Accuracy of estimated height from ulnar length using MUST equation

Abstract

Background & Aim: Height is an important parameter in the assessment of nutritional status. Height is difficult to measure directly in critically ill patients; alternative methods are used to predict the height. One such method used in the Sri Lankan setting is the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) equations using ulnar length. But the accuracy of the estimated height from the ulnar length in local setting is not studied much. The present study is carried out as a pilot study in order to evaluate the equation for estimated height from ulnar length for the Sri Lankan population. Methods: A single-centre cross-sectional study was carried out by using hospital staff in a base hospital in the central province of Sri Lanka during a staff clinic session. Height was measured by a stadiometer (Seca-203) and ulnar length non-stretchable tape. MUST equation was used the calculate the estimated height and it was compared with actual height to check the accuracy. Results: The mean age of the males and females is 39.8 (SD ± 10.2) and 40.7 (SD ± 10.0) years, respectively. The actual height of males was 165.6 cm (SD ± 6.2) and 153.8 cm (SD ± 5.6) in females. The estimated height in males is 175.6 cm (SD ± 4.9) and in females 165.3 cm (SD ± 4.7). The mean difference of estimated height was positive 10.0 cm (SD ± 5.1) in males and in females, it is 11.5 cm (SD ± 4.4). Conclusions: The estimated height from ulnar length in this subgroup differs significantly from the actual height. Therefore, MUST equation should be used cautiously until a further countrywide assessment is done to develop a population-specific equation to predict height using ulnar length.