Enteral feeding in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Objective: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a defined formula diet with a blenderized diet on nutritional and respiratory function parameters and to determine the bacteriological load of the two formulations.

Methodology: Seventeen patients, aged 50-75 years, admitted to the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital for chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, were studied. They were divided into two groups according to dietary regimens. Each group of patients received either the standardized commercial formula or the blenderized formula for 2 weeks. Evaluation of dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, laboratory examinations and lung function were assessed. Subjective evaluation (patient's and physician's assessment) was also sought. Microbiological examinations were performed on the prepared enteral formulas.

Results: There was a slight increase in weight and in pulmonary function in both groups but these results did not differ significantly. Possible formula contamination was confirmed. Furthermore, in the overall assessment, the physician and patients rated both formulas as comparable.