publication

Impaired Nutritional Condition after stroke from the hyperacute to the chronic phase: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Title: Impaired Nutritional Condition after stroke from the hyperacute to the chronic phase: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Huppertz, V. et al
Published: 2022
Journal:

Frontiers in Neurology

This new publication, ‘Impaired Nutritional Condition after stroke from the hyperacute to the chronic phase: a systematic review and meta-analysis’ published in Frontiers in Neurology, investigates stroke patients’ nutritional status during the continuum of stroke care from the hyperacute to the chronic phase, up to 2 years after stroke.

The described specific phases after stroke (using the definition of timing described by Bernhardt et al, Int J Stroke 2017) are:

  • hyperacute (≤ 24 h)
  • acute (> 24 h – ≤ 7 days)
  • early subacute (> 7 days – < 3 months)
  • late subacute (≥ 3 months – < 6 months)
  • chronic (≥ 6 months – 2 years).

In the meta-analysis 75 full text articles were included, resulting in a total of 78 study groups.
Seventy-eight study groups provided data on impaired nutrition condition (INC). Combining the individual prevalence numbers per phase yielded a pooled prevalence of 19% hyperacute phase, 34% in the acute phase, 52% in the early subacute phase, 21% in the late subacute phase, and 72% in the chronic phase.
Sixty-eight study groups provided data on malnutrition. Combining the individual prevalence numbers per phase yielded a pooled prevalence of 19% in the hyperacute phase, 26% in the acute phase, 37% in the early subacute phase, 11% in the late subacute phase, and 30% in the chronic phase.

A high prevalence of INC was reported within three months after stroke. This time frame parallels the time period associated with the peak of recovery after a stroke.

Based upon the observed high prevalence of INC and malnutrition during the different stroke phases and since literature shows that malnutrition after stroke has a negative effect on clinical outcomes, mortality and overall healthcare expenditure, the publication concludes that constant monitoring of the nutritional status and enhanced nutritional management are advised to ensure malnutrition does not go unnoticed, untreated, and hinder rehabilitation and recovery after stroke.

You can find the full publication here: Frontiers | Impaired Nutritional Condition After Stroke From the Hyperacute to the Chronic Phase: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Neurology (frontiersin.org)