Prevalence and Risk Factors for the Weight Loss during Hospitalization in Children: A Single Korean Children’s Hospital Experience

Abstract

PurposeUndernutrition during hospitalization increases the risk of nosocomial infection and lengthens the disease courses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of weight loss during hospitalization in children.MethodsAll the patients who were admitted in general wards between April and May 2014 were enrolled. Patients aged >18 years and discharged within 2 days were excluded. Weight loss during hospitalization was defined as a decrease in body weight of >2% in 8 hospital days or on the day of discharge. Patients who lost body weight during hospitalization were compared with patients who maintained their body weights. Significant parameters were evaluated by using the multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsWe enrolled 602 patients, of whom 149 (24.8%) lost >2% of their body weight. Complaint of pain (p=0.004), admission to the surgical department (p=0.001), undergoing surgery (p=0.044), undergoing abdominal surgery (p=0.034), and nil per os (NPO) durations (p=0.003) were related to weight loss during hospitalization. The patients who had high weight-for-age tended to lose more body weight (p=0.001). Admission to the surgical department (odds ratio [OR], 1.668; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.054-2.637; p=0.029) and long NPO durations (OR, 1.496; 95% CI, 1.102-2.031; p=0.010) were independent risk factors of weight loss during hospitalization. The patients with high weight-for-age tended to lose more weight during hospitalization (OR, 1.188; 95% CI, 1.029-1.371; p=0.019).ConclusionGreater care in terms of nutrition should be taken for patients who are admitted in the surgical department and have prolonged duration of nothing by mouth.

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Design Child-friendly Food Guide Based on Nutritional Risk Assessment of Pediatric Inpatients

“…Furthermore, hospital malnutrition in children can lead even more to growth retardation and negative educational and social outcomes; as well as contributing to premature death. [2] Children and young people with special health care needs must undergo routine screening for malnutrition in admission facilities. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) or nurses in pediatric units and all of the healthcare team members must work together to ensure that the detection of malnutrition becomes an integral part of routine pediatric care.…”

Nutritional Screening Tools among Hospitalized Children: from Past and to Present

“…Although there is a growing interest in preventing malnutrition in hospitalized patients, the recent study has also shown that the prevalence rate of malnutrition among hospitalized children ranged from 7.5% to 17% in Europe [ 4 5 ]. In a study in Korea, the prevalence of malnutrition among hospitalized children and adults were 12.5% and 22%, respectively [ 6 7 ].…”