Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Inflammatory Response in Multisystem Trauma Patients

Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Inflammatory Response in Multisystem Trauma Patients

This study will evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on inflammation in trauma patients. The main hypothesis is that such supplementation will reduce the presence of biomarkers of systemic inflammation, as compared to placebo

This prospective, randomized study will evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on inflammatory response in multi-injured trauma patients. Its primary objective is to compare the intensity of inflammation between an active omega-3 group and a placebo group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Multi-system blunt trauma patients
• Ages 18 through 65 years, inclusive
• Admission to ICU
• Nasogastric or nasoenteric feeding tube in place
• Intention of primary medical team to feed the patient enterally

Exclusion Criteria:

• Expected mortality within 48 hours
• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Pregnant or breast feeding
• Patient, surrogate, or physician not committed to full support
• Refractory shock
• Unable to obtain enteral access
• Presence of partial or complete mechanical bowel obstruction, or ischemia, or infarction
• Current total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use, or intent to use TPN within 7 days
• Current gastrointestinal bleeding
• Requirement for vasopressors