Evaluation of nutritional status and nutrition-related complications in home enteral tube-feeding patients

Home enteral tube feeding (HETF) is a life-sustaining, vital form of treatment. Although it is a safe and effective treatment, there are complications encountered during treatment. In this study, it was aimed to determine the nutritional status of adult patients (>18 years old) fed with enteral tube at home in Mardin province and to evaluate their nutrition-related complications. The study was conducted with a total of 22 home care patients, 10 male (68.8±11.7 years), 12 female (67.7±13.7 years). The questionnaire form questioning the general characteristics of individuals, anthropometric measurements, 24-hour prospective food consumption record, biochemical findings was applied face-to-face. The form prepared based on the literature, Bristol Stool Scale and Urine Color Scale were used to evaluate the complications related to nutrition. It was determined that the primary disease that caused the need for HETF in all patients was chronic neurological diseases. It was found that %31,8 of the patients were malnourished. Nutrients remaining below the adequate intake level; dietary fiber, vitamin K, potassium and magnesium. It was determined that %77,3 of the patients developed gastrointestinal, %77,3 metabolic, %50,0 mechanical complications, and %45,5 decubitus ulcers. In terms of the incidence of complications, it was found that there was a significant difference between the sexes only in terms of peristomal leakage, but there was no significant difference in terms of age. It was found that feeding position, feeding route, type of product consumed and fiber content did not affect the incidence of gastrointestinal complications. As a result, it has been determined that complications are common in patients receiving HETF. A multidisciplinary team (physician, dietitian, nurse) specialized in this field is needed in the Home Health Services Units for an effective HETF and to prevent/reduce complications. It is important and necessary to include a dietitian in the team in order to detect the risk of malnutrition in the early period, to make necessary interventions in nutrition therapy, to prevent malnutrition, to increase the quality of life and to reduce medical expenses. Keywords: home enteral tube feeding, malnutrition, complication