The prevalence of malnutrition in elderly hip fracture patients

To determine the prevalence of protein and energy malnutrition in elderly patients with a fracture of the proximal femur, in New Zealand. Consecutive elderly patients (65 years and over) admitted to Christchurch Hospital with a fracture of the proximal femur over a four-month period were recruited....

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNew Zealand medical journal Vol. 112; no. 1084; p. 88
Main Authors Hanger, H C, Smart, E J, Merrilees, M J, Frampton, C M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published New Zealand 26.03.1999
Subjects
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Choice Behavior
Enteral Nutrition - psychology
Female
Food, Formulated
Geriatric Assessment
Hip Fractures - complications
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
New Zealand
Nutrition Assessment
Prealbumin - analysis
Prevalence
Protein-Energy Malnutrition - blood
Protein-Energy Malnutrition - diagnosis
Protein-Energy Malnutrition - etiology
Protein-Energy Malnutrition - psychology
Risk Factors
Serum Albumin - analysis
Skinfold Thickness
New Zealand
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Summary:To determine the prevalence of protein and energy malnutrition in elderly patients with a fracture of the proximal femur, in New Zealand. Consecutive elderly patients (65 years and over) admitted to Christchurch Hospital with a fracture of the proximal femur over a four-month period were recruited. Nutritional indices were measured within three days of admission. These included triceps skinfold thicknesses, mid upper arm circumference, serum albumin and pre-albumin. Forty-two per cent of patients had at least two, and nine per cent had three, indicators of protein and energy malnutrition present on admission. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of malnutrition between young old (<80 years) and old old (80 years and over) patients. Patients residing in an institution had lower mean protein reserves, as indicated by lower corrected arm muscle area (p=0.003) and pre-albumin levels (p=0.09), than those living in the community. A drink, rather than a pudding or biscuit, was the preferred protein and energy supplement form. Ensure Plus (lactose-free) and Fortisip (lactose-free) were the most preferred drink supplements. Protein and energy malnutrition is common in elderly New Zealanders who fracture their femur. The prevalence is comparable to overseas data. These patients prefer nutritional supplementation given as a drink.
ISSN:0028-8446