Background: Aluminum has known neurotoxicity and may impair short-term bone health. In a randomised trial we showed reduced neurodevelopmental scores in preterm infants previously exposed to aluminum from parenteral nutrition solutions. Here, in the same cohort, we test the hypothesis that neonatal aluminum exposure also adversely affects long-term bone health, as indicated by reduced bone mass...

The pancreas plays a major role in nutrient digestion. Therefore, in both acute and chronic pancreatitis, exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency can develop, impairing digestive and absorptive processes. These changes can lead to malnutrition over time. In parallel to these changes, decreased caloric intake and increased metabolic activity are often present. Nutritional deficiencies ne...

Nutritional support is often an integral part of patient management. There are three principal access routes used for nutrient delivery: oral, enteral (tube feeding) and parenteral. Tube feeding is indicated for those patients who, in the presence of a functional gastrointestinal tract, cannot, should not or will not consume adequate nutrition orally. A number of different routes may be used in...

BACKGROUND Given that, in most clinical circumstances, enteral nutrition (nasal gastric tube feeding) may not necessarily be superior to parenteral nutrition (IV feeding), consideration of patient preference should be included in decisions on the method of feeding. OBJECTIVES To evaluate patient preference for nasal gastric versus IV feeding. METHODS We administered a written questionnaire ...

Consumption of food and drink is a fundamental part of North American culture. “All-you-can-eat” diners and lavish Thanksgiving turkey dinners are as American as Mom and apple pie. Eating and drinking is a valued social activity; we derive our strength from eating, and for many, the ability to eat and drink symbolizes life itself. The development of artificial nutrition has allowed us to feed p...

BACKGROUND & AIMS Glutamine supplementation has been associated with reduced mortality, infections and hospital length of stay in critically ill patients and patients undergoing major surgery. We carried out a meta-analysis to examine randomized clinical trial (RCT)-based evidence of these effects. METHODS Based on a systematic database search, RCTs published since 1990 were included if they ...

Chylothorax is defined as the accumulation of lymphatic fluid or chyle in the pleural space. Chylothorax treatment is composed of conservative; pleural drainage, termination of enteral feeding, total parenteral nutrition and supplementation with medium- chain triglycerides and surgical therapies; ductus thoracicus ligation, pleuroperitoneal shunts or pleuredesis. Nowadays, for cases among which...