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Malnutrition and Poor Physical Function Are Associated With Higher Comorbidity Index in Hospitalized Older Adults

Maria Amasene1, María Medrano2, Iñaki Echeverria3,4

  • 1Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

Frontiers in Nutrition
|July 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Malnutrition and poor physical function are linked to higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores in older hospitalized adults. These factors predict increased comorbidity risk and potential mortality, highlighting the importance of nutritional and physical assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Clinical Epidemiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is a standard measure for comorbidity and mortality prediction.
  • Evidence linking malnutrition and poor physical function to CCI in hospitalized patients is lacking.
  • This study investigates the association between CCI, nutritional status, and physical function in older inpatients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the association between CCI and nutritional status in hospitalized older adults.
  • To analyze the association between CCI and physical function in hospitalized older adults.
  • To examine the combined impact of nutritional status and physical function on comorbidity risk in older inpatients.

Main Methods:

  • 597 hospitalized older adults (mean age 84.3 years) were assessed.
  • Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF).
  • Physical function was assessed via handgrip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).

Main Results:

  • Better nutritional status, handgrip strength, and SPPB scores correlated with lower CCI.
  • Malnutrition/at-risk status (OR: 2.165) and frailty (OR: 3.918) significantly increased comorbidity risk.
  • Malnourished patients and frail patients exhibited higher CCI scores, irrespective of other factors.

Conclusions:

  • The MNA-SF and SPPB are valuable tools for assessing geriatric hospital patients.
  • These assessments can help predict adverse clinical outcomes.
  • Predicting poor outcomes may indirectly indicate post-discharge mortality risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
chronic diseasesgeriatricsinpatientsmortalitymuscle strengthnutritional status

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