[Nutritional status of patients with critical ischemia of the lower extremities]

Critical limb ischemia is a manifestation of peripheral arterial disease and in Portugal the profile of these patients is yet unknown as well as the frequency of hospital malnutrition. The present study aims to contribute to the updating of knowledge on the nutritional status of patients with this condition.

To evaluate the frequency of malnutrition in hospitalized patients with critical lower limb ischemia.

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in the University Clinic of Vascular Surgery of Hospital Santa Maria between November 2010 and February 2011. Data were collected using PG-SGA ( Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment ) to assess nutritional status.

71 patients were evaluated of whom 21 % ( 22 ) were identified as malnourished, 40.8 % ( 29 ) at risk of malnutrition and 28.2 % ( 20 ) with normal nutritional status. According to the data, the risk of malnutrition is higher in people aged over 75 years ( OR: 5.12, 95 % CI: 3.03-51.47 ) and diabetic ( OR: 2.73, 95 % CI: 0.88-8.46 ). Concerning to education and occupation, the retired individuals ( OR: 3.85, CI: 0.86-17.15 ) and with an education level between 1 and 4 years ( OR: 2.64, 95 %CI: 0.78-8.90 ), had an increased risk of malnutrition.

The frequency of malnutrition in patients with critical lower limb ischemia was quite high. Data have revealed that factors associated with malnutrition in these patients are age, low level of education ( less than 4 years ), diabetes and hypertension. To assess nutritional status of these patients the most suitable protocol was NRS-2002.