Prevalence of protein-calorie malnutrition in hospitalized patients
Chen, W.J.; Yu, L.J.; Mo, S.T.; Chen, K.M.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 84(2): 228-237
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0371-7682 PMID: 3925073 Document Number: 245830
A study was carried out to assess the nutritional state of hospitalized patients admitted to the National Taiwan University Hospital in Oct. 1983. Patients (373) (209 from surgical ward, 105 from medical ward, and 59 from ENT [ear, nose and throat] and ophthalmology ward) were studied. The incidence of protein calorie malnutrition in hospitalized patients apparently varied from 30 to 57% according to the different parameters used (weight/height: 50%, weight loss: 35%, triceps skin fold thickness (TSF): 57%, arm muscle circumference (AMC): 33%, serum albumin: 30%, creatinine height index (CHI): 52%, lymphocyte count: 31%, Hb: 50%). Malnutrition was most prevalent among the medical patients, followed by the surgical patients. ENT and ophthalmology patients were less affected. Prevalence of protein calorie malnutrition observed in this study is comparable to those reported from the western country, suggesting that malnutrition is hospitalized patients is a worldwide problem which requires special attention.