Moderate Risk Of Malnutrition Research Articles

Relationship between altered taste and smell with malnutrition among hemodialysis patients.

Alterations in taste and smell are among the most distressing symptoms experienced by haemodialysis patients. There is limited research on the relationship between these two symptoms and malnutrition in haemodialysis patients. This study aimed to investigate alterations in taste and smell in hemodialysis patients and their relationship with malnutrition. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 149 hemodialysis patients at the dialysis centers of three state hospitals. The Taste and Smell Dysfunction Questionnaire was used to assess the changes in patients' taste and smell, and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), as well as the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) tool, were utilized to evaluate their nutritional status. A substantial percentage (45.6%) of patients reported an altered sense of smell, and 40.2% reported an altered sense of taste. The aspect of taste that was most abnormal was bitterness (46.7%); 53.0% of the patients were at moderate risk of malnutrition by PNI score, and 14.8% were categorized as malnourished by CONUT score. Malnutrition was related to dialysis vintage: a 1-year increase in vintage was associated with an increased risk of malnutrition (OR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.32, p < 0.001). Altered taste was associated with malnutrition: one-unit increase in the standard deviation of the taste subdimension score was associated with a relative risk of malnutrition (OR: 6.89, 95% CI 1.67-28.39, p < 0.001). A one-unit increase in the standard deviation of the smell subdimension was associated with relative risk of malnutrition (OR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.10-1.64, p < 0.001). Malnutrition was found in a significantpercentage of hemodialysis patients. Altered taste and smell and the durationof dialysis treatment were significantly associated with malnutrition scores It isrecommended that healthcare professionals regularly assess alterations in tasteand smell in hemodialysis patients, as these alterations may be associated withmalnutrition, and manage these alterations accordingly.

Assessing the risk of malnutrition in cancer patients during radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is considered one of the most effective curative therapies for cancer, but it has multiple side effects, especially when the irradiation is on the oral or abdominal area of the body, with a negative impact on nutrition in terms of quantity and quality, as well as the way nutrients are assimilated in the body. The objective of this study was to assess the risk of malnutrition in cancer patients during radiotherapy. The methodology was based on the use of the NRS-2002 screening tool and a set of questions extracted from the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire related to the patient quality of life of a group of patients during radiationtreatment between September and December 2022. Results. From the group of 46 participants, 56.52% of the patients were identified with a moderate risk of malnutrition, and 92.30% of them benefited from personalized nutritional counseling. Weight change for the total group registered an average decrease of 0.71-0.77 kg. Symptoms such as decreased appetite were found in 23.91% of participants. According to the responses of the participants, the evaluation of the general state of health had an average score of 5.17 (out of 7), and the general quality of life had an average of 4.48 (out of 7). Following the dietary survey, all participants received general dietary recommendations, according to the ESPEN guidelines, and patients identified at risk of malnutrition received personalized nutritional counseling and indications for enteral nutrition (oral or gastrostomy solutions) to meet the caloric needs. In conclusion, the study proved the importance of early identification of malnutrition and personalized nutritional intervention for reducing anxiety related to food, increasing food intake, maintaining body weight, respectively a better management of manifested adverse effects and a better compliance with medical therapy.

Application of STRONGkids method on assessing the risk of malnutrition among hospitalised children in Universitas Sebelas Maret Hospital

Introduction: Hospital malnutrition (HM) in children augments morbidity and mortality, thus early detection is a preventive measure that may improve a patient’s condition. This study identified the risk factors of HM among children hospitalised in Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Hospital using the STRONGkids method. Methods: This observational analytical cross-sectional study was performed in children hospitalised at the paediatric ward of UNS Hospital between February and August 2021. The samples were taken by consecutive sampling technique. Subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed for their underlying disease, nutritional status based on World Health Organization Anthro software, and STRONGkids score. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used, with a p-value of &lt;0.05 considered as statistical significance. Results: A total of 173 children were included in the study, 56% were males, mean age was 62.5 months, 45% had an underlying chronic disease, and 17.9% experienced moderate malnutrition. Based on the STRONGkids score, 39.3% children were at high risk of malnutrition and 60.7% were at moderate risk of malnutrition. Logistic regression analysis showed that high risk of HM was significantly associated with age (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.38-4.84, p=0.003), chronic disease (OR 7.23, 95% CI 3.3-15.86, p=0.018), and moderate malnutrition (OR 13.5, 95% CI 3.96-45.98, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Children hospitalised in UNS Hospital were at risk of malnutrition. Toddlerhood, chronic disease, and moderate malnutrition significantly increased the risk of HM. Thus, these children need optimal nutritional support to improve their clinical condition. STRONGkids is a convenient and easy method to identify malnutrition risk during hospitalisation.

Prevalence of Malnutrition among Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

Purpose: To figure out the prevalence of malnutrition among patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in tertiary care hospital&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional study. The study took place in Endocrine and Medicine Departments of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from September 2019 to March 2020. A total number of 259 patients of T2DM were screened for screened for nutritional assessment with the help of nurse and supporting staff. The data was recorded with the help of question are and Subjective Global Assessment form (SGA). The nutritional risk parameters and malnutrition status was figured out and the data collected was statistically analyzed with the help of MS Excel and SPSS 22.0.&#x0D; Findings: The results of the current findings revealed that 123 patients out of 259 were at moderate risk of malnutrition, while 136 patients were highly at malnutrition risk. Similarly, 162 patients were sorted out to have the status of moderate malnutrition while 97 patients were severely mal-nourished. Among various categories of BMI the highest frequency has been shown by Obese Class-I with highest risk malnutrition risk and severe malnourished frequency. The Correlation Coefficient R2 value of 0.923. The Chi-Square value of 187.69 and p-value (1.214e-38) nullifies the Null hypothesis.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it may be concluded that a wholesome ratio of T2DM are at nutritional risk or having the status of malnutrition in hospitalized patients. Secondly, it may also be inferred that the largest number of T2DM could be assumed at Obese Class-I of BMI distribution.

P58 Online Test-Retest Reliability of the COAST Malnutrition Screening Tool

<h3>Background</h3> In face-to-face testing, the Comprehensive Older Adult Screening Tool (COAST) demonstrated internal consistency reliability and validity as a screening tool for malnutrition risk in community-dwelling older adults and its ease of use suggests it is a practical tool. However, the test-retest reliability of COAST has not been established. <h3>Objective</h3> The aim of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the COAST malnutrition screening tool in an online setting. <h3>Study Design, Settings, Participants</h3> Older adults (>60 years) were recruited through https://www.researchmatch.org. Interested volunteers were emailed a Qualtrics link to the consent description and the 7-item COAST, which examines weight loss, decreased appetite, illness affecting food intake, diet quality, and intake of protein foods, at 2 timepoints, 2 weeks apart. The COAST was scored from 0 to 8 points, with 0-4 points denoting a high risk of malnutrition, 5-6 points indicating a moderate risk of malnutrition, and 7-8, a low risk of malnutrition. <h3>Measurable Outcomes/Analysis</h3> The primary outcome was the correlation of COAST scores at 2 timepoints. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 947 sent the study description, 111 older adults agreed to be contacted by email. Of these, 49 completed the COAST at 2 timepoints. The COAST test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.74, considered acceptable reliability for a malnutrition screening tool; 75% of participants were similarly categorized as high risk, moderate risk, or low risk of malnutrition at both timepoints. Inconsistent responses to the COAST question, "In general, how healthy is your overall diet?" explained 50% of the misclassifications suggesting a need to clarify this item. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The COAST malnutrition screening tool demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability when used in an online format. As the tool was previously validated for face-to-face administration, future research to determine the test-retest reliability using face-to-face administration may be warranted.

POS0329 GASTROINTESTINAL INVOLVEMENT IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: PATHOGENETIC ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOME, CYTOKINES AND ADIPOKINES

Background:Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is very common in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The pathophysiology of GI manifestations has not yet been defined. Cell-mediated immunological reactions appear to lead to endothelial damage resulting in fibrosis. The risk of developing malnutrition reinforces the need to better understand GI pathophysiology in these patients.Objectives:The study aimed to evaluate GI symptoms (GIT 2.0) and malnutrition status (MUST) and to determine specific bacterial changes in gut microbiome by investigating the possible presence of positive hot spots in bacterial species in SSc patients and their potential role in the disease progression. We also evaluated serum levels of adipokines and cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and their role, in addition to gut microbiome, in predicting the onset of GI involvement and malnutrition in SSc patients.Methods:We enrolled 25 scleroderma patients (EULAR/ACR 2013 criteria). UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 questionnaire to evaluate GI symptoms and MUST to investigate the risk of malnutrition were used. Gut microbiome was analyzed and the samples were subjected to extraction for the 16S rRNA gene (Earth Microbiome Project and the NIH-Human Microbiome Project). The microbiome was investigated at phenotypic and genotypic level. Serum levels of cytokines and adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) were evaluated by ELISA.Results:79.9% of patients had GERD and 63.5% abdominal distension at GIT 2.0 questionnaires. 48% of patients had moderate risk of malnutrition (MUST=2) and 12% had high risk (MUST=3). Gut microbioma: 19 patients (76%) had low similarity and 11 (44%) low diversity compared to the healthy population. The prevailing enterotypes of gut microbiome was Bacteroides (80%) and Prevotella (20%). The genotypic evaluation showed a reduced concentration of: gluten-digesting (Lactobacillus); lactose-digesting (Faecalibacterium); vitamin K-producing (Enterococcus, Desulfovibrio and Veillonella); acetaldehyde-degrading bacteria. 24 patients (96%) showed a reduction in bacteria devoted to maintaining weight control (Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus). The patients had an altered intestinal permeability with less mucolytic bacteria (Bacteroides) and reduced production of LPS (Enterobacter and Escherichia). Low levels of butyrate (Eubacterium and Clostridium), acetate and propionate were found for SCFA-producing bacteria. Potentially pathogenic bacteria were also investigated: Salmonella was found in 14 (56%), Klebsiella in 9 (36%) and Enterococcus Faecalis in 3 (12%) patients. 11 (44%) patients had elevated serum levels of IL10 and IL12; 4 (16%) had high value of leptin. Correlation was found in patients who had a reduced concentration of gluten-digesting bacteria and MUST. Elevated MUST was correlated with serological increase in IL17A and IFN-α. Serum levels of IL12 and IL10 were found to correlate with specific bacteria alterations: high concentration of acetaldehyde-producing bacteria and low levels of acetaldehyde-degrade bacteria (also correlated with high serum levels of IL6), mucolytic bacteria and producers of hydrogen sulphide, acetate and propionate. Finally, reduced levels of mucolytic bacteria and acetate producing bacteria correlated with high serum leptin levels.Conclusion:The relationship between the gut microbiome and SSc seems to be multifactorial. In our study genotypic changes of gut microbioma might play a role in damaging the permeability of the mucosa and increasing risk of malnutrition. The evaluation of gut microbiome and cytokine profile is probably going to be of value in the follow-up of SSc. However, further studies are needed to clarify the impact of GI dysbiosis on the immune system in SSc.

Malnutrition, nutritional interventions and clinical outcomes of patients with acute small bowel obstruction: results from a national, multicentre, prospective audit

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of patients presenting with small bowel obstruction (SBO), along with associated nutritional interventions and clinical outcomes.DesignProspective cohort study.Setting131 UK...

Associations of nutritional status and muscle size with mortality after open aortic aneurysm repair

ObjectiveOpen surgical repair (OSR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms is a more invasive approach than endovascular aneurysm repair but has more enduring results and may lead to a lower reintervention rate. Therefore, strict selection of patients should be based on assessments of both early and late outcomes. The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) have been reported as indicators of nutritional status and muscle size, respectively. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors, including sarcopenia and nutritional status, for early and late outcomes. MethodsWe reviewed data from 360 consecutive abdominal aortic aneurysm patients who underwent OSR from 2007 to 2014. We collected data on patients' characteristics, nutritional status (CONUT score), and muscle size (SMI). Cox proportional hazards analysis and logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of midterm mortality and Clavien-Dindo class IV complications as late and early outcomes, respectively. ResultsDuring the study period, 360 patients underwent elective OSR. The following characteristics were associated with midterm mortality: age >71 years (hazard ratio [HR], 4.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-17.13; P = .01), low SMI (HR, 4.32; 95% CI, 1.16-16.13; P = .03), CONUT score indicating a moderate risk of malnutrition (vs normal status or mild risk: HR, 4.16; 95% CI, 1.03-16.76; P = .045), and estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.09-11.47; P = .035). Two patients died within 30 days of undergoing OSR (0.6%). A CONUT score indicating moderate risk (HR, 4.42; 95% CI, 1.01-19.28; P = .048), estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR, 7.34; 95% CI, 2.20-24.51; P < .001), and diabetes mellitus (HR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.25-11.00; P = .02) were independent predictors of Clavien-Dindo class IV complications. ConclusionsThese results may be useful for identifying and optimizing treatment of high-risk patients who will not benefit from OSR so that endovascular aneurysm repair or no intervention can be recommended. Consideration of nutritional status and sarcopenia may therefore support the development of a more personalized, cost-effective treatment strategy.

Predictive value of the mini-nutritional assessment short form (MNA-SF) and nutritional risk screening (NRS2002) in hip fracture.

To examine Mini-Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA-SF) and Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002) as prognostic indicators of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), readmissions, mobility, living arrangements and mortality after hip fracture. Population-based prospective data were collected on 265 consecutive hip fracture patients aged 65 and over. Nutritional status according to MNA-SF and NRS2002 was assessed on admission. Outcomes were postoperative complications, LOS, readmissions and mortality 1 and 4 months post fracture and changes in mobility level and living arrangements 4 months post fracture. At baseline, 18 (7%) patients were malnourished and 108 (41%) at risk of malnutrition according to MNA-SF. According to NRS2002, 11 (4%) patients were at severe risk and 56 (21%) patients at moderate risk of malnutrition. Only MNA-SF predicted mortality, LOS and readmissions. Both instruments proved ineffective in predicting changes in mobility level and living arrangements. MNA-SF is superior to NRS2002 in predicting short-term hip fracture outcomes.

The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Predicts Survival in Elderly Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients with Radiotherapy.

The impact of nutritional status on survival among elderly esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients undergoing radiotherapy is unclear. In this study, we aimed at validating the performance of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in predicting overall survival time in elderly ESCC patients with radiotherapy. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 239 ESCC patients aged 60 and over admitted consecutively from January 2008 to November 2014 in the Department of Radiotherapy, Henan Tumor Hospital (Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Zhengzhou, Henan, China. All patients were subjected to nutritional screening using GNRI, and were followed for the occurrence of lymphatic node metastasis, radiation complication and mortality. The Kaplan–Meier method with Log-rank test was used to estimate survival curves. Univariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with overall survival time. Among the 239 patients, 184 patients (76.9%) took no nutritional risk, 32 patients (13.4%) took moderate risk of malnutrition, and 23 patients (9.7%) took a high risk of malnutrition. Univariable Cox regression showed that both high nutritional risk group and moderate nutritional risk group were significantly less likely to survive than no nutritional risk patients (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.688, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.019–2.798 for moderate risk group, and HR = 2.699, 95% CI = 1.512–4.819 for high risk group, respectively). The GNRI is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival time in elderly ESCC patients with radiotherapy. A GNRI ≤98 can be suggested as an indicator of surviving less.

Weight, nutrition, food choice, and physical activity in adults with intellectual disability.

The aim of this study was to describe the nutrition, food choice, physical activity and weight status in a group of adults with intellectual disability (ID) in Victoria, Australia. Disability workers and adults with ID were recruited through disability services. In total, 51 disability workers (11 men, 40 women) and 68 (47 men, 21 women) adults with ID participated in the research. Disability workers provided information about the nutrition, food choice and physical activity levels of adults with ID through a questionnaire administered by a general practitioner or research nurse. The questionnaire also included The Australian Nutrition Screening Initiative checklist. Body Mass Index was in the healthy range for only 37.5% of participants and in the obese range for almost half (41%). Similarly, the majority of participants had an abdominal circumference in a range that put them at increased or substantially increased risk of metabolic complications. The mean score obtained on the Australian Nutrition Screening Initiative checklist indicated a moderate risk of malnutrition (M = 4.2); however, 17.6% of participants achieved scores that put them in the high-risk category. More than half of the participants were reported to have a little choice in the type of food they ate and when they ate. Physical activity data indicated that the majority of participants (60.3%) did not meet national physical activity guidelines. These findings suggest that people with ID are at risk of developing diseases associated with obesity, inactivity, and poor nutrition. Strategies to encourage people with ID to engage in physical activity and healthy eating are, therefore, a matter of priority and should involve their disability workers.

AB1063 Assessment of Malnutrition Risk among Patients with Rheumatologic Diseases in the Outpatient Clinics of A Tertiary Government Training Hospital in the Philippines

BackgroundMalnutrition is a frequently unaddressed confounding problemamong patients with chronic illnesses. It correlateswith decreased functionality and quality of life, and increased morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of malnutrition among patients...

Prevalence of frailty and its associations with blood pressure and anthropometric measurements in elderly Egyptians

emergency conditions were included. Comprehensive geriatric assessment, including nutritional and functional assessmentswere done according to nutritional checklist and Barthel index, respectively. Informationwere gathered from the patients, from theward nurse responsible for the patient and from family members who reviewed. Results.– According to nutritional checklist, 56% of participants were at high risk, 18% were at moderate risk of malnutrition, and 26% had good nutrition. There was high nutritional risk in patients with low income, and good nutrition in patients with moderate income. Also, there was a high nutritional risk in rural residents (61.9%) in comparison with urban residents (25%). Barthel index score was significantly lower in those at high risk of malnutrition compared to those at moderate risk and those with good nutrition. Conclusions.– Results in this study suggest that hospitalized elderly are exposed to malnutrition which emphasizes the importance of early identification of malnutrition among them. Malnourished hospitalized patients are candidate for functional impairment. Significant associations were noticed between both nutritional and functional status and specific sociodemographic variables. These interrelationships require further studies to elucidate.

Nutritional and functional assessment of hospitalized elderly: Impact of sociodemographic variables

Background. This work was constructed in order to assess the nutritional and functional status in hospitalized elderly and to study the associations between them and sociodemographic variables. Methods. 200 elderly patients (>65 years old) admitted to Internal Medicine and Neurology Departments in nonemergency conditions were included. Comprehensive geriatric assessments, including nutritional and functional assessments, were done according to nutritional checklist and Barthel index, respectively. Information was gathered from the patients, from the ward nurse responsible for the patient, and from family members who were reviewed. Results. According to the nutritional checklist, 56% of participants were at high risk, 18% were at moderate risk of malnutrition, and 26% had good nutrition. There was a high nutritional risk in patients with low income and good nutrition in patients with moderate income. Also, there was a high nutritional risk in rural residents (61.9%) in comparison with urban residents (25%). Barthel index score was significantly lower in those at high risk of malnutrition compared to those at moderate risk and those with good nutrition. Conclusions. Hospitalized elderly are exposed to malnutrition, and malnourished hospitalized patients are candidates for functional impairment. Significant associations are noticed between both nutritional and functional status and specific sociodemographic variables.

Nutritional and Functional Assessment of Hospitalized Elderly: Impact of Sociodemographic Variables

Background. This work was constructed in order to assess the nutritional and functional status in hospitalized elderly and to study the associations between them and sociodemographic variables. Methods. 200 elderly patients (>65 years old) admitted to Internal Medicine and Neurology Departments in nonemergency conditions were included. Comprehensive geriatric assessments, including nutritional and functional assessments, were done according to nutritional checklist and Barthel index, respectively. Information was gathered from the patients, from the ward nurse responsible for the patient, and from family members who were reviewed. Results. According to the nutritional checklist, 56% of participants were at high risk, 18% were at moderate risk of malnutrition, and 26% had good nutrition. There was a high nutritional risk in patients with low income and good nutrition in patients with moderate income. Also, there was a high nutritional risk in rural residents (61.9%) in comparison with urban residents (25%). Barthel index score was significantly lower in those at high risk of malnutrition compared to those at moderate risk and those with good nutrition. Conclusions. Hospitalized elderly are exposed to malnutrition, and malnourished hospitalized patients are candidates for functional impairment. Significant associations are noticed between both nutritional and functional status and specific sociodemographic variables.

Comparison of five malnutrition screening tools in one hospital inpatient sample

The purpose of this study is to compare five commonly used malnutrition screening tools against an acknowledged definition of malnutrition in one hospital inpatient sample. Early identification and intervention of malnutrition in hospital patients may prevent later complications. Several screening tools have reported their diagnostic accuracy, but the criterion validity of these tools is unknown. A cross sectional study. We compared quick-and easy screening tools [Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ) and Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF)] and more comprehensive malnutrition screening tools [Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002)] to an acknowledged definition of malnutrition (including low Body Mass Index and unintentional weight loss) in one sample of 275 adult hospital inpatients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were determined. A sensitivity and specificity of ≥ 70% was set as a prerequisite for adequate performance of a screening tool. According to the acknowledged definition of malnutrition 5% of patients were at moderate risk of malnutrition and 25% were at severe risk. The comprehensive malnutrition screening tools (MUST, NRS-2002) and the quick-and-easy malnutrition screening tools (MST and SNAQ) showed sensitivities and specificities of ≥70%. However, 47% of data were missing on the MUST questionnaire and 41% were missing on MNA-SF. The MNA-SF showed excellent sensitivity, but poor specificity for the older subpopulation. The quick-and-easy malnutrition screening tools (MST and SNAQ) are suitable for use in an hospital inpatient setting. They performed as well as the comprehensive malnutrition screening tools (MUST and NRS-2002) on criterion validity. However, MUST was found to be less applicable due to the high rate of missing values. The MNA-SF appeared to be not useful because of it low specificity. Insight in what is the most valid and practical nutritional screening tool to use in hospital practice will increase effective recognition and treatment of malnutrition.

The Nutritional Status of Patients With Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

ObjectiveDetermine the nutritional status of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy and assess how many patients could benefit from nutrition facts. MethodPatients of both sexes aged over the age of 18 with colorectal cancer who were receiving chemotherapy between March and April 2005 were included. The nutritional status of these patients was evaluated using the method “Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment” (PG-SGA). According to this questionnaire, the patients were classified in 1 of 4 levels of intervention: a) no intervention required; b) nutrition education; c) nutritional intervention; d) critical intervention, and into 1 of 3 nutritional status (well-nourished, moderately malnourished, or severely malnourished). ResultsAll the patients with colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy during the 2 months indicated (33 patients): 9.1% were in stage II of the disease, 21.2% in stage III, and 69.7% in stage IV. The 69.7% was receiving cytostatics associated with moderate risk of malnutrition while 30.3% received low-risk chemotherapy. The 57.6% of the patients were well-nourished. However, the intervention was critical in 42.4% of the patients. ConclusionsThe majority of the patients studied require some type of nutritional act, although not all of them suffer from malnutrition.

A14. Nutritional screening of the elderly residing in the community

Background Malnutrition in the elderly is common, but is often unrecognized ( Lennard-Jones, 1992). Health and Social Services (HSS) use a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) form to identify the needs of the elderly, who are no longer able to look after themselves. ’Nutritional Needs’ is the only nutritional aspect of the CAN form, but does not identify subjects that need nutritional support or to be referred to the Dietitian. From 1 August 1997 to 31 January 1998, HSS used a Nutritional Screening Checklist (NSCL) to identify those at risk of malnutrition. Elderly people assessed at high or moderate risk of malnutrition were referred to a Community Dietitian Aims The aims of the study was to evaluate the use of the NSCL in nutritional screening. Methods In this study, the CNA (n = 46) forms were checked to examine whether the NSCL indicated that an individual was at nutritional risk. Those elderly people identified by NSCL at low risk of malnutrition were visited to determine if they should have been referred to a Dietitian for nutritional intervention Results The results shown in the table illustrate the number and percentage of subjects in each category (age-adjusted standard) of BMI in the low risk group. Of the 15 subjects identified by the NSCL at low risk of malnutrition on assessment by anthropometry, dietary history and a questionnaire, 6 (43%) subjects had dietary intakes less than the EAR ( DoH, 1992), were found to be underweight according to the age-need of nutritional intervention by the Dietitian. Conclusion It was concluded that the NSCL is not a valid tool to identify elderly people in Northern Ireland at nutritional risk.