Nutritional status of patients receiving home enteral nutrition

Background : The application of enteral nutrition, especially home enteral nutrition (HEN), must be initiated for patients with dysphagia or obstruction in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Aim of the study : The aim of this study was the evaluation of nutritional status of patients receiving home enteral nutrition.

Material and methods : The study group comprised 131 patients. In order to assess the body mass index (BMI), patients’ weight and height were measured on the day enteral nutrition was initiated. Additionally, blood samples were taken. The total number of lymphocytes, albumin and transferrin concentrations in serum were assessed. Every patient received enteral nutrition according to the medical record. After the third and sixth months of HEN all measurements were repeated.

Results : As a result of home enteral nutrition an increase in the BMI and the total number of lymphocytes as well as serum albumin and transferrin levels were observed.

Conclusions : The application of HEN is a recommended and effective method of patient nutrition.