Estudio de valoración nutricional en pacientes ancianos ingresados en el servicio de medicina interna del Hospital General de Llerena

Abstract

Hospital malnutrition is a prevalent problem in developed countries, and generates a higher morbidity and mortality, poorer response to treatment, longer hospital stays and higher costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of elderly patients admitted at the Internal Medicine Service of the Llerena General Hospital, by determining the frequency, type and degree of malnutrition, as well as their evolution during admission. We studied the association of malnutrition with hospital stay, comorbidities, polypharmacy and readmission rates. To do this, we evaluated 250 patients over 65 years in which greater than or equal to 5 days stay is considered. In the first 48 hours of admission, were performed three methods of screening nutritional assessment (NRS 2002, MNA and MUST), several anthropometric measurements and biochemical and immunological determinations. These measures were compared with those made at discharge. To study readmission rates, patient were followed up for the first month after discharge.