A desnutrição proteico-calórica como agravante da saúde de pacientes hospitalizados

The protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is one of the main problems of public health in worldwide scale, for its magnitude, biological consequences and social damages. In hospitalized patients, the PEM is a highly prevalent reality. The objective of this study was to present, through a bibliographic review, some studies on the PEM in the hospital; to expose effects of the PEM on the immune system, consequently, how the PEM can aggravate the health of hospitalized patients and, finally, to strengthen the importance of the nutritional aspect for the health of the patient. The present study reports that the hospital malnutrition is one of the main problems of public health, having as direct consequences the increase of morbidity and mortality, drawn out hospitalization, and, therefore, rise of the costs for the health system. The malnutrition in the hospital, although is a common problem, it is frequently not identified as important in the evaluation of the patients; as consequence, the adequate nutrition therapy is not prescribed, increasing the problem. Zhe PEM can not only affect adversely the clinical condition of the patient, but also increase the risk of complications and costs with the health services.