Metabolic support of the critically ill: 2008 update.
Nutrition support in critically ill patients is not merely simple nutrition, but rather metabolic support. In the last few years, the pharmacological properties of nutrients have been specifically addressed in a new field called pharmaconutrition. This review will offer a deeper insight into this field, focusing on the properties of arginine, glutamine, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids as well as the level of blood glycemia which should be maintained in critically ill patients.
Iapichino
G
G
Institute of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. g.iapichino@unimi.it
Radrizzani
D
D
Destrebecq
A
A
Vincenzi
M
M
Zanello
M
M
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001786:Blood Glucose; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005973:Glutamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008660:Metabolism; D018529:Nutritional Support
D000975:Antioxidants; D001786:Blood Glucose; D005227:Fatty Acids; D005973:Glutamine