Abstract
Early assessment of protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) can improve the outcome for hospitalized patients by allowing the initiation of nutrition support if required. In addition, monitoring nutritional status during the hospital stay can identify a decline in or improvement of PCM so that alterations to treatment regimens can be made if needed. The visceral protein albumin is the traditional laboratory indicator of PCM. In the past decade another protein has been lauded as a superior marker that can be used in conjunction. We undertook several studies to test the effectiveness of TTR as an aid in nutritional assessment. We found TTR to be a sensitive measure of nutritional status, allowing for earlier assessment and intervention, thus reducing length of stay and other hospital associated costs. Based on these findings, our hospital generated and implemented a multidisciplinary nutrition care program. Transthyretin is an integral portion of this program; levels are determined on admission and repeated twice weekly until discharge.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.