Nutrition Support in Adult Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for both severe respiratory and cardiac failure is increasing. Because these patients are some of the sickest in the intensive care unit, a multidisciplinary approach to their treatment, including appropriate nutrition therapy, is warranted. Currently, limited data exist on the optimal timing, type, and amount of nutrition to be provided. This review focuses on describing the current nutrition practices in patients receiving ECMO, details research that is currently being undertaken, and lists important research questions that require exploration in this field. Observational data suggest that early enteral nutrition is safe and that although nutrition targets can be met, underfeeding is still common. Until further research is available, these patients should be fed according to guidelines for the general critically unwell population.