Oral cytologic patterns and nutritional status: some relationships in alcoholic subjects

Exfoliative cytologic preparations from the cheeks of 790 alcoholic patients were evaluated for relationships between microscopic features and selected indicators of nutritional status. Significant associations were observed between the cell/nucleus ratio, degree of cornification, relative concentrations of leukocytes and microorganisms, and poor dietary patterns, as well as body weight statua and serum albumin and blood hemoglobin levels. Microscopic examination, as an adjunct to gross inspection of the mouth, may be of value in the clinical assessment of nutriture.