High‐energy nutrition in paediatric cardiac critical care patients: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have shown that feeding a high-energy formula (HF) to infants after cardiac surgery increases energy intake, with fewer side effects on cardiopulmonary function. However, impacts on weight gain and gastrointestinal function remain unclear.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To determine the impact of HF compared with standard formula on weight gain and gastrointestinal tolerance in postoperative infants with congenital heart disease.
DESIGN
This was a randomized controlled trial.
METHODS
The setting of the study was at a 20-bed cardiac intensive care unit at a tertiary children's hospital in China. Study population included infants <1 year of age who underwent cardiac surgery and were allocated to the intervention group (n = 32) or control group (n = 32). The intervention group received HF (100 kcal/100 mL), and the control group received standard formula (67 kcal/100 mL) for 7 days during the stabilized postoperative period at the cardiac intensive care unit. Primary outcomes were weight gain and gastrointestinal intolerance. Secondary outcomes were energy intake and standard intensive care characteristics.
RESULTS
Infants who received HF (n = 30) showed less weight loss than those who received standard formula (n = 29); -16 g [95% confidence interval (CI): -74 to 42] versus -181 g (95% CI: -264 to -99), P = 0·001. The evaluation of gastrointestinal intolerance showed that the intervention group had several side effects, such as abdominal distension (n = 1),…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 32 participants or records.
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