Survival of individuals with neurological and oncological diseases receiving home enteral nutrition: A descriptive cohort study
Giuliane de Matos Wrobel, Cesar Augusto Taconeli, Rubia Daniela Thieme, Maria Eliana Madalozzo SchieferdeckerAbstract
Introduction
Home enteral nutrition is mainly indicated for individuals with neurological or oncological diseases. However, few studies have evaluated survival in this population in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Objective
To investigate factors influencing survival in individuals receiving home enteral nutrition and to identify variables associated with hospital readmission and return to oral feeding during follow‐up in a nutritional care program.
Methods
Descriptive cohort study including adults (≥18 years) enrolled in the Nutritional Care Program for Individuals with Special Dietary Needs in Curitiba, Brazil (2006–2015). Individuals exclusively receiving home enteral nutrition, with neurological or oncological diseases, were analyzed considering demographic, clinical, nutritional, functional variables, and comorbidities. Weibull regression was used to analyze survival time; logistic regression for return to oral feeding; and quasi‐Poisson regression for the frequency of hospital readmission.
Results
A total of 1,000 individuals were included. Most were older adults (68.9%), bedridden (60.6%), and had neurological conditions (62.8%). Median duration of home enteral nutrition was 153 days (1–3,378). Shorter survival was associated with older age, male sex, food‐based diets, nasogastric tube use, and multiple comorbidities ( p < 0.05). Longer survival and return to oral feeding were associated with neurological diagnosis, preserved functional status, and use of a mixed diet ( p < 0.05). Hospital readmissions were more frequent among individuals with neurological disease, longer duration of home enteral nutrition, more comorbidities, and mixed diet use ( p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Clinical, nutritional, and functional factors significantly influence survival and outcomes in individuals receiving home enteral nutrition, highlighting the importance of individualized monitoring and home care planning.