title: Protein supplementation may enhance the spontaneous recovery of neurological alterations in patients with ischaemic stroke.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Metabolic Service and Nutritional Pathophysiology, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Montescano.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aquilani
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scocchi
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Iadarola
authors.forename: Piero
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Franciscone
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Verri
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Boschi
authors.forename: Evasio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pasini
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Viglio
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins; D009584:Nitrogen