Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
05:16

Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

Published on: June 10, 2025

Assessment of nutritional status in a population of recently hospitalized patients

D F Wyszynski1, A Crivelli, S Ezquerro

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, School of Hygiene and Public Health, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 212051, USA. dfw@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu

Medicina
|July 23, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Hospitalized patients frequently face unrecognized malnutrition, increasing medical complication risks. Early nutrition assessment and intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Hospital Medicine
  • Patient Outcomes

Background:

  • Hospital malnutrition is a prevalent yet often overlooked issue.
  • Nutritional status significantly impacts patient health and recovery.
  • Early identification of malnutrition is key to effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the baseline nutritional characteristics of recently hospitalized patients.
  • To assess the prevalence of malnutrition indicators in medical and surgical wards.
  • To establish the need for early nutrition assessment in hospitalized populations.

Main Methods:

  • Nutritional status was assessed in 170 Internal Medicine and 176 General Surgery patients between April and December 1994.
  • Data collected included weight loss percentage (%WL), body mass index (BMI), and mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC).
  • Patient demographics and common medical conditions were also recorded.

Main Results:

  • About 5% of patients had a BMI < 19 kg/m2, and 12% experienced >10% weight loss.
  • Overweight prevalence was 10% in Medicine and 14% in Surgery patients.
  • Low mid-upper arm muscle circumference (<5th percentile) was more common in Medicine patients (11%) than Surgery patients (3%).

Conclusions:

  • Recently hospitalized patients exhibit nutritional characteristics indicating a high risk for medical complications.
  • Implementing early nutrition assessment and intervention strategies is essential.
  • Proactive nutritional support can improve clinical outcomes and potentially lower healthcare costs.

Related Concept Videos

Nursing Assessment01:29

Nursing Assessment

The two sources for collecting information are primary and secondary. After gathering information, interpretation and validation help to complete the data. The purpose of assessment is to establish data with the initial information, to interpret data about the patient's perceived needs and health problems, and to respond to these problems identified.
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications01:19

Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications

Respiratory assessment is a cornerstone of nursing assessments, crucial for the early detection of patient deterioration. This evaluation transcends routine procedures, representing a critical skill nurses must master to ensure optimal patient care.
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern01:29

Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern

Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...