Study of Early Enteral Dextrose in Sepsis

Overview

This study is a prospective single-center randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial testing the effects of early enteral dextrose as a therapeutic agent in critically ill patients with sepsis. Primary outcomes are differences in circulating plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 to be tested 24 hours after the start of enteral infusion. Secondary outcomes include differences in circulating incretin hormone levels, differences in other pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β and TNF-α, changes in intestinal microbial composition and function after intervention, glycemic control and variability as assessed by capillary blood glucose measurements and exogenous insulin dosing during the intervention period, and clinical outcomes including intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay and in-hospital mortality.

The central objective of this research project is to determine how early caloric support impacts inflammatory and metabolic outcomes in the acute phase of sepsis. Preliminary data from our mouse models suggest that provision of dextrose via an intravenous route, even at low levels early in the course of sepsis, markedly impairs glucose tolerance and decreases insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. In contrast, provision of low-level dextrose by the enteral route at identical levels during the early phase of sepsis is associated with decreased inflammation, increased secretion of beneficial intestine-derived incretin hormones, and significant improvements in glucose metabolism. The goals of this clinical study are to translate findings on the beneficial role of early enteral dextrose in a pilot interventional trial in critically-ill patients with sepsis. This clinical trial will provide further insight into the optimal timing and route of early caloric support in the care of septic patients-an area of clinical practice that will benefit from further studies in fundamental biology and clear guidelines for physicians.