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. 2011 Apr;15(2):108-13.
doi: 10.4103/0972-5229.83019.

Efficacy and safety of parenteral omega 3 fatty acids in ventilated patients with acute lung injury

Ajay Gupta  1 , Deepak Govil, Shaleen Bhatnagar, Sachin Gupta, Jyoti Goyal, Sweta Patel, Himanshu Baweja
Affiliations

Efficacy and safety of parenteral omega 3 fatty acids in ventilated patients with acute lung injury

Ajay Gupta et al. Indian J Crit Care Med. 2011 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of parenteral omega 3 fatty acids (10% fatty acids) on respiratory parameters and outcome in ventilated patients with acute lung injury.

Measurements and main results: Patients were randomized into two groups - one receiving standard isonitrogenous isocaloric enteral diet and the second receiving standard diet supplemented with parenteral omega 3 fatty acids (Omegaven, Fresenius Kabi) for 14 days. Patients demographics, APACHE IV, Nutritional assessment and admission category was noted at the time of admission. No significant difference was found in nutritional variables (BMI, Albumin). Compared with baseline PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio (control vs. drug group: 199 ± 124 vs. 145 ± 100; P = 0.06), by days 4, 7, and 14, patients receiving the drug did not show a significant improvement in oxygenation (PaO(2)/FiO(2): 151.83 ± 80.19 vs. 177.19 ± 94.05; P = 0.26, 145.20 ± 109.5 vs. 159.48 ± 109.89; P = 0.61 and 95.97 ± 141.72 vs. 128.97 ± 140.35; P = 0.36). However, the change in oxygenation from baseline to day 14 was significantly better in the intervention as compared to control group (145/129 vs. 199/95; P < 0.0004). There was no significant difference in the length of ventilation (LOV) and length of ICU stay (LOS). There was no difference in survival at 28 days. Also, there was no significant difference in the length of ventilation and ICU stay in the survivors group as compared to the non survivors group.

Conclusions: In ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, intravenous Omega 3 fatty acids alone do not improve ventilation, length of ICU stay, or survival.

Keywords: Acute lung injury; enteral diet; length of stay; mechanical ventilation; oxygenation; parenteral Omega 3 fatty acids.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consort diagram showing conduct of the study
Figure 2
Figure 2
Trend line showing significant difference (P < 0.0004) in oxygenation (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) between the intervention and control group at day 14.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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