Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation Improves Pulmonary Function and Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients: a...

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Nutritional Science
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Existing research on omega-3 fatty acids and critically ill patients shows mixed results.
• Further investigation is needed to clarify the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on pulmonary function and clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on pulmonary function and clinical outcomes in critically ill adult patients.
• To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials investigating omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of five major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, CENTRAL) was conducted.
• Included randomized controlled trials involving critically ill adults receiving omega-3 fatty acids via enteral or parenteral routes.
• Meta-analysis using fixed- or random-effects models with heterogeneity assessment via I² statistic.

Main Results:

• Analysis of 29 studies (2551 patients) showed increased EPA and DHA levels, improved immune markers (CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD4+/CD8+ ratio), and decreased CRP.
• Pulmonary function improved with increased PaO2, SaO2, and PaO2/FiO2, alongside decreased airway resistance, PEEP, and lactate.
• Significant reductions in mechanical ventilation days (MD, -1.31) and length of hospitalization (MD, -3.96) were observed.

Conclusions:

• Omega-3 fatty acids may enhance fatty acid concentrations and modulate immune regulation in critically ill patients.
• Supplementation appears to improve pulmonary function and is associated with better clinical outcomes.
• Both enteral and parenteral omega-3 administration showed benefits in reducing CRP, shortening hospital stays, and improving oxygenation.