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Immunonutrition for Adults With ARDS: Results From a Cochrane Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Dushianthan A, Cusack R, Burgess VA, Grocott MP, Calder P

Respiratory care, 2020

1,015 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: ARDS is an overwhelming systemic inflammatory process associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Several trials have evaluated the effects of pharmaconutrients, given as part of a feeding formula or as a nutritional supplement, on clinical outcomes in critical illness and ARDS. The aim of this review is to assess the effects of immunonutrition on mechanically ventilated adults with ARDS compared to the standard feeding formula.

METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, conference proceedings, and trial registries for appropriate studies up to April 2018. We performed statistical analysis according to Cochrane methodological standards. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of evidence for each outcome.

RESULTS: We identified 10 randomized controlled trials with 1,015 participants. All of the studies compared an enteral formula or additional supplemental omega-3 fatty acids (eg, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid), γ-linolenic acid, and antioxidants. All of the studies reported mortality. For the primary outcome, there was no difference in all-cause mortality (for the longest period reported) with the use of an immunonutrition enteral formula or additional supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, γ-linolenic acid, and antioxidants (risk ratio = 0.79, 95% CI 0.59-1.07; low-quality evidence). For the secondary outcomes, we are uncertain whether immunonutrition with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants improves ICU length of stay,…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,015 participants or records.

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