Work

Barriers to nutrition following neurosurgery: A descriptive cohort study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Neurological trauma results in a state of hypermetabolism. Existing literature has explored barriers to adequate nutrition following traumatic brain injury. Despite clinical similarities, it remains unclear whether similar nutritional barriers are faced following both planned and emergency neurosurgical procedures. This study aimed to describe nutritional management, the prevalence of barriers to nutrition, and their association with selected patient outcomes among longer‐stay patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures. Methods Medical records were reviewed for hospitalised neurosurgery patients admitted >13 days, including a postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay ≥24 h, between January 2021 and June 2023. Demographic data, nutritional status (Subjective Global Assessment [SGA]), and documented barriers to adequate nutrition were collected. Multivariable linear regression was used to explore associations between variables. Results Of the 166 eligible patients, 101 (60.8%) were seen by a dietitian and 86 had a SGA completed of which 21 developed hospital‐acquired malnutrition. Barriers to nutrition were identified among 154 (92.8%) patients, with a median of 5.0 (3.0, 8.0) per patient. The most prevalent included procedural fasting ( n = 100) and feeding tube problems ( n = 90). Experiencing 5 barriers was associated with an increased likelihood of ICU re‐admission ( p = 0.02) and hospital‐acquired malnutrition ( p = 0.04). Barriers to nutrition during ICU admission were associated with longer subsequent length of stay on the ward ( p = 0.006). Conclusion Longer‐stay neurosurgical patients are a nutritionally vulnerable cohort with a high prevalence of barriers to nutrition. Further interventional research is needed to determine whether addressing these barriers leads to improved clinical outcomes.

Source: Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

DOI: 10.1002/jpen.70077

Authors: Dale Palmer, Melissa Zhou, Suzie Ferrie

Institutions: Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, The University of Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterology

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,110