Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the prognostic value of nutritional, mental and functional status in terms of 1-year survival in community nursing homes where protein-calorie malnutrition is a common event and a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Patients: 182 nursing home residents (mean age 80 years) were evaluated. Methods: Anthropometric and biohumoral parameters, number of diseases, drug assumption, physical and mental status have been evaluated and related to 1 year survival. Results: Derangement of nutritional status was detected in 30% of females and in 62% of males, without any significant differences between disabled and independent subjects. Univariate analyses showed that body mass index, arm circumference, arm muscle and fat area, muscle mass, the severity of physical and cognitive impairment were correlated with the 1-year mortality. In multivariate analysis discriminant prognostic factors were mental status and two anthropometric nutritional indexes: arm circumference and arm fat area. Conclusion: We confirm that nutritional status is related to survival in elderly people and that a few simple anthropometric indexes could be considered in multidimensional geriatric assessment improving its prognostic power.
| Translated title of the contribution | Prognostic nutritional indexes in elderly nursing home residents |
|---|---|
| Original language | Italian |
| Pages (from-to) | 122-129 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Rivista Italiana di Nutrizione Parenterale ed Enterale |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - 1995 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Elderly
- Geriatric assessment
- Malnutrition
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Food Science
- Anatomy
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
- Nutrition and Dietetics