| Theme |
Care of Patients with Chronic Renal Failure under Malnutrition -- The Teamplay of Physicians, Nutritionists, and Nurses |
| Title |
Cases of malnutrition in elderly hemodialysis patients |
| Author |
Satoshi Funakoshi |
Sakuramachi Clinic/Hospital |
| Author |
Yuko Maruyama |
Department of Nursing, Sakuramachi Clinic/Hospital |
| Author |
Haruka Kawanami |
Department of Nutrition, Sakuramachi Clinic/Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Malnutrition especially in elderlyhemodialysis patients, strongly correlates with their survival rate's. We analyzed cases where patients recovered from severe malnutrition. We studied these to find the factors contributing to their recovery. To clarify those factors, we selected an "extreme" group who, were once totally dependant on tube feeding or intravenous hyperalimentation as inpatients, then recovered with a nutrition status equal to an outpatient level. From 1999 to 2001, out of 56 hospitalized patients over 70 years old with severe malnutrition, 5 patients survived and returned home. Common aspects found in their background were; (1) recovery from depression or dementia, (2) strong support from their family, (3) patients' will-power to regain their health, (4) medical care for elderly including dental care, treatment of decubitus and improved dialysis treatment. |