[Prevalence of malnutrition in gastroenterology hospitalized patients: a 70 patients prospective study]

ABSTRACT

Malnutrition is a common problem in gastroenterology hospitalized patients. Its frequency varies considerably with the studied population and nutritional screening tools. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in gastroenterology hospitalized patients. A prospective study was carried between January 2005 and March 2005 including 70 patients. The nutritional state of the patients was assessed according to the subjective global assessment scale [SGA]. anthropometric measurements and serum albumin level. Moderately and severely malnutrition was found for 54 patients [77 percent]. Statistical analysis found positive correlation between body mass index [BMI] and SGA C [p=0 .002] and between albumin level and SCA [p<0.005]. The median nutritional risk index [NRI] was 89.5 +/- 13 with significantly positive correlation with the other parameters [BMI, Albumin and SGA] respectively p=0.03, p=0.003 and p=0.004. Malnutrition is common in gastroenterology patients. The assessment of patient's nutritional state according to the subjective global assessment had a positive correlation with the others nutritional screening tools