A comparison of nutritional status by intensive nutritional support in enteral nutrition patients

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nutritional intervention focused on a Nutrition Support Team (NST) in patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN) in general hospital wards. Methods: The electronic medical records of 95 adult patients admitted in C university hospital and received EN supply for more than 3 days at a general ward were analyzed retrospectively. The subjects were classified into the intervention group (n = 40) and non-intervention group (n = 55). Results: The calorie support rate (%) and protein support rate (%) increased significantly only in the intervention group after 2 weeks compared to the rate upon admission. The serum albumin levels increased in the intervention group after 2 weeks compared to the levels at admission, but decreased in the non-intervention group. The glucose levels decreased only in the intervention group compared to that at admission. Conclusion: The nutritional status of the patients was improved by the proper planning of nutrition management from the beginning of hospitalization and systematically managing the nutrition intervention of the NST. © 2018 The Korean Nutrition Society.