Nutritional and metabolic needs in enteric fistulas

• Grant number: 25/09524-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Roberto José Negrão Nogueira
• Grantee: Marcela Dias Calepso
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Gastrointestinal fistulas are abnormal communications that can occur between parts of the digestive tract or between the digestive tract and other structures, such as the skin and adjacent organs. The main etiology of enteric fistulas is iatrogenic (75-85%), such as in the immediate postoperative period of abdominal surgery. The presence of enteric fistulas can result in a loss of fluids, electrolytes and nutrients, causing complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, hydroelectrolytic disorders, acid-base imbalances, mineral disorders and greater susceptibility to infections, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Adequate nutrition facilitates the spontaneous closure of the fistula, as well as avoiding the negative effects of malnutrition. Nutritional support can be provided in different ways, such as oral food supplementation, Enteral Nutrition or Parenteral Nutrition, depending on the location of the fistula and its output. Therefore, this project aims to evaluate the clinical, nutritional and metabolic characteristics of patients with gastrointestinal fistulas. To this end, a descriptive historical cohort study will be conducted in which data from patients with gastrointestinal fistulas who required Parenteral Nutrition at the UNICAMP Hospital das Clínicas between January 2018 and March 2025 will be analyzed. The data obtained in this study could contribute to the development of more effective treatment, identifying clinical practices that minimize complications, reduce morbidity and mortality rates and improve patients' quality of life.