[Malnutrition among the elderly admitted as emergencies to an internal medicine department. Possible causes and...

The degree of malnutrition (number of criteria out of seven) in 104 elderly persons who were admitted acutely to a medical department was related to a number of factors, some of which might affect the development of their malnutrition and others which might be influenced by it. Malnutrition was more pronounced in patients who received no medication or had a high intake of tablets than in patients with a moderate intake. Malnutrition was inversely related to degree of physical activity. Malnourished patients stayed longer in hospital, and were more often discharged dead or to institutions providing long-term care than to their homes. Malnutrition was not related to complaints prior to admission, income, social class, marital status, number of meals per day, hot meals per week, eating together, alcohol consumption or final diagnosis. Malnutrition in the elderly upon admission to a medical department has a multifactorial etiology and serious consequences. This makes it important to recognize the malnutrition, and treat it.