Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

The purpose of this study is to examine the feeding and nutritional status of enteral tube-fed elderly patients. Subjects included 77 elderly hospitalized patients who had received enteral nutrition more than one week before admission. Medical records on admission and actual feeding volume were used...

The purpose of this study is to examine the feeding and nutritional status of enteral tube-fed elderly patients. Subjects included 77 elderly hospitalized patients who had received enteral nutrition more than one week before admission. Medical records on admission and actual feeding volume were used to assess anthropometric, biochemical, and nutritional status. Most patients manifested disorders of the nervous system (93.5%) and the average duration of tube feeding was 13.9 months. The average feeding volume of formula was 1,107 mL per day and the mean ratios of calorie and protein (supplied vs. required) were 81.7% and 80.9%, respectively. At admission, 57.4% of the patients were malnourished according to the institutional criteria. Patients receiving less than 80% of the required calories were in worse nutritional status compared with those receiving more than 80% of the required calories. Body mass index, percent ideal body weight, serum albumin level and blood lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride) were significantly lower in patients receiving less than 80% of the required calories. These results indicate the high prevalence of malnutrition and the need for increased attention and nutritional care of elderly patients undergoing long-term enteral nutrition.

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