Should We Use Appetite Stimulants for Malnourished Elderly Patients?
From the CLINIcAL InQUiRiEs Family Physicians Inquiries Network Robert K. Persons, DO, Should we use appetite FAAFP and William Nichols, MLS stimulants for malnourished HQ Air Armament Center (Eglin) Family Medicine Residency, Eglin elderly patients? Air Force Base, Fla Evidence-based answer Probably not. Only 1 appetite stimulate, data show only limited benefit, mixed megestrol acetate oral suspension outcomes, and potential harm (strength (Megace) at 400 mg or 800 mg daily, of recommendation: B, based on small, has been studied in this population. The randomized, controlled trials). Clinical commentary ® Dowden Health Media Good advice for a common problem he was feeling over her failing health. This question hits homeCopyright for me. I recentlyFor personal Should we use appetite only stimulants in sat down with the husband, and main malnourished elderly patients? “Probably caregiver, of a woman with advanced not.” That is a good place to start to dementia. The woman eats very little and avoid harm to our most frail, declining, is losing weight despite her husband’s elderly patients for whom we care. That FAST TRACK great efforts at encouraging her to eat. leaves open flexibility to patient, family, Only megestrol Under the care of another physician, she and caregiver preferences, but reminds us had been given megestrol acetate and that the most important part of caring for has been studied there had been some improvement. Her these patients and their families is clear, for appetite visit to my office was an opportunity to compassionate communication regarding stimulation in continue an ongoing conversation with her goals and expectations. the elderly; results husband about his wife’s overall decline, Kayleen P.
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