Identification of Malnourished patients using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) diagnostic criteria in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is still a common problem in hospital settings with adverse impacts on patient functional and clinical outcomes. Malnutrition is also associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. Prevalence of malnutrition often cannot be compared across studies due to the lack of uniform diagnostic criteria. GLIM criteria propose a global scheme for the diagnosis of malnutrition that include three phenotypic criteria (Low BMI, weight loss and reduced muscle mass) and two etiologic criteria (reduced food intake and inflammation). To establish a diagnosis, it is proposed that at least one phenotypic and one etiologic criterion are identified. This study aims at identifying malnourished hospitalized patients using the proposed GLIM criteria. Methods: A cross sectional, multicenter study in the United Arab Emirates aimed at identifying malnourished patients using the proposed GLIM criteria. A total of 371 patients were assessed in two hospitals in the UAE. Patients were assessed for the identification of 2 phenotypic (Low BMI and weight loss) and 2 etiologic criteria (reduced food intake and inflammation). Given that reduced muscle mass was not assessed due to limited resources, handgrip strength was measured and used as supportive measure. CRP was also considered as a supportive measure for the identification of inflammation. Having at least one phenotypic and one etiologic criterion was used to identify the diagnosis of malnutrition. Results: A total of 371 patients were equally recruited and included from two hospital sites, Al Rashidi (Dubai) and Al Qassimi (Sharjah) (50.94% vs. 49.06% respectively). The mean age of the participants was 50.85 (SD = 16.55). A total of 103 patients out of the 371 (27.76%) were diagnosed as malnourished according to GLIM criteria.