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The link between nutritional status and clinical outcome: can nutritional intervention modify it?
D T Dempsey1, J L Mullen, G P Buzby
1Surgical Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Malnutrition in surgical patients is linked to worse outcomes. Nutritional support before surgery may benefit selected patients, warranting further clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Surgical nutrition
- Clinical outcomes research
Background:
- Clinicians often observe a link between malnutrition and poor outcomes in surgical patients.
- Nutritional deficits can increase surgical patient morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on the relationship between nutritional status and surgical morbidity.
- To discuss methods for identifying malnutrition in surgical patients.
- To evaluate perioperative nutritional support efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Chronological review of relevant literature.
- Discussion of diagnostic techniques for nutritional deficits.
- Review of retrospective and non-randomized studies on perioperative feeding.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a correlation between poor nutritional status and increased surgical morbidity.
- Perioperative feeding studies show a potential benefit for selected patients.
- Preoperative nutritional support may be beneficial for malnourished surgical candidates.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition is a significant concern impacting surgical patient outcomes.
- Identifying and addressing nutritional deficits preoperatively is crucial.
- Further large-scale trials are needed to confirm the benefits of nutritional interventions.