2011 Volume 26 Issue 4 Pages 1111-1117
[Objective] The prognosis of patients with protein-energy malnutrition seems to be affected by electrolyte abnormalities as well as poor nutritional status. Consequently, we hypothesize that one of the beneficial effects of nutrition support is improvement of electrolyte abnormalities in patients with malnutrition. In order to examine the hypothesis, a clinical study on the relationship between nutritional support and electrolyte abnormalities was performed.
[Methods] Three hundred and fifteen patients to whom we performed nutrition support from August, 2006 to May, 2009 were enrolled in the present study. Based on estimated energy expenditure calculated in Harris Benedict equations, these patients were divided into following two groups: adequate nutrient intake group (adequate group) and inadequate nutrient intake group (inadequate group). Nutritional status, renal function and electrolyte abnormalities were analyzed and compared between initial and final points of nutrition support team intervention in each group.
[Results] Renal function was comparable between initial and final points in both adequate group and inadequate group. In contrast, nutritional status was improved only in adequate group. Concerning electrolyte abnormalities, sodium and phosphorus seem to be closely related to nutrition therapy.
[Conclusion] Nutrition support is useful for improvement of electrolyte abnormalities, especially in sodium and phosphorus, as well as nutritional status improvement.
