Relationship between enteral nutrition and serum levels of inflammatory factors and cardiac function in elderly patients with heart failure: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: : Published studies investigating enteral nutrition's effect on serum inflammatory factors and the cardiac function of malnourished elderly patients with heart failure (HF) are of poor quality, with small sample sizes, and involve a homogeneous population. Therefore, in order to provide new medical evidence for clinical treatment, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the relationship between enteral nutrition and serum levels of inflammatory factors and cardiac function in elderly patients with HF. METHODS: : The protocol was written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement guidelines. Electronic databases including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Wanfang, Data, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library will be searched in April 2021 by 2 independent reviewers. The primary outcome is body mass index, triceps skin fold thickness, upper arm muscle circumference, serum total protein, albumin, and hemoglobin's change in index; secondary outcomes include left ventricular ejection fraction, B-type natriuretic peptide, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α. The risk of bias assessment of the included studies was performed by 2 authors independently using the tool recommended in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (version 5.1.0). We will perform meta-analysis using Review Manager Software. RESULTS: : The review will add to the existing literature by showing compelling evidence and improved guidance in clinic settings. CONCLUSION: : Its findings will provide helpful evidence for the application of enteral nutrition in elderly patients with HF. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: 10.17605/OSF.IO/RTYBP.