Patient Information
Maldigestion and malabsorption
Maldigestion and malabsorption of nutrients results in malnutrition. It commonly occurs in a wide range of diseases like short-bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatic insufficiency.
The so-called short-bowel syndrome occurs when a combination of loss of bowel due to resection and/ or dysfunction of the remaining bowel reduces intestinal absorption such that requirements of fluid, electrolytes, macronutrients, minerals, and vitamins are difficult to meet with normal nutrition. Symptoms of short-bowel syndrome include large volume diarrhoea, thirst, and weight loss.
Patients suffering from pancreatic insufficiency have a decreased production of the so-called digestive enzymes resulting in maldigestion and malabsorption. The pancreas produces most of digestive enzymes which are substances being essential for the digestion of nutrients and are, therefore, of the utmost importance for nutrient utilisation. Particularly patients with chronic pancreatitis are at increased risk of becoming malnourished.
Inflammatory bowel diseases include both Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn´s disease can involve any part of the alimentary tract from the mouth to the anus whereas ulcerative colitis is a mucosal disease restricted to the colon. Mechanisms contributing to malnutrition in inflammatory bowel diseases include decreased food intake due to discomfort and diarrhoea being exacerbated by eating, as well as to dietary restrictions. Additionally, malabsorption of nutrients, increased nutrient requirements, resulting from fever and inflammation as well as drug nutrient interactions contribute to malnutrition.
Due to the impaired digestion and absorption of nutrients in the diseases mentioned the tolerance of so-called pre-digested enteral diets (oligopeptide diets) are considered to be better, and should be given preference. In the case of non-tolerance of enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition of course has to be applied.
Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi offers parenteral and enteral products particularly suited to dietary management in patients with maldigestion and malabsorption.
Critical illness
Critical illness refers to a wide spectrum of life-threatening medical or surgical conditions usually requiring intensive care and special nutrition support.
It is accompanied by an increased requirement of specific nutrients like protein and energy. Critical illness may be prolonged if nutritional requirements are not met. Additionally, patients suffering from critical illness have impaired immunological functions. This may result in an overall poor patient condition and outcome. Consequently, patients should receive special nutrition support as early as possible.
In addition to providing adequate protein and energy, it is of the utmost importance that the immune system be supported in critical illness. Specific nutrients like glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are important nutritional substrates for improving immunological functions in critical illness.
Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi offers parenteral and enteral products particularly suited to nutritional support in critical illness.
Parenteral Nutrition Compounding
Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi has two TGA registered aseptic compounding facilities, preparing tailor-made parenteral nutrition for critically ill patients. Intravenous solutions of macro and micronutrient solutions are produced to give a range of patient and hospital specific formulations for both hospital and home use. The specialised sterile facilities assure product reliability and safety.