Efficacy of Naso-Esophageal Tube Feeding in Patients With High Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

During nasogastric tube feeding, a thin, flexible tube is carefully inserted through one nostril and passed down the throat into the stomach. Once in place, liquid nutrition, medication, or fluids can be administered through the tube, providing essential nutrients and hydration directly to the patient's digestive system. Nasogastric tube feeding may be used temporarily to support patients during acute illness or surgery, or it may be a long-term solution for individuals with chronic conditions that affect their ability to eat normally.

The control group was given enteral nutritional support with Nasogastric Tube Feeding according to the relevant guidelines. Within 4 hours after admission, the placement of the feeding tube was conducted by professional medical staffs and after intubation, the tube was secured to the patient cheek with medical tape. The feeding was conducted once every 3-4 hours, with 200-300ml each time. The total feeding volume was determined based on daily requirements. The feeding content was formulated by the nutritionists based on the patients condition and relevant guidelines to reach the energy demand as 20-25 kcal/kg/day and protein supplementation of 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day for both two groups. For patients with limited tube feeding compliance, we made appropriate adjustments to ensure that they were not at risk of severe malnutrition as much as possible.

"Including： Basic treatment, including corresponding control of risk factors and education on healthy lifestyles.~Swallowing training, including lemon ice stimulation, mendelson maneuver, empty swallowing training, and pronunciation training.~Pulmonary function training, including standing training, cough training, and diaphragm muscle training."