Increased C-Reactive Protein and Weight Loss are Associated with The Inability to Switch from Tube Feeding to Oral Intake in Patients with Cerebrovascular Disease

Abstract

Background: Appropriate nutrition management is required for elderly patients with cerebrovascular disease. These patients can present with no oral intake at admission, although several patients subsequently switch to oral intake during hospitalization. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the factors associated with patients who require the continuation of tube feeding. Methods: We retrospectively examined clinical factors at admission and discharge of two groups of patients with cerebrovascular disease who attended a convalescent rehabilitation ward: the switching group (n=17), who switched from no oral intake at admission to oral intake at discharge, and the continuation group (n=47), who continued tube feeding until discharge. This study design is retrospective cohort study. Results: A comparison of the two groups revealed that continuation of tube feeding was associated with a greater loss of body weight between admission and discharge (−3.8±4.0 kg in the continuation group vs. −1.5±2.0 kg in the switching group), and an increase in the C-reactive protein level, compared with a decrease in the switching group (2.2±6.9 mg/dL in the continuation group vs. −2.2±4.3 mg/dL in the switching group). These results suggest that to maintain and improve physical function, cognitive function, and daily life activities in patients with cerebrovascular disease with no oral intake, weight loss and inflammatory disease onset should be assessed. Conclusion: We believe that a comprehensive approach to oral intake should be used for patients with cerebrovascular disease.