Nasal feeding case of a brain stem infarction patient in a vegetative state for ten years

Abstract

Objective To investigate a nasal feeding case of a brain stem infarction patient in a vegetative state for ten years and its application effects in clinical practice, in order to explore better nutritional support of nasal feeding with reasonable food selection and production, and to maintain and improve patients′ nutritional status. Methods With the guidance of nurses and nutritionists, nasal feeding homogenate diet were used to support gastrointestinal nutrition and were made by family members of the patient, which contained cereals, cooked wheaten food, poultry, fish, shellfish, vegetables, milk, fruit, oil and salt. The diet were ground into paste by pounding machine and infused to the patient several times. According to the patient′s condition, the diet were 1 680 kcal/day and contained 15%-20% proteins, 20%-25% fat, and 55%-60% carbohydrate. Results During the ten years of high nutrition and quality nasal feeding homogenate diet, the patient was in a very stable condition, with normal function of heart, lung, liver, kidney and other viscera. The blood lipid and blood cells were in normal range with normal urination and defecation, and had no obvious weight loss. Conclusions Homemade homogenate diet is not only very cost-efficient, safe and convenient, but also very easy to digest. It will play a significant role in maintaining patients′ physical health and prolonging life if combined with effective clinical treatment. Key words: Intubation, gastrointestinal; Vegetative state; Brain stem infarction