Purpose Reluctance to administer lipid emulsions to patients receiving treatment, or as recommended by a nutritional support team, often stems from various restrictions or concerns about potential adverse effects. This paper aims to discuss the appropriate clinical use of lipid emulsions to enhance both patient safety and convenience.
Current concept We conducted a literature review to assess the importance of nutritional therapy and nutritional intervention, the advantages and disadvantages of lipid-emulsion administration, the current situation in Japan, and differences between lipid formulations. Here, we address issues regarding lipid-emulsion use, including: administration rate, drug mixing, administration in critically ill patients, and early postoperative use. Our findings suggest the following solutions to each issue: although a rate below 0.1 g/kg/hr is generally recommended, faster administration is possible if needed, depending on the case; administration via a piggy tube to basic infusion formulations is unproblematic; second- and third-generation fat emulsions are safe for critically ill patients, though soybean oil should be used with caution; and while fat emulsion administration is feasible immediately after surgery, due to endogenous energy mobilization, it is preferable to initiate administration from the third to fourth postoperative day.
Conclusion The provisional conclusions of this study are as follows: the introduction of medium-chain triglyceride formulations and fish oil (second- and third-generation lipid emulsions), which are not yet available in Japan, is urgently needed; and individualized administration is essential due to substantial interindividual variability in lipid emulsion usage.
Ye Rim Chang, Bo-Eun Kim, In Seok Lee, Youn Soo Cho, Sung-Sik Han, Eunjung Kim, Hyunjung Kim, Jae Hak Kim, Jeong Wook Kim, Sung Shin Kim, Eunhee Kong, Ja Kyung Min, Chi-Min Park, Jeongyun Park, Seungwan Ryu, Kyung Won Seo, Jung Mi Song, Minji Seok, Eun-Mi Seol, Jinhee Yoon, Jeong Meen Seo, for KSPEN Enteral Nutrition Committee
Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2025;17(1):3-8. Published online April 1, 2025
Purpose This study aimed to develop a comprehensive practical guide for enteral nutrition (EN) designed to enhance patient safety and reduce complications in Korea. Under the leadership of the Korean Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (KSPEN), the initiative sought to standardize EN procedures, improve decision-making, and promote effective multidisciplinary communication.
Methods The KSPEN EN committee identified key questions related to EN practices and organized them into seven sections such as prescribing, delivery route selection, formula preparation, administration, and quality management. Twenty-one experts, selected based on their expertise, conducted a thorough literature review to formulate evidence-based recommendations. Drafts underwent peer review both within and across disciplines, with final revisions completed by the KSPEN Guideline Committee. The guide, which will be published in three installments, addresses critical elements of EN therapy and safety protocols.
Results The practical guide recommends that EN orders include detailed elements and advocates the use of electronic medical records for communication. Standardized prescription forms and supplementary safety measures are outlined. Review frequency is adjusted according to patient condition—daily for critically ill or unstable patients and as dictated by institutional protocols for stable patients. Evidence indicates that adherence to these protocols reduces mortality, complications, and prescription errors.
Conclusion The KSPEN practical guide offers a robust framework for the safe delivery of EN tailored to Korea’s healthcare context. It emphasizes standardized protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve nutritional outcomes, patient safety, and operational efficiency. Rigorous implementation and monitoring of adherence are critical for its success.
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Bridging evidence and clinical practice: a practical guide for enteral nutrition from the Korean Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Suk-Kyung Hong Ann Clin Nutr Metab.2025; 17(1): 1. CrossRef