Effects of Enternal Nutritional Support on Tube-fed Elderly Patients

Song, Eun Seung; Poo, Cheol Soo

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society 2002;6(3):204-211.
Published online September 30, 2002.

Effects of Enternal Nutritional Support on Tube-fed Elderly Patients

Eun Seung Song, Cheol Soo Poo

경관급식 노인 환자에서 영양보충제 투여 효과

Abstract

BACKGROUND
S: As life expectancy is increasing, it is necessary to evaluate the health and nutritional status in elderly, especially in tube-fed elderly patients whose malnutritional status is related to the increase in mortality. This study was conducted to improve the nutritional status in tube-fed elderly patients.
METHODS
Effects of nutritional support on tube-fed elderly patients(> or =65years) for 8 weeks were investigated by biochemical assessment and weight.
RESULTS
When comparing the biochemical changes of the control group(n=8) with those of the case group(n=8), it showed significant differences in total protein, serum albumin and TLC(p<0.05), not in serum transferrin, serum iron, hemoglobin, hematocrit and weight(p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study suggests the in tube-fed elderly patients can be improved if nutritional support is properly administrated.