Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with sepsis: an updated meta-analysis. Issue 12 (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Chenyang; Han, Dong; Feng, Xiaojing; Wu, Jing
• Is Part Of: Journal of international medical research. Volume 48:Issue 12(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Sepsis -- omega-3 fatty acids -- meta-analysis -- mortality -- gastrointestinal dysfunction -- mechanical ventilation -- intensive care unit stay; Medicine -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0300060520953684
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-0605

Abstract

Objectives: The efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of sepsis is controversial. We conducted an updated meta-analysis to clarify the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with sepsis. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in adults with sepsis. Results: Twenty eligible RCTs involving 1514 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was linked to reductions of mortality ( I 2 = 0, relative risk [RR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69–0.97), the duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV; I 2 = 74%, weighted mean difference [WMD] = −2.20, 95% CI = −4.00 to −0.40), and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS; I 2 = 91%, WMD = −3.86, 95% CI = −5.72 to −2.01). Subgroup analysis illustrated that mortality was significantly reduced in patients with sepsis and gastrointestinal dysfunction (RR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.29–0.86, I 2 = 0). Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation might be associated with reduced mortality in patients with sepsis, especially those with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acid administration could shorten DMV and ICU LOS.