Providing adequate nutrition to critically ill pediatric patients is essential and positively impacts outcomes. Critically ill infants and children receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy are nutritionally vulnerable, yet there are challenges to reliable assessment of nutrition requirements and to the delivery of optimal nutrition in this cohort. In this review of the relevant literature, we present the current evidence and guidelines for the optimal prescription and delivery of nutrition for pediatric patients receiving ECMO. We also discuss nutrient delivery considerations in ECMO survivors and identify areas where further study is needed.
Keywords: critical illness; enteral nutrition; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; nutrition assessment; nutrition requirements; nutrition support; parenteral nutrition; pediatrics.
© 2018 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.