Abstract

ARGENTE PLA, María et al. Prevalence of malnutrition in a mid-long term stay unit. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2015, vol.31, n.2, pp.900-907. ISSN 1699-5198.  https://dx.doi.org/10.3305/nh.2015.31.2.8066.

Introduction: Malnutrition is a common health problem, especially in hospitalized patients, where it’s associated with longer hospital stays and higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, current scientific advances and life expectancy increase, have produced a progressive increase of mid- to long-term stay units (UMLE). Aims: To determinate the prevalence of malnutrition on admission to a mid- to long-term stay unit, using MNA and VGS and to analyze the possible factors/cli-nical features associated with malnutrition and its consequences. Methods: Descriptive and transversal study conducted with 201 patients admitted consecutively for 12 months in an Universitary Hospital mid- to long-term stay unit (Valencia). Clinical, anthropometric, biochemical and nutritional history data were registered, as well as Charlson comorbidity scale, Pfeiffer cognitive scale, Barthel functional scale and presence of edema, ascitis and pressure ulcers. Nutritional status was evaluated in the first 24-72 hours of admission using MNA and VGS. Dysphagia was evaluated using EAT-10 and MECV-V questionaires. Results: The overall rate of malnutrition was 76,6%, being severe protein energy malnutrition the most common type (20,4%). Malnourished patients were older (p=0,002), presented greater dependence (p<0,0001) and greater cognitive impairment (p<0,0001) and they had higher prevalence of urinary tract infections (p=0,026) and presence of pressure ulcer (p=0,005). Dysphagia was diagnosed in 43.6% of the patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of malnutrition is higher in a mid to long-term stay unit, is usually severe and associated with greater comorbidity. Almost half of the patients had dysphagia. Nutritional assessment is essential for establishing the correct diagnosis and treatment of the nutritional status in mid to - long term stay unit.

Keywords : Prevalente; Malnourishment; Nutritional screening; Dysphagia; Long Term Stay Unit.

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