Effects of Enternal Nutritional Support on Tube-fed Elderly Patients.
- Author:
Eun Seung SONG
;
Cheol Soo POO
- Publication Type:Original Article
- MeSH:
Aged*;
Hematocrit;
Humans;
Iron;
Life Expectancy;
Mortality;
Nutritional Status;
Nutritional Support*;
Serum Albumin;
Transferrin
- From:Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society
2002;6(3):204-211
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUNDS: 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.