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(≥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.
|