Association of Markers of Nutrition Status and COVID 19 Outcomes

Abstract

describe indicators of risk for malnutrition and/or malnutrition associated with poor outcomes in COVID+ patients. Due to the nature of COVID-19, nutrition-related recommendations for assessment are largely based on expert opinion and general data for critical illness. Additionally, there is a lack of information examining the relationship between nutrition status and COVID related outcomes. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to determine the relationship between markers of nutrition status and outcomes in COVID+ patients. All COVID+ patients admitted to three hospitals over a two-month period in an urban health system (one academic medical center and two community hospitals) were included. All data were collected via the electronic medical record. The Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) was used to assess risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition was determined according to AND/ASPEN guidelines. Data were grouped as expired versus survived and discharged home versus not discharged home. A total of 588 patients tested positive with 107 of these patients (18%) expiring and 376 (64%) discharging home . Patients who expired or were not discharged home were significantly older, had low BMIs and had longer hospital LOS, ICU LOS, and vent days. Fewer MST screens were completed on these patients than their counterparts. No differences were seen in rates of malnutrition among the groups. Inability to complete NFPE likely affected rates of malnutrition diagnosis. Due to the severity of illness of many patients, nursing staff were likely unable to complete the MST. RDNs may consider screening all critically ill COVID+ patients regardless of MST score. Additional research is needed to determine the impact of nutrition interventions.