Definition Of Malnutrition Research Articles

Pediatric Sarcopenia: A Paradigm in the Overall Definition of Malnutrition in Children?

Malnutrition is a common complication in children with chronic diseases. Sarcopenia is one component of malnutrition, characterized by reduced skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and muscle function. The presence of sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes in children. Although there is growing research interest in sarcopenia, no review has been done on this novel concept in pediatrics. The purpose of this review was to explore current evidence in sarcopenia with and without obesity and to evaluate the knowledge gaps in the assessment of childhood sarcopenia. A total of 12 articles retrieved from PubMed or Web of Science databases were included. Limited studies have elucidated sarcopenia in pediatrics. Challenges in sarcopenia assessment include heterogeneity in definition and absence of standardized body composition methods used to measure SMM and muscle function tests. There is a lack of age-specific and gender-specific normative data for SMM, particularly in young children and infants. None of the studies incorporated muscle function assessment, causing potential bias and misclassification of sarcopenia. The research in childhood sarcopenia is also hampered by low study quality, limited number of outcomes-based research, and lack of longitudinal data. Consensus needs to be reached in methodological approaches in sarcopenia diagnosis, body composition measurements, and age-appropriate muscle function tests in pediatrics. Careful considerations on growth, neurocognitive status, and factors influencing development in various clinical populations are warranted. Early identification of sarcopenia is crucial to enable targeted treatment and prevention to be carried out across the pediatric clinical populations.

Weight loss and BMI criteria in GLIM's definition of malnutrition is associated with postoperative complications following abdominal resections – Results from a National Quality Registry

Although malnutrition is thought to be common among patients with intraabdominal diseases and is recognized as a risk factor for postoperative complications, diagnostic criteria for malnutrition have not been consistent. Thus, the Global Leadership Initiative in Malnutrition (GLIM) has recently published new criteria for malnutrition. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition according to weight loss and BMI criteria in GLIM's second step for the diagnosis and their association with severe postoperative complications in patients undergoing gastrointestinal resections. The current study includes adult patients who were prospectively included in the Norwegian Registry for Gastrointestinal Surgery in the period between 2015 and 2018. Exclusion criteria were acute surgery and lack of information regarding preoperative weight and/or postoperative complications. Severe surgical complications were classified according to the Revised Accordion Classification system and malnutrition with the GLIM criteria. Associations were assessed by logistic regression analyses, and the adjusted odds ratio included age (continuous), gender (male/female) and scores from the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. Out of 6110 patients, 2161 (35.4%) were classified as with malnutrition, 1206 (19.7%) with moderate and 955 (15.6%) with severe malnutrition. Malnourished patients were 1.29 (95% CI: 1.13-1.47) times more likely to develop severe surgical complications, and 2.15 (95% CI: 1.27-3.65) times more likely to die within 30 days, as compared to those who were not. Preoperative malnutrition is common among patients having gastrointestinal resections and is associated with an increased risk of severe surgical complications.

Functional recovery of the cardio-respiratory patient

Heart failure (HF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and most chronic diseases are associated with mild to moderate chronic or recurrent inflammation. This inflammation contributes to malnutrition through different mechanisms: anorexia, decreased intake, alteration of metabolism with increased energy expenditure at rest and increased muscle catabolism. The decrease in lean mass has been included as a phenotypic criterion in the recently coined definition of malnutrition. In addition, a greater importance is given to the evaluation of the function, together with that of the morphological parameters. The grip strength, measured with a manual dynamometer and compared to reference populations, is a simple measure of muscle strength and correlates with the strength of the legs. On the other hand, the so-called "paradox of obesity" occurs in both patients with HF and COPD, since overweight and obese patients have lower overall mortality than patients with normal or low body mass index (BMI). The nutritional treatment, with an adequate contribution of macro and micronutrients and a contribution of proteins of fast absorption, with a higher content of leucine or its metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, seems to offer a benefit in the preservation of muscle mass and its functionality in the patient with cardiorespiratory pathology. Nutritional treatment, associated with a pulmonary or cardiac rehabilitation regimen, is essential to obtain good morphological and functional results.

Malnutrition according to ESPEN definition predicts long-term mortality in general older population: Findings from the EPIDOS study-Toulouse cohort

The European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) has developed a consensus definition of malnutrition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition according to the ESPEN definition in otherwise healthy community-dwelling older women and to explore its value for predicting long-term mortality in this population. This prospective population-based cohort study included 181 women (age ≥75 years) from a subsample of the EPIDémiologie de l'OStéoporose (EPIDOS) study participants from Toulouse. Inclusion criteria were the availability of the data on variables required to apply the ESPEN definition and survival after 7 years of follow-up. Primary outcome was mortality at 12-year follow-up; main covariates were malnutrition assessment according to the ESPEN consensus and its components (unintentional weight loss, BMI, and FFMI). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and at 7-year follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and adjusted Cox regressions were performed. Analysis was adjusted for age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease as potential confounders. Complete data were available for 179 of the 181 women in the EPIDOS-Toulouse cohort (83.1±2.2 years) and 13 (7.3%) fulfilled the ESPEN definition for malnutrition at 7-year follow-up. Malnutrition was associated with increased risk of mortality (adjusted HR=4.4 [95%CI: 1.7-11.3]). Among the ESPEN components, only BMI was associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR=0.6 [95%CI: 0.4-0.9]). Although malnutrition prevalence according to the ESPEN definition was relatively low (7.3%) in this sample of otherwise healthy community-dwelling older French women, malnutrition was associated with 4.4-fold higher mortality risk at 12-year follow-up.

Muscle loss: The new malnutrition challenge in clinical practice

Recent definitions of malnutrition include low muscle mass within its diagnostic criteria. In fact, malnutrition is one of the main risk factors of skeletal muscle loss contributing to the onset of sarcopenia. However, differences in the screening and diagnosis of skeletal muscle loss, especially as a result of malnutrition in clinical and community settings, still occur mainly as techniques and thresholds used vary in clinical practice. The objectives of this position paper are firstly to emphasize the link between skeletal muscle loss and malnutrition-related conditions and secondly to raise awareness for the timely identification of loss of skeletal muscle mass and function in high risk populations. Thirdly to recognize the need to implement appropriate nutritional strategies for prevention and treatment of skeletal muscle loss and malnutrition across the healthcare continuum. Malnutrition needs to be addressed clinically as a muscle-related disorder and clinicians should integrate nutritional assessment with muscle mass measurements for optimal evaluation of these two interrelated entities to tailor interventions appropriately. The design of monitoring/evaluation and discharge plans need to include multimodal interventions with nutrition and physical exercise that are key to preserve patient's muscle mass and function in clinical and community settings.

Applications of the new ESPEN definition of malnutrition and SARC-F in Chinese nursing home residents

We aimed to compare the predictive capacity of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and malnutrition combined with sarcopenia for mortality in nursing home residents. We conducted a prospective study in four nursing homes in China. Nutrition status and sarcopenia were measured according to the new European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) definition and SARC-F, respectively. The study population was divided into four groups: malnutrition with sarcopenia (MN+/SA+), malnutrition without sarcopenia (MN+/SA−), sarcopenia without malnutrition (MN−/SA+), and normal nutrition without sarcopenia (MN−/SA−). The participants were followed up for 12 months. We included 329 participants. Thirty-eight participants (11.6%) had MN+/SA+, 38 participants (11.6%) had MN+/SA−, and 93 participants (28.3%) had MN−/SA+. The 1-year mortality was 18.3%, 21.5%, 18.4%, and 47.4% in the MN−/SA−, MN−/SA+, MN+/SA−, and MN+/SA+ groups, respectively. Compared to participants with MN−/SA−, participants with MN+/SA+ were at a significantly higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71–5.95); however, MN−/SA+ (adjusted HR: 1.24, 95% CI 0.69–2.22) and MN+/SA− (adjusted HR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.41–2.19) were not predictors of mortality. In conclusion, the coexistence of malnutrition and sarcopenia is a significant predictor of mortality in a study population of Chinese nursing home residents.

Malnutrition according to ESPEN consensus predicts hospitalizations and long-term mortality in rehabilitation patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Nutritional disorders are frequent in patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) and have negative health impacts. This study aimed to explore the value of the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) definition of malnutrition (and/or its individual components) to predict hospitalizations and mortality at 2 years, and to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in COPD patients referred to pulmonary rehabilitation. The study was a prospective analysis of 118 patients with COPD free of exacerbations and/or hospital admissions in the previous two months. Main outcome variables were mortality, hospital admissions, and length of stay at 2-year follow-up; main covariates were malnutrition assessment according to the ESPEN definition and its components: unintentional weight loss, body mass index, and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age and airflow obstruction as potential confounders. The observed prevalence of malnutrition was 24.6%. Malnutrition was associated with increased mortality risk (HR=3.9 [95% CI: 1.4-10.62]). FFMI was independently associated with increased mortality (HR=17.0 [95% CI: 2.24-129.8]), which persisted after adjustment for age and lung function (adjusted HR=13.0 [95% CI: 1.67-101.7]). Low age-related body mass index was associated with increased risk of hospital admissions. Malnutrition according to ESPEN criteria, highly prevalent in patients with stable COPD referred to pulmonary rehabilitation, was associated with 4 times greater mortality risk after 2 years. Low FFMI was associated with a 17-fold increase in mortality risk, suggesting independent predictive value.

Prognostic Value of the ESPEN Consensus and Guidelines for Malnutrition: Prediction of Post-Discharge Clinical Outcomes in Older Inpatients.

Our study aimed to determine whether malnutrition and nutrition-related conditions using the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) consensus were associated with functional status, institutionalization, readmissions, and mortality in older patients at 3-month follow-up. A cohort of 102 consecutive deconditioned patients was assessed at 3 months postdischarge from postacute geriatric care. Inclusion criteria were age ≥70 years, scores of Mini-Mental Status Examination ≥21/30, and being admitted for rehabilitation after an acute non-disabling disease. Malnutrition as defined by ESPEN consensus and nutrition-related conditions (such as frailty, sarcopenia, overweight/obesity, nutrient deficiency, and cachexia) was assessed, and related to postdischarge clinical outcomes at 3-month follow-up. Of 95 included patients (84.5 ± 6.5 years; 63.2% women), 31 had unintentional weight loss and 19 fulfilled malnutrition criteria defined by the ESPEN consensus. Nutrition-related conditions were frequent: 94 patients had frailty, 44 sarcopenia, 58 overweight/obesity, and 59 nutrient deficiency. Sarcopenia reduced functional status at 3-month follow-up (median difference: -25.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) -46.4 - -4.3, P = 0.008). Institutionalization was related to unintentional weight loss in univariate analysis (odds ratio (OR) = 3.9; 95%CI 1.3 - 12.4, P = 0.018). Meeting the basic ESPEN definition of malnutrition was related to institutionalization in univariate (OR = 3.4; 95%CI 1.0 to 11.3, P = 0.042) but not multivariate analysis, and was not significantly associated with readmissions or mortality at 3-month follow-up. Further research is needed on the potential value of the ESPEN consensus and guidelines for malnutrition to identify older patients at risk of worse functional status, institutionalization, readmissions, and mortality at 3-month follow-up postdischarge.

Interprofessional Collaboration Practices: Case Study of the Handling of Malnutrition in Three Public Health Centers in South Sulawesi

The results of this research revealed various definitions of malnutrition by the health officials, including the characteristics and causes of malnutrition. Various actual activities were performed as joint efforts in handling nutrition problems and a good understanding of interprofessional collaborations was indicated by the health officers. Many activities showed a form of interprofessional collaboration in the daily healthcare services. One of these activities was the integrated health center activity. However, at the time of implementation of the activities, there was not yet an interprofessional collaboration as a whole. Supporting documents showed that the implementation of interprofessional collaborations in the form of written rules was also not available. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the implementation of interprofessional collaborations in South Sulawesi has not been optimized

Study Supports Use of New Malnutrition Definition in Older Post-Acute Rehab Patients

A study has confirmed that a new definition of malnutrition helps to detect the condition in deconditioned, older post-acute patients. The researchers also noted a significant link between malnutrition and sarcopenia. In the study from the Centre Fòrum-Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, Dolores Sanchez-Rodríguez, MD, PhD, and colleagues investigated an expanded use of the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) consensus definition of malnutrition. The society developed the diagnostic definition of malnutrition to fill a definition gap that “has been problematic for researchers, clinicians, and policy makers for many years” (Clin Nutr 2017;36:1339–1344). The ESPEN definition has been applied to a variety of groups, but not to the deconditioned, post-acute older population. In their 8-month study, the researchers reached out to 102 consecutive inpatients in a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation unit. They focused on 88 who agreed to take part in the study and met various criteria: they were admitted after suffering functional loss due to a nondisabling disease, were 70 or older, and had previously been ambulatory before hospitalization but were now bedbound. The average age of the participants was 85 years, and 62% were women. They stayed an average of 15 days in acute care followed by an average of 15 days in the post-acute care unit. The researchers found that, after they had screened them with the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form tool, all the patients were at risk for malnutrition. The researchers then screened the patients for malnutrition using the ESPEN definition. A total of 17 patients (19%) fit the ESPEN malnutrition criteria. Fifteen had unintentional weight loss and a low fat-free body mass index (BMI) of less than 15 kg/m2 (women) or less than 17 kg/m2 (men). Seven had unintentional weight loss and a low BMI of less than 20 kg/m2 (<70 years) or less than 22 kg/m2 (≥70 years). Four had a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m2. Most of the patients met two or more of these criteria. The study authors were unable to link biochemical markers to malnutrition, so they did not recommend the use of markers to detect malnutrition in the post-acute population. The researchers also evaluated sarcopenia in these patients with criteria from the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). “These conditions share a pathogenesis and clinical effects, and a relationship between them has been proposed,” the study authors wrote. A total of 17 patients met the criteria for sarcopenia, including 13 who were defined as having malnutrition by the ESPEN criteria. Only four of the 17 who met the ESPEN malnutrition criteria did not meet the definition of having sarcopenia. Randy Dotinga is a freelance writer based in San Diego.

Clinical application of the basic definition of malnutrition proposed by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN): Comparison with classical tools in geriatric care

BackgroundMalnutrition is a prevalent condition related to adverse outcomes in older people. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic capacity of the malnutrition criteria of the European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN) with other classical diagnostic tools. MethodsCohort study of 102 consecutive in-patients ≥70 years admitted for postacute rehabilitation. Patients were considered malnourished if their Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) score was ≤11 and serum albumin <3 mg/dL or MNA-SF ≤ 11, serum albumin <3 mg/dL, and usual clinical signs and symptoms of malnutrition. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy likelihood ratios, and kappa values were calculated for both methods: and compared with ESPEN consensus. ResultsOf 102 eligible in-patients, 88 fulfilled inclusion criteria and were identified as “at risk” by MNA-SF. Malnutrition diagnosis was confirmed in 11.6% and 10.5% of the patients using classical methods,whereas 19.3% were malnourished according to the ESPEN criteria. Combined with low albumin levels, the diagnosis showed 57.9% sensitivity, 64.5% specificity, 85.9% negative predictive value,0.63 accuracy (fair validity, low range), and kappa index of 0.163 (poor ESPEN agreement). The combination of MNA-SF, low albumin, and clinical malnutrition showed 52.6% sensitivity, 88.3% specificity, 88.3%negative predictive value, and 0.82 accuracy (fair validity, low range), and kappa index of 0.43 (fair ESPEN agreement). ConclusionsMalnutrition was almost twice as prevalent when diagnosed by the ESPEN consensus, compared to classical assessment methods: Classical methods: showed fair validity and poor agreement with the ESPEN consensus in assessing malnutrition in geriatric postacute care.

ASPEN-AND-ESPEN: A postacute-care comparison of the basic definition of malnutrition from the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism definition

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition by applying the ASPEN/AND definition and the ESPEN consensus definition in a postacute-care population, and secondly, to determine the metrological properties of the set of six clinical characteristics that constitute the ASPEN/AND basic diagnosis, compared to the ESPEN consensus, based mostly on objective anthropometric measurements. Prospective study of 84 consecutive deconditioned older inpatients (85.4±6.2; 59.5% women) admitted for rehabilitation in postacute care. ASPEN/AND diagnosis of malnutrition was considered in presence of at least two of the following: low energy intake, fluid accumulation, diminished handgrip strength, and loss of weight, muscle mass, or subcutaneous fat. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, likelihood ratios, and kappa statistics were calculated for ASPEN/AND criteria and compared with ESPEN consensus. The prevalence of malnutrition by ASPEN/AND criteria was 63.1% and by ESPEN consensus, 20.2%; both diagnoses were associated with significantly longer length of stay, but the ESPEN definition was significantly associated with poorer functional outcomes after the rehabilitation program. Compared to ESPEN consensus, ASPEN/AND diagnosis showed fair validity (sensitivity=94.1%; specificity=44.8%); kappa statistic was 2.217. Applying the ASPEN/AND definition obtained a higher prevalence of malnutrition in a postacute-care population than was identified by the ESPEN definition. ASPEN/AND criteria had fair validity and agreement compared with the ESPEN definition. A simple, evidence-based, unified malnutrition definition might improve geriatric care.

Effectiveness of oral nutritional supplements to prevent hospital malnutrition. Overview of systematic reviews

Although oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) are among most popular interventions to prevent a condition of hospital malnutrition, their real benefits need to be clarified. To evaluate in adults the effectiveness of ONSs to prevent hospital malnutrition. Papers retrieval by querying biomedical databases The Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, CINAHL. Overview of systematic reviews evaluated for methodological quality according to R-AMSTAR checklist with narrative synthesis of results. Twenty-five systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was better in more recent studies. Low-moderate quality evidence showed a trend for decreasing mortality, complications, length of stay; there was no clear reduction in readmissions. Inadequate data do not allow to assess the impact on quality of life. The intervention seems promising for subjects over 75 years, malnourished, with pathological conditions of geriatric interest, in hospital or long-term care services, but differences are not always significant. The definition of malnutrition, screening procedures and assessment tools adopted varies widely, as well as the characteristics of participants, intervention and duration of studies included in systematic reviews; this makes difficult to estimate the net benefit due to ONSs. The intervention should be included in a general approach to nutrition in clinical practice. At present the role of ONSs to prevent hospital malnutrition is still unclear.

The New European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Definition of Malnutrition: Application for Nutrition Assessment and Prediction of Morbimortality in an Emergency Service.

Recently, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) provided novel consensus criteria for malnutrition diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of this instrument in combination with different nutrition screening tools (1) to identify malnutrition and (2) to predict morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Observational prospective study in 750 adults admitted to the emergency service of a tertiary public hospital. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA-reference method) and the new ESPEN criteria were used to assess nutrition status of patients, who were initially screened for nutrition risk using 4 different tools. Outcome measures included length of hospital stay, occurrence of infection, and incidence of death during hospitalization, analyzed by logistic regression. There was a lack of agreement between the SGA and ESPEN definition of malnutrition, regardless of the nutrition screening tool applied previously (κ = -0.050 to 0.09). However, when Malnutrition Screening Tool and Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002) were used as the screening tool, malnourished patients according to ESPEN criteria showed higher probability of infection (relative risk [RR], 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-2.31 and RR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.37-3.10, respectively), and when the NRS-2002 was used, the risk for death was 2.7 times higher (hazard ratio, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.07-6.81) in malnourished patients than in well-nourished patients. Although the new ESPEN criteria had a poor diagnostic value, it seems to be a prognostic tool among hospitalized patients, especially when used in combination with the NRS-2002.

Malnutrition Identified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Consensus Criteria and Other Bedside Tools Is Highly Prevalent in a Sample of Individuals Undergoing Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer.

Using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (Academy/ASPEN) Consensus malnutrition definition, we estimated malnutrition prevalence in a sample of individuals with head and neck cancer (HNC) and compared it with the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). We also investigated the utility of the 50-kHz phase angle (PA) and 200-kHz/5-kHz impedance ratio (IR) to identify malnutrition. Nineteen individuals (18 males, 1 female) scheduled to undergo chemoradiotherapy were seen at 5 time points during and up to 3 months after treatment completion. Multiple-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, PG-SGA, nutrition-focused physical examination, anthropometry, dietary intake, and handgrip strength data were collected. Using the Consensus, 67% were found to be malnourished before treatment initiation; these criteria diagnosed malnutrition with overall good sensitivity (94%) and moderate specificity (43%) compared with PG-SGA. Over all pooled observations, "malnourished" (by Consensus but not PG-SGA category) had a lower mean PA (5.2 vs 5.9; P = .03) and higher IR (0.82 vs 0.79; P = .03) than "well-nourished" categorizations, although the clinical relevance of these findings is unclear. PA and IR were correlated with higher PG-SGA score (r = -0.35, r = 0.36; P < .01) and handgrip strength (r = 0.48, r = -0.47; P < .01). The Academy/ASPEN Consensus and the PG-SGA were in good agreement. It is unclear whether PA and IR can be used as surrogate markers of nutrition status or muscle loss.

Defining, Recognizing, and Reporting Malnutrition.

Although malnutrition is a common health and social care problem, there is no universal agreement about its definition, prevalence, or method of identification and report. Fifteen definitions of malnutrition were critically examined to assess their variability. They ranged from descriptions of undernutrition alone to under- and overnutrition, with intakes ranging from dietary protein and energy alone to dietary and nondietary sources of all nutrients and energy. Definitions also varied from non-outcome based to those based on functional, physiological, and/or clinical outcomes. Some definitions relied on the pathways by which malnutrition develops, with one apparently requiring loss of fat-free mass. Also examined were nutrition screening tools, diversely developed for detection of malnutrition, management of malnutrition, and prediction of clinical outcomes or health care usage. Their intended use also varied from specific care settings (hospital, community, care homes) to all settings and from specific age groups to all age groups. With all these definitions and tools, there is considerable scope for confusion and misunderstanding. Therefore, to clarify the burden and significance of malnutrition, guidelines for documenting it in routine practice and reporting it in scientific literature are provided.

Disability and its influence in nutritional assessment tools in elderly people living in nursing homes.

Poor nutritional status is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in older people. The aim of this study was to assess nutritional status in elderly nursing home residents with different nutritional test, and to determine which parameters used for nutritional assessment can be carried out in this population, which usually have a high prevalence of functionally dependent residents. A cross-sectional study was performed in 383 elderly. The nutritional assessment tools used were the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the new ESPEN consensus definition of malnutrition, and the tool for Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT). Moreover, the ability to perform basic activities of daily living was assessed with the Barthel index (BI). According to BI, 78.9% had a total dependence and only 20.9% could be weighed and heighed. The prevalence of malnutrition with MNA, ESPEN and CONUT was 21.3%, 17.6% and 20.7%, respectively. The agreement between MNA vs ESPEN criteria was moderate (kappa = 0.483), but with CONUT was low. Nursing homes had a high percentage of totally dependent residents. This high degree of functional dependence made difficult to obtain some anthropometric parameters such as weight and height, which are essential to carry out most nutritional tests. MNA, CONUT and the new ESPEN criteria of malnutrition showed a high prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition in subjects in which they could be performed.

Nutrition Screening: Coding after Discharge Underestimates the Prevalence of Undernutrition

Nutrition Screening: Coding after Discharge Underestimates the Prevalence of Undernutrition

Malnutrition or frailty? Overlap and evidence gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of frailty and malnutrition.

There is increasing awareness of the detrimental health impact of frailty on older adults and of the high prevalence of malnutrition in this segment of the population. Experts in these 2 arenas need to be cognizant of the overlap in constructs, diagnosis, and treatment of frailty and malnutrition. There is a lack of consensus regarding the definition of malnutrition and how it should be assessed. While there is consensus on the definition of frailty, there is no agreement on how it should be measured. Separate assessment tools exist for both malnutrition and frailty; however, there is intersection between concepts and measures. This narrative review highlights some of the intersections within these screening/assessment tools, including weight loss/decreased body mass, functional capacity, and weakness (handgrip strength). The potential for identification of a minimal set of objective measures to identify, or at least consider risk for both conditions, is proposed. Frailty and malnutrition have also been shown to result in similar negative health outcomes and consequently common treatment strategies have been studied, including oral nutritional supplements. While many of the outcomes of treatment relate to both concepts of frailty and malnutrition, research questions are typically focused on the frailty concept, leading to possible gaps or missed opportunities in understanding the effect of complementary interventions on malnutrition. A better understanding of how these conditions overlap may improve treatment strategies for frail, malnourished, older adults.

Discordance between bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and the new ESPEN definition of malnutrition for the diagnosis of hospital malnutrition

No universally accepted diagnostic criteria for malnutrition are available to date. The aim was to assess the concordance for the diagnosis of hospital malnutrition between the bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and the new definition of malnutrition proposed by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). A total of 140 adult hospitalized patients were included. The malnutrition risk was assessed by the Nutritional Risk Screening. The ESPEN malnutrition criteria (body mass index (BMI) <18.5kg/m2, weight loss (WL)+low BMI, and WL+low fat free mass index (FFMI) were applied to each patient. The bioelectrical impedance of each patient was measured, and malnutrition was diagnosed using the BIVA method. Diagnostic concordance between the BIVA and the new ESPEN definition was assessed with the Kappa coefficient. The malnutrition prevalence was higher with the BIVA vs ESPEN definition (22.1% vs 13.6%) in the global population and was similar (12.8% vs 12.1%) in the population at risk of malnutrition. The diagnostic performance of the BIVA was acceptable, with higher sensitivity in patients with fluid overload (FO) and more specificity in euvolemic patients. Diagnostic concordance between the BIVA and the ESPEN definition was poor for the global population (kappa=0.56) and the population at risk of malnutrition (kappa=0.67) but was acceptable in patients with FO (kappa=0.78). However, the discordant BIVA+/ESPEN- patients classified as false positives for BIVA showed clinical and body composition data (low FFMI, low phase angle) consistent with malnutrition. According to the clinical and bioelectrical characteristics of the discordant BIVA+/ESPEN- patients, the BIVA could perform better that the new ESPEN definition for the diagnosis of hospital malnutrition, which should be confirmed with other studies.