journal articles
PREDICTORS AND PROGNOSIS OF MALNUTRITION IN OLD PATIENTS IN THE REGION OF MONASTIR (TUNISIA)
S. El Mhamdi, M. Mahjoub, A. Sriha, R. Klai, S. Mahjoub, M. So. Soltanio
J Aging Res Clin Practice 2012;1(2):151-155
Objective: To identify risk factors associated with malnutrition in old patients and to assess the prognosis of malnourished ones in the region of Monastir (Tunisia). Methods: a cross sectional study was done with 662 elderly (225 inpatients and 437 outpatients). The nutritional status was classified by the MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) into: malnourished, risk of malnutrition and without malnutrition (adequate). The prognosis of malnourished patients was evaluated using the pronostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI), and the Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI). Results: Among the assessed elderly, 33 (14.7%) inpatients and 11 outpatients (2.5%) were malnourished with a prevalence of 6.7% (CI95% = 4.8 - 8.6). The multivariate analysis showed that inpatients, singles and with comorbidities were significantly more likely to develop a malnutrition (adjusted odds ratio ranged from 2.18 to 7.25). Results of the prognosis scores showed that 35.2 and 25% of malnourished patients were at higher risk of complications according to PINI and GNRI respectively. Conclusion: We suggested that nutritional status should ideally be assessed in every patient. Screening systematically for malnutrition at high risk in-and outpatient departments should be considered. We also feel that our findings highlight the need for a nutritional intervention trial among at risk and malnourished hospitalized patients.