Survival of individuals with neurological and oncological diseases receiving home enteral nutrition: A descriptive cohort study

INTRODUCTION: Home enteral nutrition is mainly indicated for individuals with neurological or oncological diseases. However, few studies have evaluated survival in this population in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors influencing survival in individuals receiving home enteral nutrition and to identify variables associated with hospital readmission and return to oral feeding during follow-up in a nutritional care program. METHODS: Descriptive cohort study including adults (≥18 years) enrolled in the Nutritional Care Program for Individuals with Special Dietary Needs in Curitiba, Brazil (2006-2015). Individuals exclusively receiving home enteral nutrition, with neurological or oncological diseases, were analyzed considering demographic, clinical, nutritional, functional variables, and comorbidities. Weibull regression was used to analyze survival time; logistic regression for return to oral feeding; and quasi-Poisson regression for the frequency of hospital readmission. RESULTS: A total of 1,000 individuals were included. Most were older adults (68.9%), bedridden (60.6%), and had neurological conditions (62.8%). Median duration of home enteral nutrition was 153 days (1-3,378). Shorter survival was associated with older age, male sex, food-based diets, nasogastric tube use, and multiple comorbidities (p < 0.05). Longer survival and return to oral feeding were associated with neurological diagnosis, preserved functional status, and use of a mixed diet (p < 0.05). Hospital readmissions were more frequent among individuals with neurological disease, longer duration of home enteral nutrition, more comorbidities, and mixed diet use (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinical, nutritional, and functional factors significantly influence survival and outcomes in individuals receiving home enteral nutrition, highlighting the importance of individualized monitoring and home care planning.