Low cost nutritional assessment of surgical patients in third world countries

ABSTRACT

Nine nutritional parameters, viz; height, weight, maximal arm circumference [MAC], triceps skin fold thickness [TST], maximal calf circumference [MCC], abdominal girth at umbilicus [AGU], hemoglobin, total WBC count and absolute lymphocyte count were measured in 22 male and 16 female surgical inpatients admitted to the surgical and gynaecological services of the Holy Family Hospital. These variables were compared with the values obtained from 22 male and 19 female volunteer controls, and with Western norms. Randomisation was ensured by including all patients present in a ward area or subdivision on a particular day of study. The only exclusions were patients on traction, patients with plasters, and critically ill patients. Patients admitted to general ward, semi-private rooms and private rooms were all included in the study