Immunonutrition in patients with sepsis? <b>[Abstract in English]<\b>

Abstract

Aims: To review the current knowledge on the use of immunonutrients in critically ill patients, especially those with sepsis. Source of data: A narrative review of the literature was conducted, using the Medline/Pubmed data bases. The selected articles included publications between 2000 and 2011. Articles cited in reference lists of articles with the highest relevance were also included. Works on adult human individuals were selected. Summary of findings: Studies used different formulas containing immunonutrients, not always with the same immunomodulators. The given amount varied according to the type of formula, the patient's tolerance and the route of administration. Favorable and unfavorable effects appeared as a result of administration of diets enriched with immunomodulator nutrients in patients with sepsis. Conclusions: Literature is controversial regarding the recommendation to use immunonutrients in critically ill patients, especially those with sepsis. There is currently no evidence to define the efficiency and safety of immunonutrition in these patients. For more consistent results, studies should be conducted with more homogeneous methodological design and population, using isolated immunonutrients in defined dosis.