ABSTRACT
Introduction@#Malnutrition is a frequently neglected problem among patients with chronic illnesses. It correlates with decreased functionality and quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of malnutrition in chronic rheumatologic conditions ranges from 15-24%. There is an unfounded suspicion that malnutrition is common among Filipino patients with rheumatic diseases. The study will bridge this knowledge gap and pave the way for a more holistic approach in the care of rheumatic diseases. The researchers aim too assess the risk of malnutrition among patients of the rheumatology clinic of the Philippine General Hospital.@*Methods@#This is a cross-sectional study. After getting informed consent, we collected data on demographics and disease characteristics and administered the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). We classified patients according to malnutrition risk and managed accordingly.@*Results@#One hundred eighty-two patients are included (86% are female), with mean age of 45 years old (SD=16.65). The majority (54%) has less than collegiate level of education and 76% are below minimum wage earners. Twelve percent are smokers and 16% are alcohol beverage drinkers. Thirty-nine percent have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 17% have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 16% have osteoarthritis (OA). The average duration of illness is 75 months. Ten percent are at high risk and 18% are at moderate risk of malnutrition. Six percent of SLE patients have high risk and 24% at moderate risk while 19% and 16% of patients with RA, respectively, have high and moderate risk of malnutrition. Among patients with OA, 6.9 % have high and 3.4% have moderate risk of malnutrition.@*Conclusion@#Using the MUST routinely identifies patients at risk of malnutrition. Twenty-eight percent of patients at the rheumatology clinics of the Philippine General Hospital have moderate to high risk of malnutrition. Identifying those at risk of malnutrition allows for timely intervention and optimal care.