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Malnutrition in rheumatoid arthritis
R Collins1, T L Dunn, J Walthaw
1Department of Medicine (Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology), School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294.
Clinical Rheumatology
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Most hospitalized rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients show malnutrition, linked to poor outcomes. Addressing nutritional deficiencies in RA patients is crucial for improving health and survival.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Public Health
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Nutritional status is often compromised in RA patients.
- Malnutrition can exacerbate disease severity and impact patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized RA patients.
- To identify factors associated with malnutrition in this population.
- To explore the relationship between malnutrition and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A nutrition study involving 38 hospitalized rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Assessment of malnutrition likelihood (LOM) using laboratory and anthropometric data.
- Correlation analysis of demographic factors, grip strength, and malnutrition indices.
Main Results:
- A high likelihood of malnutrition (71.1%) was observed in the study cohort.
- Multiple vitamin, calorie, and protein deficiencies were identified.
- Factors like older age, female sex, and poor grip strength correlated with malnutrition.
- Patients with a high LOM had a significantly higher rate of bad outcomes compared to those with a low LOM.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition is highly prevalent in hospitalized RA patients.
- Nutritional deficiencies are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in RA.
- Malnutrition may be a significant contributing factor to increased morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis.