Benefits of Delaying Parenteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Children

Delayed (after 7 days) versus early (within 24 hours) initiation of parenteral nutrition was associated with shorter PICU stay and fewer new infections.

Providing critically ill children with nutrients via parenteral nutrition (PN) is an important component of care. In an international randomized, controlled trial, researchers investigated whether delayed initiation (after 7 days) was superior to early initiation (within 24 hours of admission) of PN in reducing duration of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay or incidence of infections in 1440 critically ill children aged 0 to 17 years.

Compared with early PN, delayed PN was significantly associated with shorter PICU stay (6.5 vs. 9.2 days; P<0.001) and lower incidence of infection (10.7% vs. 18.5%; P<0.001), as well as fewer days on ventilator support and reduced need for renal replacement. Total hospital stay, mortality, and readmissi…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Benefits of Delaying Parenteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Children

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Reviewing Author