Application of individualized nutritional support in patients with acute complete cervical spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical effects of individualized nutritional support on patients with acute complete cervical spinal cord injury. Methods The patients with acute complete cervical spinal cord injury in the Trauma Emergency Center of a hospital between January 2011 and December 2012 were randomly divided into experimental group (n=49) and control group (n=54). The diets of patients in the control group were provided by family members guided by nurses in hospital, and the patients in the experimental group were given individualized nutritional supports which were formulated by nutrition consultation according to patients′ specific conditions. The incidence of complications (constipation, lung infection, hyponatremia and hypoproteinemia) within 14d and the average stay in hospital in two groups were compared. Results In the experimental group, the incidence of constipation, lung infection, hyponatremia and hypoproteinemia were significantly lower and the average stay in hospital was shorter than those in the control group. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions Providing individualized nutritional support for patients with acute complete cervical spinal cord injury can reduce the incidence of complications and the average stay in hospital. Key words: Cervical spinal cord injury; Nutritional support; Complication