Malnutrition in patients with cerebral stroke

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acute cerebral circulatory failure is distinguished by high prevalence and mortality. The course and outcome of stroke are significantly influenced by malnutrition. AIM: To examine the prevalence and effect of malnutrition on the course and outcome of severe cerebral stroke in patients on ventilatory support. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter observational clinical trial entitled "Registry of Respiratory Therapy in Patients with Acute Cerebral Circulatory Failure (RETAS)" was conducted under the auspices of the Federation of Anesthesiologists and Resuscitators of Russia. The study included 14 centers and 1289 acute cerebral circulatory failure patients who received respiratory support. RESULTS: Acute cerebral circulatory failure patients with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 14 on ventilatory support who did not exhibit malnutrition were more likely to experience a positive outcome on the Glasgow Outcome Scale (4 and 5) compared to patients with evidence of malnutrition (p=0.000002). Malnutrition was associated with an extended duration of ventilatory support in patients with acute cerebral circulatory failure (p 0.0001). The patients requiring prolonged ventilatory support experienced a higher prevalence of pressure sores, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and body weight loss by ≥10% (p 0.0001). Malnutrition was linked to an increased risk of developing ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis in patients with acute cerebral circulatory failure (p 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition substantially affects the course and outcome of severe cerebral stroke in patients on respiratory support (ventilator).