Synbiotics, Prebiotics, Glutamine, or Peptide in Early Enteral Nutrition: A Randomized Study in Trauma Patients

Authors: Alenka Spindler-Vesel, Stig Bengmark, Irena Vovk, Ognjen Cerovic and Lidija Kompan.

Published: JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2007; 31.

Method and selection

The study was conducted in vivo, involving human participants.

Design: Investigators were blinded to the study groups.

Treatment: Patients were prospectively randomized into 4 groups: group A, glutamine; B, fermentable fiber; C, peptide diet; and D, standard enteral formula with fibers combined with Synbiotic 2000.

Where and when: University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Sample size: 113 patients.

Sample criteria: Multiple injured patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 18 and at least a 4-day ICU stay were eligible for the study.

Analysed material: Researchers monitored parameters such as infection rates, length of hospital stays, and inflammatory markers.

The study investigates whether synbiotics can relieve complications and improve clinical outcomes in severely injured patients. Examining the potential of synbiotics in improving outcomes for patients with severe trauma.

Results and indicative results

Results

A total of 51 infections were observed, with only 5 infections in group D, which was significantly less than combined infections in groups A, B, and C. Intestinal permeability decreased only in group D.

The total gastric retention volume in 7 days was significantly more in group D than in group A and in group C. (s. 119).

Indicative results

Patients supplemented with synbiotics did better than the others, with lower intestinal permeability and fewer infections (s. 119).

Further research

By the date of publication, no other study has looked at the effects of synbiotics in acute trauma patients. The influence of glutamine and peptides had also been far from fully explored in this category of patients at that time. (s.120).

Full research study