Nutrition-associated markers and outcomes among patients receiving enteral nutrition after ischemic stroke: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Early nutrition after acute ischemic stroke is crucial. We explored early enteral nutrition for stroke patients and evaluated changes in blood indicators as a predictor of stroke prognosis. Methods: All hospitalized stroke patients receiving enteral nutrition were included in the study. We retrospectively collected the protein, energy, fat, and carbohydrate values for 7 days after admission. Serum albumin, total protein, and hemoglobin values were reviewed at admission and at one week. The main outcome indicators were the Modified Rankin Score, Barthel Index, and Quality of Life at 3 months. Results: A total of 354 patients (mean age, 70.7 years; 59.0% male) were included. The change in serum albumin at day 7 relative to at admission was positively correlated with the Quality of Life score (p=0.001), the Barthel Index (p=0.004), and the modified Rankin Score (p=0.029). The change in total protein at day 7 relative to at admission was positively correlated with the Quality of Life score (p=0.002), the Barthel Index (p=0.001), and the modified Rankin score (p=0.011). The change in hemoglobin values at day 7 relative to at admission was positively correlated with the Barthel Index (p=0.037 but not with the Quality of Life score (p=0.237) or the modified Rankin score (p=0.730). Conclusions: Improved nutrition-related blood indicators one week after admission were independently associated with good stroke outcomes. Nutritional support for acute ischemic stroke patients during the early hospitalization stage appears to be advisable.