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COVID-19 infection in patients with intestinal failure: UK experience

P J Allan1, T Ambrose1, C Mountford2

  • 1Translational Gastroenterology Unit, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.

JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|February 15, 2021
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 significantly impacted patients with intestinal failure (IF), particularly those requiring home parenteral nutrition (HPN). This study highlights infection rates and outcomes in IF patients during the pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with intestinal failure (IF) remains largely undescribed.
  • Patients with IF, especially those reliant on long-term parenteral nutrition, may represent a vulnerable population during infectious disease outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the infection rates, clinical presentations, and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with types 2 and 3 intestinal failure.
  • To assess the specific risks and consequences for individuals dependent on home parenteral nutrition (HPN).

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide study was conducted across UK IF centers.
  • Data were collected on patients with types 2 and 3 IF who contracted COVID-19 between March and August 2020.
  • Infection rates were compared between HPN-dependent patients and hospitalized patients with type 2 IF.

Main Results:

  • A total of 45 patients with IF contracted COVID-19.
  • Infection rates were 1.2% for HPN-dependent adults and 6.4% for hospitalized type 2 IF adults.
  • The mortality rate directly attributed to COVID-19 was 6.7% among infected patients with types 2 or 3 IF.

Conclusions:

  • This is the first study to report on COVID-19 outcomes in a substantial cohort of patients requiring long-term parenteral nutrition.
  • Implementing strategies to minimize nosocomial transmission in both hospital and community settings is crucial for protecting this vulnerable patient group.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19home parenteral nutritionintestinal failureoutcome

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