Prevalence of Malnutrition in Hospitalized Patients: a Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

BackgroundMalnutrition is associated with many adverse clinical outcomes. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized patients in Korea, evaluate the association between malnutrition and clinical outcomes, and ascertain the risk factors of malnutrition.MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional study was performed with 300 patients recruited from among the patients admitted in 25 hospitals on January 6, 2014. Nutritional status was assessed by using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Demographic characteristics and underlying diseases were compared according to nutritional status. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of malnutrition. Clinical outcomes such as rate of admission in intensive care units, length of hospital stay, and survival rate were evaluated.ResultsThe prevalence of malnutrition in the hospitalized patients was 22.0%. Old age (≥ 70 years), admission for medical treatment or diagnostic work-up, and underlying pulmonary or oncological disease were associated with malnutrition. Old age and admission for medical treatment or diagnostic work-up were identified to be risk factors of malnutrition in the multivariate analysis. Patients with malnutrition had longer hospital stay (SGA A = 7.63 ± 6.03 days, B = 9.02 ± 9.96 days, and C = 12.18 ± 7.24 days, P = 0.018) and lower 90-day survival rate (SGA A = 97.9%, B = 90.7%, and C = 58.3%, P < 0.001).ConclusionMalnutrition was common in hospitalized patients, and resulted in longer hospitalization and associated lower survival rate. The rate of malnutrition tended to be higher when the patient was older than 70 years old or hospitalized for medical treatment or diagnostic work-up compared to elective surgery.

High prevalence of malnutrition and nutrition impact symptoms in older patients with cancer: Results of a Brazilian multicenter study

“…In that study, the prevalence of malnutrition differed between age groups and was significantly higher in older patients (aged ≥70 years) than in the younger age group (38.2% vs 17.2%; P < .001). 31 Furthermore, the current study showed that patients with cancer between ages 51 and 64 years have >3 NIS more often than younger patients. We observed a higher risk for the occurrence of no appetite, problems swallowing, and dry mouth in older patients with cancer compared with those aged ≤50 years.…”

“…In that study, with 300 patients recruited in 25 hospitals in Korea, the prevalence of malnutrition was 22%, as assessed by the Subjective Global Assessment. In that study, the prevalence of malnutrition differed between age groups and was significantly higher in older patients (aged ≥70 years) than in the younger age group (38.2% vs 17.2%; P < .001) …”

Post-Acute Care as a Key Component in a Healthcare System for Older Adults

“…Previous research found that as many as 25%-35% of older adults lose at least one activity of daily living (ADL) following 10-14 days of hospitalization for acute illness, 1,2) 25% suffer cognitive functional decline after 10-14 days of hospitalization, 3,4) and 20%-25% experience emotional disturbances after discharge (chiefly depression and anxiety). 5,6) In addition, in 20%-40% of such patients, their nutritional status is worse than it was before hospitalization, [7][8][9] and all were at risk for falls after discharge. 10) However, the vast majority of patients discharged after acute care return home with no further care.…”

Practice of parenteral nutrition in hospitalized adult patients in Korea: A retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study

“…Many hospitals in South Korea supply PN in accordance with ASPEN and ESPEN guidelines. In South Korea, the prevalence of malnutrition in the hospitalized adult patients reportedly ranges from 22 to 61% [10,11]. However, the clinical practices and characteristics of current PN formulations for inpatients who receive PN are not known.…”