Nutritional status assessment of institutionalized elderly in Prague, Czech Republic

Nutrition Assessment and Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Malnutrition in Older Adults: An Evidence Analysis Center Scoping Review

Older adults living in the community or long-term residence such as a nursing home are at increased risk for malnutrition due to factors such as depression and isolation. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify the best available research that evaluates the validity and reliability of nutrition assessment tools, and the effectiveness of nutrition interventions to prevent or treat malnutrition among older adults. A literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central databases to identify clinical trials, published in the English language, evaluating assessment and intervention methods aimed to treat or prevent malnutrition among older adults living in the community or their long-term residence such as nursing homes. Articles were screened by 2 reviewers, then data were extracted and narratively synthesized. The literature search retrieved 20,937 articles and 197 articles were included in narrative synthesis. A total of 73 assessment articles were identified, 36 of which were validity and reliability trials. A total of 122 intervention articles were identified, the majority of which were randomized controlled trials. A few of the most commonly evaluated interventions were oral nutrition supplements, medical nutrition therapy, fortification and enrichment, and nutrition education. Several systematic reviews were identified, however, that did not meet the criteria of this review. There is a need to conduct systematic reviews for nutrition assessment and intervention trials to guide development of evidence-based nutrition practice recommendations for older adults living in the community or their long-term residence.

Malnutrition predicts long-term survival in hospitalized patients with gastroenterological and hepatological diseases

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Malnutrition is a common problem in hospitalized patients, influencing treatment outcomes, length of hospital stay, quality of life and overall survival. However, the association of nutritional status parameters with long-term mortality has not yet been studied systematically in gastroenterological-hepatological patients. The present study aimed to assess the association between nutritional status parameters as characterized by Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS), anthropometry, serum transferrin, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and long-term overall survival in hospitalized gastroenterological-hepatological patients.

METHODS

Nutritional status was assessed in 644 gastroenterological-hepatological patients by NRS score. In addition, body mass index (BMI) and serum transferrin were determined and BIA was performed. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and triceps skinfold thickness (TST) were measured. Patients were followed for a mean period of 67 months (mean 54.8, range 0-107 months).

RESULTS

During malnutrition screening, 475 (73.8%) patients were diagnosed as sufficiently nourished by NRS (NRS 0-2), while an increased risk of malnutrition was found in 169 (26.2%) patients (NRS≤3). Malnutrition was significantly associated with less favourable results for BMI (p < 0.001), serum transferrin (p < 0.001), BIA (p < 0.001), MUAC (p < 0.001) and TST (p < 0.05). Overall 5-year survival rates (YSR) were much shorter in malnourished patients whether with (5-YSR: 43.9%) or without (73.6%) malignancy. Overall 5-year survival rates (YSR) were much shorter in malnourished patients whether with (5-YSR: 43.9%) or without (73.6%) malignancy. By the multivariable analysis the NRS ≥3 and, phase angle (PhA) over the 5th percentile or over the mean of the cohort were found to be associated with long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in hospitalized gastroenterological-hepatological patients and is associated with distinct clinical diagnoses. In the present study we demonstrated that malnutrition characterized by the NRS, anthropometry, serum transferrin and BIA, not only predicts short-term but also significantly poor long-term outcome in these patients.

Risk of malnutrition and associated factors in institutionalized elderly persons

Abstract Objective : to evaluate the risk of malnutrition and associated factors in institutionalized elderly persons. Method : a cross-sectional study was carried out with elderly persons living in long-term care facilities in the municipal regions of Passo Fundo (Rio Grande do Sul) and Carazinho (Rio Grande do Sul) in 2017. A standardized, pre-codified questionnaire with sociodemographic variables was used, along with anthropometric data and the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Cognitive decline and non-intentional weight loss were also evaluated. The qualitative variables were presented in terms of univariate frequencies and the quantitative variables were described through measures of central tendency and dispersion. In order to verify the association between the categorical variables, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Chi-Squared test and the Fisher Exact test were applied, and in the crude and adjusted analysis the Poisson regression was used with robust variance. The level of significance was 5%. Results : a total of 399 elderly people were included, of whom 69.9% were female, 54.5% were aged 80 years or older and 88.4% were white. Of these elderly people, 61.7% lived in non-profit facilities. In the evaluation of nutritional status, 26.6% of the elderly were found to be malnourished, 48.1% were at risk of malnutrition and 25.3% had normal nutritional status. The highest prevalence ratio of at risk of malnutrition/malnutrition was with cognitive decline and unintentional weight loss (p<0.001). Conclusion : through the results, identifying nutritional status and the characteristics associated with the risk of malnutrition contribute to effective evaluation and nutritional monitoring, assisting in the prevention of diseases related to this condition.

Evaluation of Blood Biomarkers Associated with Risk of Malnutrition in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Malnutrition is a common yet under-recognized problem in hospitalized patients. The aim of this paper was to systematically review and evaluate malnutrition biomarkers among order adults. Eligible studies were identified through Cochrane, PubMed and the ProQuest Dialog. A meta-regression was performed on concentrations of biomarkers according to malnutrition risks classified by validated nutrition assessment tools. A total of 111 studies were included, representing 52,911 participants (55% female, 72 ± 17 years old) from various clinical settings (hospital, community, care homes). The estimated BMI (p < 0.001) and concentrations of albumin (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), prealbumin (p < 0.001) and total protein (p < 0.05) among subjects at high malnutrition risk by MNA were significantly lower than those without a risk. Similar results were observed for malnutrition identified by SGA and NRS-2002. A sensitivity analysis by including patients with acute illness showed that albumin and prealbumin concentrations were dramatically reduced, indicating that they must be carefully interpreted in acute care settings. This review showed that BMI, hemoglobin, and total cholesterol are useful biomarkers of malnutrition in older adults. The reference ranges and cut-offs may need to be updated to avoid underdiagnosis of malnutrition.

Surveillance of Clostridium difficile infections in a long-term care psychogeriatric facility: outbreak analysis and policy improvement

Background

Following an exceptionally high Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) incidence (Spring 2011) in a psychogeriatric long-term care facility, a bidirectional study (2009–2012) was initiated to identify determinants (retrospectively) and to assess intervention measures taken (prospectively).

Methods

For every CDI patient (de novo cases, relapses, and recurrences), a control patient (patient in the opposite room) was selected and risk factor analysis performed. Following the epidemic peak a more stringent hygienic protocol and surveillance program were implemented, as well as uniform guidelines for metronidazole and vancomycin prescription.

Results

The nutritional state (total protein/prealbumine) significantly differed between the CDI group (poorer nutritional state at admission) and the control group, and also antibiotic use (general) could be confirmed as a risk factor. A multi-disciplinary nutritional team has been established in order to improve the nutritional balance of our patients.

Conclusions

Aside from stringent hygiene and antibiotic prescription stewardship, malnutrition of patients is a factor to be taken into account to contain a CDI outbreak in a long term care facility (LTCF).

Blood levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in the elderly living in institutionalized care in the Czech Republic

BACKGROUND

There is limited research examining the chemical load of toxic metals in the elderly. The aim of the present study was two-fold: to determine the body burden of lead, cadmium and mercury in association with age, gender, locality, lifestyle factors and potential health impacts among this population and to compare the values with blood values from the general Czech population aged 18-64 years.

METHODS

Lead, cadmium and mercury were examined in the blood of institutionalized senior citizens (46 males, 151 females aged 61-100 years) from two localities in the Czech Republic (Prague and Teplice) from 2009 through 2011. Measurements were made using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Pb, Cd) and a single purpose spectrometer AMA 254 (Hg).

RESULTS

Geometric means (GM) of whole blood lead (B-Pb), cadmium (B-Cd) and mercury (B-Hg) levels were 25.3μg/l, 0.55μg/l and 0.21μg/l, respectively. No age-related differences were found for B-Pb and B-Cd levels but a negative correlation with age was observed for B-Hg levels (p=0.04). B-Pb levels in men were significantly higher than in women (GM 29.9μg/l vs. 24.1μg/l). B-Cd was significantly higher in women (GM 0.57μg/l) than in men (0.50μg/l) (p=0.007) and in smokers (GM 1.29μg/l) than in nonsmokers (GM 0.53μg/l) (p=<0.001) and in seniors from Prague (GM 0.60μg/l) compared to those from Teplice (GM 0.43μg/l) (p=<0.001). Seniors with a history of chronic kidney disease, stroke and those using psycho-pharmaceuticals had higher B-Pb levels (p=0.008, 0.04 and 0.05, resp.), seniors diagnosed with atherosclerosis had higher B-Cd levels (p=0.002) and seniors using psycho-pharmaceuticals had higher B-Hg levels (p=0.07). B-Hg levels were also positively correlated with blood albumin levels (p=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides data on levels of heavy metals in a group of elderly people. Such information is very scarce. Associations with diseases should be the subject of further investigation.

Nutritional and functional assessment of hospitalized elderly: impact of sociodemographic variables

Background. This work was constructed in order to assess the nutritional and functional status in hospitalized elderly and to study the associations between them and sociodemographic variables. Methods. 200 elderly patients (>65 years old) admitted to Internal Medicine and Neurology Departments in nonemergency conditions were included. Comprehensive geriatric assessments, including nutritional and functional assessments, were done according to nutritional checklist and Barthel index, respectively. Information was gathered from the patients, from the ward nurse responsible for the patient, and from family members who were reviewed. Results. According to the nutritional checklist, 56% of participants were at high risk, 18% were at moderate risk of malnutrition, and 26% had good nutrition. There was a high nutritional risk in patients with low income and good nutrition in patients with moderate income. Also, there was a high nutritional risk in rural residents (61.9%) in comparison with urban residents (25%). Barthel index score was significantly lower in those at high risk of malnutrition compared to those at moderate risk and those with good nutrition. Conclusions. Hospitalized elderly are exposed to malnutrition, and malnourished hospitalized patients are candidates for functional impairment. Significant associations are noticed between both nutritional and functional status and specific sociodemographic variables.