Protein supplementation may enhance the spontaneous recovery of neurological alterations in patients with ischaemic stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether protein supplementation could enhance neurological recovery in subacute patients with ischaemic stroke.


METHODS
Alimentation-independent patients with ischaemic stroke were randomly allocated to either 21 days of protein supplementation (protein-supplemented group; n=20) or to a spontaneous diet only (control group; n=21) in order to investigate the recovery of neurological changes (measured using the National Institute of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale).


METHODS
Tertiary care rehabilitation in Italy.


METHODS
Forty-two patients (27 male and 15 female; 66.4 +/- 11 years) 16 +/-2 days after the acute event.


METHODS
Supplementation with a hyperproteic nutritional formula (10% protein).


METHODS
NIH Stroke Scale and protein intake.


RESULTS
At admission to rehabilitation, both groups of patients were homogeneous for demographic, clinical and functional characteristics. After 21 days from the start of the protocol, the NIH Stroke Scale was found to be enhanced in the group with supplemental proteins (-4.4 +/- 1.5 score versus -3 +/- 1.4 of control group; P<0.01). When expressed as difference (triangle up) between baseline and 21 days, the NIH Stroke Scale correlated negatively with change in protein intake (g/day) (r=-0.50, P= 0.001) and positively with change in carbohydrate/protein ratio (r = +0.40, P=0.01)


CONCLUSIONS
Protein supplementation may enhance neurological recovery in subacute patients with ischaemic stroke.
Aquilani
Roberto
R
Metabolic Service and Nutritional Pathophysiology, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Montescano.
Scocchi
Marco
M
Iadarola
Paolo
P
Franciscone
Piero
P
Verri
Manuela
M
Boschi
Federica
F
Pasini
Evasio
E
Viglio
Simona
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020521:Stroke / Q000178:diet therapy; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D009584:Nitrogen