Parenteral vs Enteral Nutrition: A Retrospective Study on PNI and Inflammatory Status

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition consists of a functional and structural alteration caused by an imbalance between specific needs, intake, or utilization of foods and nutrients. Objective: The aim of this trial is to establish whether PNI (Prognostic Nutritional Index) is related to the inflammation pattern in our patients and which type of AN gives more advantages in clinical practice in improving PNI, and so the prognosis. Methods: During hospitalization, we have identified the presence of malnutrition and its aetiology- type, and initiated artificial nutrition (AN), enteral (EN), or parenteral (PN). For efficacy, we can use many biochemical tests, such as pre-albumin, transferrin, RBP, PINI, and albumin. The retrospective study was conducted by analyzing 145 patients. At baseline and after 7 days, the concentration of Albumin, Platelets, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, and RCP was measured and was calculated PNI, PLR, and NLR. The patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment received with artificial nutrition: 32 Parenteral (PG), 15 Enteral (EG), and 17 Combined (CG). Results: Between baseline and 7 days, no change was observed, while in EG a significant increase in albumin and RCP and a significant reduction in PNI were observed, and, in CG a significant increase in lymphocytes, in PNI and a significant reduction in NLR. Conclusion: In conclusion, a short-term nutritional intervention can benefit from a combined approach to improve prognostic such as PNI.