[Nutritional support in surgically treated patients with dilated cardiomyopathy]

The efficiency of nutritional support was studied in patients operated on for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In 36 patients with DCM and signs of circulatory decompensation, preoperative nutritional support with a MD mil Clinipit mixture was carried out in addition to medical treatment. The trophological, laboratory, and functional parameters of the operated patients were assessed on admission to hospital, 14 days after treatment and in the late postoperative period (up to 3 years). Preoperative medical treatment and nutritional support in all the patients during 14 days could achieve circulatory compensation, lean weight gain, improved pool of visceral proteins (prealbumin and albumin), decreased C-reactive protein levels, and increased exercise tolerance. The developed complex protocol provided effective preparation for surgery, rapid activation and recovery of patients with DCM in the postoperative period. In the operated patients with DCM, the three-year actuarial survival rate was 85.6 +/- 7.4% while it was not greater than 12% in the patients receiving medical treatment only. Analysis of long-term results indicated the higher functional activity and improved quality of life in the operated patients.