-related research that may result in enhanced patient care. Utilizing technology to build a full ENAR would result in optimized patient care and safety.

Clinical Impact of a Dedicated Trauma Hybrid Operating Room.

BACKGROUND: Early hemorrhage control is essential to optimal trauma care. Hybrid operating rooms offer early, concomitant performance of advanced angiographic and operative hemostasis techniques, but their clinical impact is unclear. Herein, we present our initial experience with a dedicated, trauma hybrid operating room. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort analysis of 292 adult trauma patients undergoing immediate surgery at a Level I trauma center compared patients managed after implementation of a dedicated, trauma hybrid operating room (n = 186) with historic controls (n = 106). The primary outcomes were time to hemorrhage control (systolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg without ongoing vasopressor or transfusion requirements), early blood product administration, and complication. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were similar between cohorts (age 41 years, 25% female, 38% penetrating trauma). The hybrid cohort had lower initial hemoglobin (10.2 vs 11.1 g/dL, p = 0.001) and a greater proportion of patients undergoing resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (9% vs 1%, p = 0.007). Cohorts had similar case mixes and intraoperative consultation with cardiothoracic or vascular surgery (13%). Twenty-one percent of all hybrid cases included angiography. The interval between operating room arrival and hemorrhage control was shorter in the hybrid cohort (49 vs 60 minutes, p = 0.005). From 4 to 24 hours after arrival, the hybrid cohort had fewer red cell (0.0 vs 1.0, p = 0.001) and plasma transfusions (0.0 vs 1.0, p < 0.001). The hybrid cohort had fewer infectious complications (15% vs 27%, p = 0.009) and ventilator days (2.0 vs 3.0, p = 0.011), and similar in-hospital mortality (13% vs 10%, p = 0.579). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a dedicated, trauma hybrid operating room was associated with earlier hemorrhage control and fewer early blood transfusions, infectious complications, and ventilator days.

Cost-Effectiveness of Parenteral Nutrition Containing ω-3 Fatty Acids in Hospitalized Adult Patients From 5 European Countries and the US.

BACKGROUND: ω-3 Fatty acid (FA)-containing parenteral nutrition (PN) is associated with improvements in patient outcomes and with reductions in hospital length of stay (HLOS) vs standard PN regimens (containing non-ω-3 FA lipid emulsions). We present a cost-effectiveness analysis of ω-3 FA-containing PN vs standard PN in 5 European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK) and the US. METHODS: This pharmacoeconomic model was based on estimates of ω-3 efficacy reported in a recent meta-analysis and data from country-specific sources. It utilized a probabilistic discrete event simulation model to compare ω-3 FA-containing PN with standard PN in a population of critically ill and general ward patients. The influence of model parameters was evaluated using probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Overall costs were reduced with ω-3 FA-containing PN in all 6 countries compared with standard PN, ranging from €1741 (±€1284) in Italy to €5576 (±€4193) in the US. Expenses for infections and HLOS were lower in all countries for ω-3 FA-containing PN vs standard PN, with the largest cost differences for both in the US (infection: €825 ± €4001; HLOS: €4879 ± €1208) and the smallest savings in the UK for infections and in Spain for HLOS (€63 ± €426 and €1636 ± €372, respectively). CONCLUSION: This cost-effectiveness analysis in 6 countries demonstrates that the superior clinical efficacy of ω-3 FA-containing PN translates into significant decreases in mean treatment cost, rendering it an attractive cost-saving alternative to standard PN across different healthcare systems.

Audiovisual Modules to Enhance Informed Consent in the ICU: A Pilot Study.

Obtaining informed consent for commonly performed ICU procedures is often compromised by variability in communication styles and inadequate verbal descriptions of anatomic concepts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an audiovisual module in improving the baseline knowledge of ICU procedures among patients and their caregivers. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: Forty-eight-bed adult surgical ICU at a tertiary care center. SUBJECTS: Critically ill surgical patients and their legally authorized representatives. INTERVENTIONS: An audiovisual module describing eight commonly performed ICU procedures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Fifty-nine subjects were enrolled and completed an 11-question pre- and postvideo test of knowledge regarding commonly performed ICU procedures and a brief satisfaction survey. Twenty-nine percent had a healthcare background. High school was the highest level of education for 37% percent of all subjects. Out of 11 questions on the ICU procedure knowledge test, subjects scored an average 8.0 ± 1.9 correct on the pretest and 8.4 ± 2.0 correct on the posttest (p = 0.055). On univariate logistic regression, having a healthcare background was a negative predictor of improved knowledge (odds ratio, 0.185; 95% CI, 0.045-0.765), indicating that those with a health background had a lower probability of improving their score on the posttest. Among subjects who did not have a healthcare background, scores increased from 7.7 ± 1.9 to 8.3 ± 2.1 (p = 0.019). Seventy-five percent of all subjects indicated that the video was easy to understand, and 70% believed that the video improved their understanding of ICU procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Audiovisual modules may improve knowledge and comprehension of commonly performed ICU procedures among critically ill patients and caregivers who have no healthcare background.

Omega-3 fatty acid-containing parenteral nutrition in ICU patients: systematic review with meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid (FA)-containing parenteral nutrition (PN) is associated with significant improvements in patient outcomes compared with standard PN regimens without ω-3 FA lipid emulsions. Here, we evaluate the impact of ω-3 FA-containing PN versus standard PN on clinical outcomes and costs in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients using a meta-analysis and subsequent cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of a hospital operating in five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK) and the US. METHODS: We present a pharmacoeconomic simulation based on a systematic literature review with meta-analysis. Clinical outcomes and costs comparing ω-3 FA-containing PN with standard PN were evaluated in adult ICU patients eligible to receive PN covering at least 70% of their total energy requirements and in the subgroup of critically ill ICU patients (mean ICU stay > 48 h). The meta-analysis with the co-primary outcomes of infection rate and mortality rate was based on randomized controlled trial data retrieved via a systematic literature review; resulting efficacy data were subsequently employed in country-specific cost-effectiveness analyses. RESULTS: In adult ICU patients, ω-3 FA-containing PN versus standard PN was associated with significant reductions in the relative risk (RR) of infection (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.45, 0.86; p = 0.004), hospital length of stay (HLOS) (- 3.05 days; 95% CI - 5.03, - 1.07; p = 0.003) and ICU length of stay (LOS) (- 1.89 days; 95% CI - 3.33, - 0.45; p = 0.01). In critically ill ICU patients, ω-3 FA-containing PN was associated with similar reductions in infection rates (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.46, 0.94; p = 0.02), HLOS (- 3.98 days; 95% CI - 6.90, - 1.06; p = 0.008) and ICU LOS (- 2.14 days; 95% CI - 3.89, - 0.40; p = 0.02). Overall hospital episode costs were reduced in all six countries using ω-3 FA-containing PN compared to standard PN, ranging from €-3156 ± 1404 in Spain to €-9586 ± 4157 in the US. CONCLUSION: These analyses demonstrate that ω-3 FA-containing PN is associated with statistically and clinically significant improvement in patient outcomes. Its use is also predicted to yield cost savings compared to standard PN, rendering ω-3 FA-containing PN an attractive cost-saving alternative across different health care systems. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019129311.