What is Pivot 1.5 Cal?
Pivot™ 1.5 Cal is a highly specialized therapeutic nutritional formula manufactured by Abbott Nutrition. It is a peptide-based and calorically dense liquid designed for short- or long-term tube feeding applications. Unlike standard nutritional shakes, this formula is engineered with a specific protein profile and immune-supporting nutrients to help patients who are experiencing metabolic stress due to illness or injury. The "1.5" in its name refers to its caloric density of 1.5 calories per milliliter, a concentration that is particularly beneficial for fluid-restricted patients who need high energy intake in a smaller volume. Its targeted formulation includes hydrolyzed protein for improved absorption and a blend of lipids, prebiotics, and antioxidants to support tolerance and recovery.
Core Applications and Patient Groups
The primary use of Pivot 1.5 Cal is to provide sole-source or supplemental nutrition to a specific demographic of patients. These individuals are often immunosuppressed or metabolically stressed, meaning their body’s demand for nutrients, especially protein and calories, is significantly higher than normal. Medical professionals prescribe Pivot 1.5 for a variety of conditions and patient groups, including:
- Surgical Patients: Patients undergoing major surgery often face a period of high metabolic demand during recovery. Pivot 1.5's high protein content assists with protein synthesis, tissue repair, and wound healing.
- Trauma Patients: Individuals with severe traumatic injuries, such as car accidents or other physical traumas, can experience a hyper-catabolic state where the body breaks down muscle tissue for energy. The very high protein in Pivot 1.5 helps counteract this process and supports recovery.
- Burn Patients: Extensive burn injuries lead to extreme metabolic stress and inflammation. The immune-modulating nutrients in Pivot 1.5, including arginine and omega-3 fatty acids, are intended to help manage the inflammatory response and support immune function.
- Head and Neck Cancer Patients: For patients with head and neck cancers, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) or treatment side effects like mucositis can prevent adequate oral intake. Tube feeding with Pivot 1.5 ensures they receive the necessary calories and protein to maintain their nutritional status.
Key Nutritional Features
What sets Pivot 1.5 apart from other enteral formulas is its precise nutritional composition, which targets the specific needs of critically ill patients. The key features include:
- Very High Protein: With 93.8 grams per liter, protein makes up 25% of the total calories, a much higher concentration than standard formulas. This supports tissue repair and wound healing.
- Immune Support: The formula contains a specific blend of immune-modulating nutrients, including 13 grams per liter of arginine, which is crucial for immune cell function, and a mix of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to help modulate inflammation.
- Antioxidants: Elevated levels of antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and selenium, help protect against the cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, a common issue during critical illness.
- Absorption and Tolerance: An advanced blend of hydrolyzed protein (broken down peptides) and structured lipids (MCT/fish oil) promotes better absorption and tolerance, especially in patients with compromised gastrointestinal function. It also includes prebiotics (scFOS) to support gut integrity.
Comparison: Pivot 1.5 vs. Standard Enteral Formulas
| Feature | Pivot™ 1.5 Cal | Standard Enteral Formula (e.g., Jevity) |
|---|---|---|
| Caloric Density | 1.5 Cal/mL (Concentrated for fluid-restricted patients) | Typically 1.0-1.2 Cal/mL (Standard volume) |
| Protein Content | Very High (25% of calories, for metabolic stress and tissue repair) | Moderate (Usually 15-20% of calories) |
| Protein Source | Hydrolyzed Protein (Peptide-based for easier absorption) | Intact Proteins (Standard protein source) |
| Immune-Modulating | Yes (Contains Arginine, Omega-3s, etc.) | No (Does not contain specific immune-modulating ingredients) |
| Use Case | Metabolically Stressed, Trauma, Burns, Cancer (Targeted) | General, Long-Term, or Maintenance Nutrition (Broad) |
| Antioxidants | Elevated Levels | Standard RDI levels |
| Patient Profile | Fluid-restricted, high nutrient demand | Standard nutritional needs |
How to Administer Pivot 1.5
Pivot 1.5 is a medical food and should always be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Administration is typically via tube feeding, and it comes in various formats, such as Ready-to-Hang containers. Proper handling and clean technique are essential to prevent microbial contamination. For Ready-to-Hang containers, the product must be administered at room temperature after being shaken vigorously. The flow rate and volume are adjusted according to the patient's condition and tolerance, as directed by the physician.
Conclusion
In summary, Pivot 1.5 is a highly specific and advanced nutritional formula used for managing the complex nutritional needs of metabolically stressed patients, such as those recovering from severe trauma, burns, or undergoing cancer treatment. Its high caloric and protein density, combined with immune-supporting nutrients, allows for targeted nutritional intervention. By supporting tissue repair, modulating inflammation, and providing concentrated energy, Pivot 1.5 plays a vital role in aiding the recovery and improving the outcomes for critically ill patients under medical supervision. For detailed product information, a physician or Abbott Nutrition should be consulted.
