Nutritional management of multiple system atrophy

Abstract

Nutritional impairment in multiple system atrophy (MSA) can be divided into early and advanced stages. In the early stage, nutritional impairment due to dysphagia can develop. In the advanced stage, body fat could accumulate after the introduction of a ventilator or the placement of a gastrostomy. Nutritional impairment may be progressive in MSA patients, even if body weight is maintained. The serum albumin level is a useful indicator of nutritional status. Leptin resistance due to autonomic neuropathy may be related to the accumulation of body fat. In the early stages, sufficient nutrition should be administered to prevent the progression of nutritional disorders. In the advanced stage, the amount of administered energy is reduced to prevent fat accumulation. Further research is needed to establish the evidence for the nutritional management of MSA.