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Pediatric enteral nutrition therapy for burn victims: when should it be initiated?
Mariéle Valentini1, Fernanda Braga Seganfredo2, Sabrina Alves Fernandes3
1Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre - Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil.
Insights
Early enteral nutrition in pediatric burn patients significantly reduces hospital stays. While not impacting mortality, it improves metabolic markers and reduces caloric deficits, though with increased gastrointestinal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care
- Nutritional science
- Burn management
Background:
- Early nutritional intervention is crucial for pediatric burn patients.
- Optimizing enteral nutrition timing may improve outcomes.
- Evidence on early versus late enteral nutrition initiation is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze evidence on early enteral nutrition (EEN) initiation in pediatric burn patients.
- To compare outcomes of EEN versus late enteral nutrition (LEN).
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
- Searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
- Included pediatric patients (1 month to 18 years) with burns.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in mortality between EEN and LEN groups (OR = 0.72).
- EEN significantly reduced length of hospital stay by 3.69 days (p < 0.00001).
- EEN group showed increased diarrhea/vomiting, decreased intestinal permeability, higher insulin levels, and lower caloric deficit/weight loss.
Conclusions:
- Initiating nutritional support early is important for pediatric burn patients.
- EEN demonstrates metabolic benefits and shorter hospitalizations.
- Further robust studies are needed to enhance scientific impact.
Objective:
To review the scientific evidence regarding the initiation of enteral nutrition in the pediatric burn population.
Methods:
This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing early enteral nutrition and late enteral nutrition in individuals aged 1 month to 18 years with burns. The MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the terms "burns", "fires", "child nutrition disorders", "nutritional support" and related terms.
Results:
Three articles that included a total of 781 patients were identified. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate between the early and late groups (OR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.46 - 1.15, p = 0.17). Patients who received early enteral nutrition had a 3.69-day reduction in the length of hospital stay (mean difference = -3.69, 95%CI = -4.11 - -3.27, p < 0.00001). There was a higher incidence of diarrhea and vomiting and decreased intestinal permeability in the early group. This group also presented higher a serum insulin concentration and insulin/glucagon ratio as well as lower caloric deficit and weight loss when compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
Analysis of the different intragroup variables suggests the importance of starting nutritional support early. Considering the number of pediatric burn patients, there is a need for robust studies with greater scientific impact.
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