Defining anthropometric thresholds (mid-arm circumference and calf circumference) in older adults residing in the community: a cross-sectional analysis using data from the population representative Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI DAD).

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated with malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition) and determine appropriate cut-off values for mid-arm circumference (MAC) and calf circumference (CC) among community-dwelling Indian older adults. DESIGN: Data from the first wave of harmonised diagnostic assessment of dementia for Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI-DAD) were used. Various sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, geriatric syndromes, childhood financial and health status were included. Anthropometric measurements included body mass index (BMI), MAC and CC. SETTING: Nationally representative cohort study including 36 Indian states and union territories. PARTICIPANTS: 4096 older adults aged >60 years from LASI DAD. OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome variable was BMI, categorised as low (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5-22.9 kg/m2) and high (>23 kg/m2). The cut-off values of MAC and CC were derived using ROC curve with BMI as the gold standard. RESULTS: 902 (weighted percentage 20.55%) had low BMI, 1742 (44.25%) had high BMI. Undernutrition was associated with age, wealth-quintile and impaired cognition, while overnutrition was associated with higher education, urban living and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and chronic heart disease. For CC, the optimal lower and upper cut-offs for males were 28.1 cm and >31.5 cm, respectively, while for females, the corresponding values were 26 cm and >29 cm. Similarly, the optimal lower and upper cut-offs for MAC in males were 23.9 cm and >26.9 cm, and for females, they were 22.5 cm and >25 cm. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies a high BMI prevalence, especially among females, individuals with higher education, urban residents and those with comorbidities. We establish gender-specific MAC and CC cut-off values with significant implications for healthcare, policy and research. Tailored interventions can address undernutrition and overnutrition in older adults, enhancing standardised nutritional assessment and well-being.

Association Between Cognitive Performance and Nutritional Status: Analysis From LASI-DAD.

Malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries causes cognitive decline and other health problems. Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI DAD) is an extensive study on late-life cognition and dementia. This study examines the link between nutrition and cognitive abilities in older adults using data from the LASI DAD. We conducted descriptive statistics on nutritional parameters (body-mass index, waist-hip ratio, and Mini-Nutritional Assessment), cognitive functions, and socio-demographic variables in 2,892 adults aged ≥60 years. Cognitive domains assessed included delayed recall, orientation, language, executive function, abstract reasoning, and attention. Cognitive impairment was defined as impaired performance in two or more domains. Mean age was 69.3 ± 7.1 years, 52.9% were female, and 57.5% were illiterate. Low body-mass index (adjusted OR: 1.88, p < .001), at risk of malnutrition (adjusted OR: 1.89, p < .001) and malnourished (adjusted OR: 2.86, p < .001) on Mini-Nutritional Assessment were associated with the presence of cognitive impairment. Better cognitive performance was associated with increased body mass index (adjusted OR: 0.74, p-.03), hemoglobin (adjusted OR: 0.91, p-.006), and serum albumin (adjusted OR: 0.38, p < .001). This study shows that nutritional status assessed by anthropometric measures and blood markers is strongly linked to cognitive performance in older adults.

Experience with Splenic Abscess from Southern India.

INTRODUCTION: Splenic abscess is a rare entity with potentially life threatening complications. Sparse recent published data are available documenting the aetiological profile and management of patients with splenic abscess from India. AIM: To study the clinical profile of splenic abscess. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from case records of admitted patients with splenic abscesses, to Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital which is a multispecialty, tertiary care referral hospital over a period of 15 months (from March 2014 to May 2015) and parameters studied were age, sex, symptoms, signs, risk factors, investigations like Ultrasound, CT scan, blood & microbiological culture, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: Most common presenting symptom was fever (90%). Mean age was 33.5 years. Five patients (55%) had risk factors like HIV, leukaemia and diabetes. From pus culture Escherichia coli was the most common organism (22%) grown. Staphylococcus saureus, Enterococcus faecium were seen in one each, blood culture grown Cryptococcus neoformans, Pseudomonas aeroginosa in one each, Plasmodium falciparum was seen on peripheral smear in one. Three were empirically treated as disseminated koch's. Another was treated as possible infective endocarditis. All were given antimicrobials, five (55%) were treated with antimicrobials alone, three (33%) with PCD (Per Cutaneous Drainage) and one (11%) with sub-total splenectomy. All patients recovered. CONCLUSION: With early diagnosis and increased use of ultrasound guided procedures like aspiration or drainage, spleenectomy can be avoided. Optimal treatment for splenic abscess is yet to be defined and customized to each patient.