Application of nutritional screening tests for determining prevalence of hospital malnutrition

Many illnesses are related to the loss of appetite or the inability to intake food in a regular fashion. The consequence of long-term or even short-term non-intake of food leads to damaging of organ functions and tissue. Tissue consumption, which is speeded up through metabolic effects of inflammatory mediators, is a characteristic which is identified as clinical malnutrition. The objective of this paper is to offer leading guidelines for uncovering the risk of malnourishment, whilst suggesting several standards which are practical for general use with patients and health workers. METHODOLOGY AND TEST SUBJECTS: This, systematically planned, descriptive, biannual (2006-2007) prospective clinical research, included in total 2.200 hospitalised patients at Clinical Centre University of Sarajevo. Test subjects were hospitalised patients with precisely determined diagnosis, for the purpose of evaluating test subjects' nutritional status and the prevalence of hospital malnourishment.

According to MUST test, total of 58% of test subjects were malnourished. The test relied more on the subjective evaluation of the patient and was not proved as acceptable for general screening. According to NRS 2002 test, total of 52.04% of test subjects from other clinics were malnourished. Test was suitable because the "yes" and "no" answers were acceptable for the patient and the final screening was simple. According to MNA test, total of 55.3% from all test subjects were malnourished, but the test was not suitable because the answers were more subjective and as such, unacceptable for both patients and doctors.

More than 55% of test subjects were in the clinical malnourishment, which was proved with all three tests. The highest risk of malnutrition among patients with internal illnesses is carried by oncology patients. BMI must be routinely conducted on first examination. NRS 2002 test is suitable and acceptable for the patient.