Malnutrition in elderly patients of an acute care clinic
Eisenlohr, H.
Versicherungsmedizin 55(1): 33-35
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0933-4548 PMID: 12652930 Document Number: 558032
Malnutrition is associated with a higher complication rate, a higher morbidity and mortality. In-hospital patients consume up to 75% fewer calories than they would need, according to studies in international literature. For German general hospitals data are not yet available on this topic, especially for elderly people. Here we publish a prospective study of 166 persons, aged at least 70 years. According to international data in German general hospitals, elderly people consume only 50% of calories they need. There is evidence that malnutrition causes longer hospital stays, which not only adversely affects the patients themselves but also involves a considerable cost factor.