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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2021; 19(04): 221-226
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721852
Review Article

Malnutrition Essentials for Neurologists and Neurosurgeons: A Review of the Literature

Alican Tahta
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Yasar B. Turgut
2   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
,
Cem Sahin
2   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
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Abstract

Malnutrition still causes deaths in the world today and protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is characterized by increased oxidative stress, immune deficiency, and development of various infections. Even today, however, it is an underrecognized and undertreated entity in neurology and neurosurgery. In this article, we therefore seek to review the available literature regarding various factors affecting surgical outcome of children with malnutrition undergoing some neurosurgical interventions including shunt surgery and traumatic brain injury in intensive care unit, in addition to its effects upon oxidative stress status and immunity. Furthermore, we attempt to provide essential knowledge of malnutrition affecting surgical outcome of patients with PEM. Based on available evidence in the published literature, it is concluded that it is a serious public health problem characterized by increased oxidative stress, immune deficiency, and development of various infections.

Keywords

immunity - infection - oxidative stress - outcome - protein energy malnutrition - surgery


Publication History

Received: 12 August 2020

Accepted: 13 November 2020

Article published online:
13 January 2021

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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