[Evaluation of nutritional status in hospitalized aged persons]

The health status of older people strongly depends on their nutritional status. Hospitalisation is a factor that aggravates protein-energy malnutrition among older people. A descriptive study was completed among 71 subjects over 65 years old and hospitalised in a gerontological internal medicine service. The study used a nutritional evaluation scale called the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The study showed that 21% of subjects had an acceptable nutritional status, 49% were considered to be "at risk of undernourishment", and 31% were malnourished. A relationship was observed between the MNA score, the degree of autonomy (AGGIR grid), cognitive functions (Mini Mental State: MMS) and the existence of an anxious-depressive state. These elements should be taken into consideration to avoid the aggravation of the nutritional status of older people in the hospital, or to improve it. In addition, certain simple biological exams (albumin, pre-albumin, reactive protein) are necessary to assess the endogenous or exogenous aspect of undernourishment.