Nutritional Support with Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Burn Patients: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

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#burns #fatty-acids-omega-3 #fish-oils #humans #nutritional-support

Nutritional Support with Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Burn Patients: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Siritientong et al., 2022 | Nutrients | Meta Analysis

Citation

Siritientong Tippawan, Thet Daylia, ... Meevassana Jiraroch. Nutritional Support with Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Burn Patients: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2022-Jul-13;14(14). doi:10.3390/nu14142874

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In burn patients, the profound effect of nutritional support on improved wound healing and a reduced rate of hospitalization and mortality has been documented. Fish oil as a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids in nutritional support may attenuate the inflammatory response and enhance immune function; however, unclear effects on the improvement of clinical outcomes in burn patients remain. METHODS: The systematic literature review was conducted by searching the electronic databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus to assess the randomized controlled trials of nutritional support with omega-3 fatty acids compared to control diets in patients that presented with burns from any causes. RESULTS: Seven trials were included in this meta-analysis. We found no significant differences in length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.59), mortality (p = 0.86), ventilation days (p = 0.16), gastrointestinal complications-e.g., constipation and diarrhea (p = 0.73)-or infectious complications-e.g., pneumonia and sepsis (p = 0.22)-between the omega-3-fatty-acid-receiving group and the control/other diets group. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a benefit of omega-3 support in reducing the various complications, mortality and LOS in burn patients. Further studies are necessary to find the effect of nutritional support with omega-3 fatty acids over low-fat diets in this population.

Key Findings

Seven trials were included in this meta-analysis. We found no significant differences in length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.59), mortality (p = 0.86), ventilation days (p = 0.16), gastrointestinal complications-e.g., constipation and diarrhea (p = 0.73)-or infectious complications-e.g., pneumonia and sepsis (p = 0.22)-between the omega-3-fatty-acid-receiving group and the control/other diets group.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Burns
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fish Oils
  • Humans
  • Nutritional Support
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09