Malnutrition and its effects in severely injured trauma patients

Abstract

Purpose In hospitalized patients, malnutrition is associated with adverse outcomes. However, the consequences of malnutrition in trauma patients are still poorly understood. This study aims to review the current knowledge about the pathophysiology, prevalence, and effects of malnutrition in severely injured patients. Methods A systematic literature review in PubMed and Embase was conducted according to PRISMA-guidelines. Results Nine review articles discussed the hypermetabolic state in severely injured patients in relation to malnutrition. In these patients, malnutrition negatively influenced the metabolic response, and vice versa, thereby rendering them susceptible to adverse outcomes and further deterioration of nutritional status. Thirteen cohort studies reported on prevalences of malnutrition in severely injured patients; ten reported clinical outcomes. In severely injured patients, the prevalence of malnutrition ranged from 7 to 76%, depending upon setting, population, and nutritional assessment tool used. In the geriatric trauma population, 7-62.5% were malnourished at admission and 35.6-60% were at risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition was an independent risk factor for complications, mortality, prolonged hospital length of stay, and declined quality of life. Conclusions Despite widespread belief about the importance of nutrition in severely injured patients, the quantity and quality of available evidence is surprisingly sparse, frequently of low-quality, and outdated. Based on the malnutrition-associated adverse outcomes, the nutritional status of trauma patients should be routinely and carefully monitored. Trials are required to better define the optimal nutritional treatment of trauma patients, but a standardized data dictionary and reasonable outcome measures are required for meaningful interpretation and application of results.

Update on use of enteral and parenteral nutrition in hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of malnutrition in the United States

“…Systematic reviews show the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized patients at 7%-90% depending on the assessment tool used and the patient population studied. [20][21][22] Despite the consistency of these findings, an important question remains: why are patients identified with a CDM not receiving EN or PN? Even among acutely and critically ill patients from the Value Project analysis (Table 4), no > 16% of patients with a CDM were administered EN or PN.…”

Albumin and total protein concentration – selected parameters of catabolic reaction and nutritional status among patients with craniocerebral injuries diagnosed with surgically treated cerebrovascular diseases

“…In patients with severe trauma, the prevalence of malnutrition ranged from 7% to 76%, depending on the setting, population, and nutritional assessment tool used. In contrast, in the population of elderly trauma patients 7-62.5% were malnourished on admission and 35.6-60% were at risk of malnutrition [19].…”

Evolving concepts and strategies in the management of polytrauma patients

“…Malnutrition is an independent risk factor for complications, mortality, prolonged hospital length of stay with declined quality of life. 58…”