Artificial Nutrition Support During Acute Illness in Pregnancy: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Clinical Nutrition
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Artificial nutrition support in pregnant patients with acute illness presents complex challenges for maternal and fetal health.
• Limited research exists to guide artificial nutrition support practices during pregnancy.
• This scoping review addresses the need to understand current research and identify gaps in artificial nutrition support during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the existing literature on artificial nutrition support practices during acute illness in pregnancy.
• To identify current research, gaps in knowledge, and directions for future research in this area.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.
• Searches were performed across five major databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and MIDIRS.
• Included studies focused on adult pregnant patients receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition, excluding non-English publications.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four studies were included, predominantly case reports (12) and case series (7), with only one randomized controlled trial.
• Hyperemesis gravidarum was the most common indication (14 studies), with parenteral nutrition being the most frequent method (14 studies).
• Significant heterogeneity was observed in reporting energy, protein, micronutrient delivery, and maternal/fetal outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The review identified a substantial lack of research on artificial nutrition support during pregnancy.
• High-quality research is critically needed to develop guidelines and optimize management strategies.
• Standardizing practices is essential to improve outcomes for this complex patient population.