Nutritional support of the chronically ill elderly female at risk for elective or urgent surgery

Among the elderly, those at highest risk are the chronically ill, inactive patients. Assessing macronutrient requirements and outcome depends on longitudinal studies. Seven chronically ill, elderly female patients suffering from persistent infections, were studied monthly, over a 6-month period to determine their protein and energy requirements. Calorie and protein requirements were based on clinical status. The results of the nutrition support program were monitored using: weight change, nitrogen balance, serum albumin levels, alterations in anthropometric measurements (triceps skinfold thickness and arm muscle circumference), and immune function tests. Based on the 6-month study period data, the calculated mean energy requirement for weight maintenance was 98% of calculated basal energy expenditure (BEE) and the mean protein required for nitrogen balance, 0.8 g/kg desired body weight (DBW). Excess caloric administration resulted in weight gain, determined to be fat (and/or fluid) but not lean body mass. When surgery is contemplated, there should be a 30% (factorial) increase over these base-line values. It is inadvisable to allow elderly patients to sustain any starvation, period given their inability to produce increases in body cell mass even in this 6-month period.