Nutritional Supplements and Outcomes in Older Adults Admitted to Coronary Care Units
Older adults comprise a disproportionate share of CCU admissions, where acute cardiovascular instability, systemic inflammation, and nutritional deterioration converge. This study explored the associations between oral n
Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are commonly prescribed to older adults admitted to coronary care units (CCU) to address nutritional deterioration and promote recovery. However, the optimal timing, continuity, and energy dose of ONS delivery have not been well established.
This single-center retrospective cohort study included 98 CCU patients with a median age of 80 years, who received nutrition consultation-guided ONS between January 2023 and January 2026. The study examined the association between ONS delivery characteristics and nutritional recovery, as well as hospitalization burden.
Results showed that the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) followed a V-shaped trajectory, declining at admission and then rising at discharge. Earlier initiation of ONS was independently associated with shorter hospital stays.
The findings of this study suggest that timely initiation of ONS and a high daily energy dose may be beneficial for older CCU patients, highlighting the need for further investigation into the optimal delivery characteristics of ONS in this population.
Limitations of this study include its single-center design and reliance on retrospective data. Future studies should aim to replicate these findings in diverse populations and explore the clinical implications of ONS delivery characteristics in CCU patients.