Effects of Enternal Nutritional Support on Tube-fed Elderly Patients

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(p0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests the in tube-fed elderly patients can be improved if nutritional support is properly administrated.