Endoscopic gastrostomy for nutritional support in post-stroke dysphagia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gastroenterology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Persistent dysphagia affects 15% of stroke survivors, leading to malnutrition, aspiration, and increased mortality.
• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a common intervention for managing severe post-stroke dysphagia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize patients with post-stroke dysphagia requiring PEG.
• To evaluate the impact of PEG feeding on nutritional status and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Observational, retrospective study of 158 patients with post-stroke dysphagia who underwent PEG.
• Nutritional parameters (BMI, albumin, transferrin, cholesterol) assessed at PEG insertion (T0) and 3 months post-insertion (T3).
• Analysis of parameter evolution and comparison with survival data.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of malnutrition at baseline: 41.6% low BMI, 62.3% low albumin, 68.6% low transferrin, 59.6% low cholesterol.
• PEG feeding significantly increased albumin and transferrin levels and normalized cholesterol by 3 months.
• 1-year mortality was 40%; survival was lower in patients with baseline malnutrition.

Conclusions:

• Malnutrition is highly prevalent in post-stroke dysphagia patients.
• PEG feeding effectively improves key nutritional markers.
• High early mortality underscores the need for careful, individualized patient management.