Enteral nutrition with omega-3 fatty acids in critically ill septic patients: A randomized double-blinded study

The present study was done to investigate the effect of the enteral omega-3 fatty acids on critically ill septic patients.

A total of 110 critically ill septic patients were divided into two groups, 55 patients in each. Group A received enteral nutrition with 1000 mg omega-3 three times daily and Group B received enteral nutrition without omega-3. Demographic data, sepsis characteristics, number of patients required invasive ventilation, ventilation days, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, organ failure-free days, hemodynamic failure-free days, ICU stay, ICU, and hospital outcome were recorded.

Leukocytic count and C-reactive protein were higher in Group B during ICU stay (P = 0.010 and 0.003, respectively). The number of organ and hemodynamic failure-free days was higher in Group A (P < 0.05). Overall, ICU SOFA score was higher in Group B (P = 0.03). There was no difference in the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation (P = 0.41). ICU stay was longer in Group B (P = 0.019); however, post-ICU hospital stay was similar in both groups. There were no differences regarding ICU and hospital survivors (P > 0.05).

Enteral nutrition with omega-3 can improve organ function and decrease ICU stay in septic patients. Omega-3 fatty acids do not affect ICU mortality or decrease the post-ICU hospital stay.