Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
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Nutrition supplementation is paramount to the care of severely injured patients. Despite its widespread use in trauma patients, many areas of clinical practice remain controversial. ⋯ Additional controversies confronting clinicians are reviewed, including the use of immune-enhancing agents and the optimal site for enteral nutrition delivery (gastric vs small intestinal). Evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice are presented when available.
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Appropriate fluid management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents a challenge for many clinicians. Many of these patients may receive osmotic diuretics for the treatment of increased intracranial pressure or develop sodium disturbances, which act to alter fluid balance. ⋯ Electrolyte derangements are also common after neurologic injury, with many having neurologic manifestations. In addition, the role of electrolyte abnormalities in the secondary neurologic injury cascade is being delineated and may offer a potential future therapeutic intervention.