Baxter Korea on Tuesday announced the release of Olimel N12E, a protein-rich Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) fluid for critically ill patients, with health insurance coverage beginning on Oct. 1.

Olimel N12E contains 76 grams of amino acids and 950 calories per 1,000 mL, marking an approximately 33 percent increase in amino acids per 1,000 mL when compared to Baxter's previous multivitamin fluid, Olimel N9E. This enhancement enables the new product to deliver a higher amino acid content in the same dosage. In addition to the standard 1,000 mL size, it is also available in 1,500 mL, 2,000 mL, and a smaller 650 mL volume option, offering patients the flexibility to select the appropriate fluid volume to meet their nutritional requirements.

Ensuring sufficient caloric and protein intake plays a crucial role in reducing mortality among severely ill patients. Typically, critically ill individuals exhibit lower calorie needs and heightened protein demands compared to the general population, primarily due to escalated protein breakdown resulting from systemic inflammatory responses. It's important to note that while appropriate caloric intake can decrease mortality rates, an excessive caloric intake may have the opposite effect, potentially increasing patient mortality. Therefore, when administering multinutrient fluids, it's essential to consider both caloric intake and protein content as critical factors for patient care.

For older adults dealing with chronic diseases, acute kidney injury, and critically ill patients facing renal failure, it is advisable to provide up to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Additionally, even higher protein amounts ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 grams per kilogram are recommended for patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). According to the ESPEN 2021 Kidney Guideline, it is emphasized that protein prescription should not be reduced in patients with acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, or renal failure, especially when the patient's condition is severe.

In critical care nutrition, alongside protein and calorie intake, the management of fluid volume is of utmost importance. It's crucial to be mindful of the quantity of fluids administered, as excessive fluid intake can result in adverse effects, including the development of edema. Notably, edema is a significant predictor of mortality during the early postoperative recovery period.

"By introducing Olimel N12E alongside Olimel N9E, we are able to provide a holistic nutritional fluid solution for critically ill patients in need of over 1.5 grams of protein with a lower fluid content," stated Yu Seung-hwan, Head of Commercial MPT at Baxter Korea. "Baxter Korea remains committed to delivering a more streamlined and efficient range of comprehensive nutritional fluids, offering patients a diverse array of therapeutic advantages to support their journey towards improved well-being."