[Artificial nutrition in neurology--indications and problems].

36 patients with severe neurological diseases (craniocerebral trauma, cerebrovascular insufficiency, meningo-encephalitis, polyneuropathy, paraplegia, intoxication etc.) received for more than 3 months monosaccharides and polyols (Triofusin E 1000) and a 10-%-concentration of crystalline amino acids (Aminofusin L10% kohlenhydratfrei) via the parenteral route in combination with / or exclusively a nutrient-defined diet (Biosorb). Exclusive enteral nutrition was given preference if possible. Numerous laboratory parameters, as for example blood counts, "hepatic enzymes", electrolytes, trace elements, plasma proteins, lipids, urea and creatinine were determined once a week. Substitutions and secondary complications were registered in addition. Iron and plasma proteins had to be substituted most frequently. It could be proved that hypoferremia was caused by insufficient iron supply in case of exclusive/prevailing parenteral nutrition, incorrect application of the iron preparations, inflammatory complications with iron moving into the R.E.S., as well as malabsorption syndromes probably induced by bacteria. Inflammatory complications were also the major cause of protein deficiency syndromes (hypoalbuminemia). In case of relatibely often occurring diarrhea, however, it could clearly be proved that it was not induced by nutrition but was produced by a broad-spectrum antibiosis. Chronically persistent diarrhea with colitis-like colonic changes required enteral feeding with an oligopeptide diet (z.B. Peptisorb) via jejunal feeding tube. Nitrogen balances which were determined after more than 3 months of artificial nutrition formed the basis of a nutritional plan differentiated according to diagnostic groups and stages of disease.