[The effect of combined parenteral-peroral nutrition on the protein status of undernourished elderly patients].

Eight elderly undernourished patients with bronchopneumonia were admitted into the clinic for treatment as well as intentive, combined parenteral-peroral nutrition. The improved protein status achieved was evidenced by a significant increase in the serum concentration of total protein, prealbumin and retinol-binding protein. There was a significant decrease of haptoglobin in all patients, measured in the upper normal range, even though it was extremely high at the onset of therapy due to the inflammatory process. These findings emphasize the influence of consequent nutritional therapy in the treatment of pneumonia, especially for elderly patients.