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A Model of Chronic Nutrient Infusion in the Rat
Published on: August 14, 2013
[Enteral nutrition in the elderly]
E Finocchiaro1, R Galletti, A Costantino
1Servizio di Dietetica e Nutrizione Clinica, Ospedale San Giovanni Battista, Torino.
Minerva Gastroenterologica E Dietologica
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Elderly patients at risk of malnutrition can benefit from artificial enteral nutrition. Careful evaluation is needed due to potential complications like pneumonia and digestive issues.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Clinical Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Elderly individuals are highly susceptible to malnutrition.
- Artificial enteral nutrition (AEN) via tubes is crucial for adequate intake.
- AEN techniques can lead to significant complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and complications of AEN in elderly patients.
- To compare different AEN routes: nasogastric tube, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy.
- To assess nutritional intake, body weight, and albumin levels in patients receiving AEN.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 257 elderly patients (≥65 years) receiving AEN.
- Nutritional intake, body weight, and albumin monitored in 55 patients over four months.
- Evaluation of feeding routes: nasogastric tube (74%), gastrostomy (13%), jejunostomy (11%).
Main Results:
- Caloric and protein intake varied by route: Gastrostomy (1450 Kcal, 65.5g protein), Nasogastric (1300 Kcal, 58.5g protein), Jejunostomy (1219 Kcal, 53.3g protein).
- Clinical complications included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, more frequent with nasogastric tubes.
- Mechanical complications like tube displacement and obstruction were observed across all AEN methods.
Conclusions:
- AEN is a vital nutritional support for the elderly, particularly those with neoplastic or neurological diseases.
- While effective in providing nutrition, AEN requires careful management to mitigate clinical and mechanical complications.
- Route selection and monitoring are critical for optimizing outcomes in elderly patients receiving artificial enteral nutrition.
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