SPECIAL PROTOCOL TO NUTRITIONAL THERAPY IN AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS

Authors

  • Acsa Nara Araújo BRITO
  • Sancha Helena Lima VALE Universidade Potiguar (UnP).
  • Camila Xavier ALVES Universidade Potiguar (UnP)
  • Julia Leite CASTRO
  • Mário Emílio Teixeira DOURADO JÚNIOR Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)
  • Lucia Dantas LEITE Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the nutritional therapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), sharing a protocol performed and used by a specialized ambulatory care service. Material and Methods: The theoretical foundation of this paper was based on the literature published in both PubMed and ISI Web of Science, using “amyrotrophic lateral sclerosis” and “nutrition” as key-words. Results and Discussion: In brief, ALS is a rare neurodegenerative disease with poor prognosis and palliative treatment. Malnutrition is very common in these patients and increases the risk of death among them. Nutritional therapy is essential and must be integrated into a multidisciplinary care. Nutritional monitoring is recommended at least once every three months. Nutritional assessment, high-calorie and high-protein diet with an adequate amount of water and fiber are recommended. In addition, micronutrients, especially antioxidants, must reach the Recommended Dietary Allowances. A diet texture modification for dysphagia is indicated and enteral nutrition should be demystified to patients and care givers during the follow-up care. ALS patients are potential candidates to use enteral nutrition, which should be indicated in cases of significant dysphagia or impaired respiratory function associated with low food intake, body mass index less than 18.5 or 22.0 kg/m² (for adults or elderlies, respectively), and/or body weight loss above 10%. Conclusion: We suggest the standardization of nutritional therapy in ALS and the establishment of a distinct protocol in clinical practice. Thus, malnutrition can be avoided or minimized, contributing to a better quality of life and survival of these patients. DESCRIPTORS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Nutrition Therapy. Recommended Dietary Allowances.

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Author Biographies

Acsa Nara Araújo BRITO

Nutricionista graduada pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte.

Sancha Helena Lima VALE, Universidade Potiguar (UnP).

Nutricionista, UFRN. Doutora em Ciências da Saúde, UFRN. Professora de Nutrição Clínica, Universidade Potiguar (UnP), Natal/RN, Brasil.

Camila Xavier ALVES, Universidade Potiguar (UnP)

Nutricionista, UFRN. Mestre em Ciências da Saúde, UFRN. Professora de Nutrição Clínica, Universidade Potiguar (UnP), Natal/RN, Brasil.

Julia Leite CASTRO

Nutricionista, UFRN. Especialista em Nutrição Clínica, Universidade Gama Filho, Natal/RN, Brasil.

Mário Emílio Teixeira DOURADO JÚNIOR, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)

Neurologista, UFRN. Mestre em bioquímica, UFRN. Professor de Neurologia, UFRN, Natal/RN, Brasil.

Lucia Dantas LEITE, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Doutora em Ciências da Saúde e Professora de Nutrição Clínica da UFRN.

Published

2014-10-21

How to Cite

BRITO, A. N. A., VALE, S. H. L., ALVES, C. X., CASTRO, J. L., DOURADO JÚNIOR, M. E. T., & LEITE, L. D. (2014). SPECIAL PROTOCOL TO NUTRITIONAL THERAPY IN AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS. Revista Brasileira De Ciências Da Saúde, 18(1), 79–86. Retrieved from https://periodicos.ufpb.br/ojs/index.php/rbcs/article/view/16941

Issue

Section

Review