Nutritional intake is often compromised in elderly, multimorbid patients. Enteral nutrition (EN) by means of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and tube feeding (TF) offers the possibility to increase or to insure nutrient intake in case of insufficient oral food intake. The present guideline is intended to give evidence-based recommendations for the use of ONS and TF in geriatric patients. It was developed by an interdisciplinary expert group in accordance with officially accepted standards and is based on all relevant publications since 1985. The guideline was discussed and accepted in a consensus conference. EN by means of ONS is recommended for geriatric patients at nutritional risk, in case of multimorbidity and frailty, and following orthopaedic-surgical procedures. In elderly people at risk of undernutrition ONS improve nutritional status and reduce mortality. After orthopaedic-surgery ONS reduce unfavourable outcome. TF is clearly indicated in patients with neurologic dysphagia. In contrast, TF is not indicated in final disease states, including final dementia, and in order to facilitate patient care. Altogether, it is strongly recommended not to wait until severe undernutrition has developed, but to start EN therapy early, as soon as a nutritional risk becomes apparent.

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The development of progressive malnutrition or cachexia is frequent in patients with gastrointestinal cancer - especially in patients with a carcinoma of the pancreas. The cachexia syndrome which is characterised by loss of body weight, negative nitrogen balance and fatigue significantly affects patients' quality of life, morbidity and survival. Because the currently established therapeutical strategies are often disappointing many physicians tended to develop a therapeutical nihilism. Cancer anorexia and cachexia are two distinct syndromes which may have synergistic effects in a patient. This review highlights the growing understanding of the multidimensional pathophysiological background. An algorithm of the current treatment strategies is given. In addition, we discuss new anabolic and anticatabolic agents (e.g. eicosapentanoic acid) and the results from first clinical trials.

Malnutrition as Prognostic Factor Malnutrition is a common problem occurring in patients with chronic or severe disease. Prevalence of hospital malnutrition ranges between 20 and 60%, depending on the method and criteria used in order to determine nutritional status. Nutritional status is known to worsen during hospital stay which is partly due to poor recognition by the medical staff. Clinical malnutrition however is generally associated with increased morbidity and mortality in acute disease – such as stroke or hip fracture – as well as in chronic disease – such as liver failure or chronic renal failure – and has serious implications for recovery from illness and surgery. Length of hospital stay is longer in malnourished patients which in turn implies substantial higher costs. Therefore, nutritional assessment should be part of every medical examination in order to recognize malnutrition early and initiate nutritional therapy if necessary.

Enteral nutrition is an integrated part of the therapy in several diseases and clinical conditions. It is used to improve the clinical course and prognosis of patients with inadequate oral nutritional intake or with malnutrition. In addition, enteral nutrition may act in modulating the metabolic state of patients. Enteral diets are industrially made and have a defined composition and consistency. Enteral nutrition is provided as an oral supplement, via nasogastric/nasointestinal tubes or via gastro- or enterostomy, and requires a well functioning intestinal tract. Enteral nutrition is frequently used supplementary to oral or parenteral nutrition. In most patients standard diets can be used. Diet modifications include the energy density, the relation of carbohydrates, fat and nitrogen source and the content of specific nutrients, i. e. specific amino acids, nucleotides or fatty acids to improve the immune function. These modified diets are used for specific indications which are highlighted in this article.