Related Experiment Videos
Enteral nutrition in French institutionalized patients: a multicentric study
P Pfitzenmeyer1, P Manckoundia, C Mischis-Troussard
1Professor Pierre Pfitzenmeyer, Service de M decine Interne G riatrique. Centre de Champmaillot. 2, rue Jules Violle CHRU Dijon, F-21034 Dijon, France. Tel: 03 80 29 39 70 Fax: 03 80 29 36 21.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|December 11, 2002
Summary
Tube feeding in elderly patients showed surprising survival rates similar to younger groups. This suggests changing attitudes in geriatric care may be limiting its use in severe dementia or end-of-life cases.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Nutritional Support
- Clinical Outcomes
Background:
- No prior studies confirmed nutritional or survival benefits of tube feeding in institutionalized populations.
- Enteral nutrition (EN) is a common intervention for frail elderly patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine current indications for tube feeding in French geriatric centers.
- To evaluate clinical outcomes and mortality rates in very old, frail patients receiving EN.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 57 institutionalized patients receiving EN in French geriatric centers (Nov 2000 - Apr 2001).
- Recorded nutritional parameters and indications for EN.
- Observed pneumonia and mortality rates over one year.
Main Results:
- Mean age of patients was 81.6 years; mean BMI 20.7; mean albumin 26.1 g/L.
- Primary indications for EN were stroke (39%) and other neurologic diseases (42%).
- Mortality rates were 25% within 30 days and 47% within 12 months; pneumonia occurred in 55% within the first month.
Conclusions:
- Early mortality rates were similar to younger populations, contrary to expectations for frail elderly.
- Geriatric teams may be altering their approach to EN, using it less in advanced dementia or end-of-life care.