Purpose of Review To discuss the different forms of enteral nutrition, while outlining available evidence for its use in specific conditions and how enteral nutrition composition may or may not influence relevant outcomes. Recent Findings Enteral nutrition formulas were originally conceived as a liquid form of nutrition for individuals who otherwise could not consume adequate calories through solid food. Over time, the emergence of specialty formulas marketed to benefit specific diseases or conditions has led to a broad range of potentially confusing options. While most options have theoretical benefit for their marketed conditions, the evidence demonstrating practical benefit is not consistent. Summary Overall, the certainty of evidence for specialty formulas remains low or very low. In most instances, one could begin with standard polymeric formula, except in cases where disease-specific formulas are recommended. Much research is nonetheless still needed to clarify whether some disease-specific formulas are truly beneficial or merely theoretical features.
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of thoracic and extrathoracic malignancies and is associated with high mortality. Treatment is mainly palliative, with symptomatic management achieved via effusion drainage and pleurodesis. Pleurodesis may be hastened by administering a sclerosing agent through a thoracostomy tube, thoracoscopy, or an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC). Over the last decade, several randomized controlled studies shaped the current management of MPE in favor of an outpatient-based approach with a notable increase in IPC usage. Patient preferences remain essential in choosing optimal therapy, especially when the lung is expandable. In this article, we reviewed the last 10 to 15 years of MPE literature with a particular focus on the diagnosis and evolving management.
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