Which Reported Estimate of the Prevalence of Malnutrition After Stroke Is Valid?

Abstract

Background and Purpose-The reported prevalence of malnutrition after stroke varies widely, whereas it remains unclear which of the estimates is most accurate. The aim of this review was to explore possible sources of this heterogeneity among studies and to evaluate whether the nutritional assessment techniques used were valid. Methods-A literature search was conducted to identify all studies in which the nutritional state of patients was assessed after inpatient admission for stroke. The percentages of patients identified as malnourished in each study and method of nutritional assessment are reported. For the purposes of this study, an assessment technique was considered valid if at least one form of validity had been demonstrated previously through psychometric evaluation. Results-Eighteen studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified. The reported frequency of malnutrition ranged from 6.1% to 62%. Seventeen different methods of nutritional assessment were used. Four trials used previously validated assessment methods: Subjective Global Assessment, "an informal assessment," and Mini Nutritional Assessment. The nutritional assessment methods used in the remaining studies used had not been validated previously. Conclusions-The

Valoración Nutricional Con La Situación Funcional Tras Sufrir Un Ictus.

“…(2009) (11) sobre el estado nutricional de pacientes ingresados por un ictus, la incidencia de desnutrición se situó entre el 8,6% y el 26,3%, un amplio rango probablemente condicionado por el método utilizado para su evaluación y el momento evolutivo del ictus en que se realice (2,11).…”

Malnutrition Rate In Stroke Patients On Admission

“…It is estimated that about fifth of patients with acute stroke are malnourished on admission. [1] In our study 52% of the stroke patients were malnour- [4,5] In the study male patients younger than 65 years of age were more likely malnourished. Although women are more susceptible than men to undernourishment, this result may be because they suffer stroke at an older age than men.…”

Swallowing and Nutritional Complications

“…In stroke populations, reported prevalence rates of malnutrition vary widely from 6 % up to 62 % [ 14 ]. While this variation may in part depend on the care setting, type, and severity of stroke or time since initial insult [ 15 -21 ], there is also considerable variability in the methods and thresholds used to defi ne malnutrition [ 14 ].…”

“…While this variation may in part depend on the care setting, type, and severity of stroke or time since initial insult [ 15 -21 ], there is also considerable variability in the methods and thresholds used to defi ne malnutrition [ 14 ]. For example, of the 18 studies included in the review by Foley et al, only three used structured nutritional assessment methods that had been validated previously [ 17 , 19 , 20 ], i.e.…”