[Nutritional status in patients older than 65 after a hip fracture]

To determine the nutritional status and eating habits of patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of fracture of femur.

A descriptive study of patients >65 years old admitted due to a hip fracture conducted in Viladecans Hospital (Barcelona) from July 2008 to March 2009. Blood analysis results, anthropometric tests, demographic data and eating habits were assessed.

The study included 102 patients over 65 years with a fractured femur. The mean age was 82 years and 69% were women. A total of 77% of the patients were able to walk before the fracture, and 25% lived in residences and the incidence of falls in this group was 18‰ compared to 3‰ in the rest. AHT and obesity were the most common associated diseases in more than 50% of cases. The most frequent laboratory abnormalities were: albumin, transferrin, calcitrol and lymphocyte count, being lower than normal in 72.8%, 59.8%, 35% and 10.1%, respectively. With eating habits, recent food intake was clearly lower than before as regards daily portions of different food groups, observing statistical significance in the following groups: legumes, flour, oil, sweeteners, wine and animal protein. It was noted that all patients had a deficient intake of vitamin D and a quarter of the population consume less than recommended amount of calcium.

The hip fracture patients are elderly. Before the fracture most of them needed help in walking and their nutritional status was deficient. The nutritional intake of the patients with femur fracture differs from the recommendations for a healthy diet.