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Decline of anthropometric evaluation predicts a poor prognosis in elderly patients
Author(s) -
Tsutsumi Rie,
Nakaya Yutaka
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a7-c
Subject(s) - hypoalbuminemia , anthropometry , medicine , malnutrition , albumin , serum albumin , lean body mass , gastroenterology , body weight
Malnutrition is frequently observed in elderly people. Although we often use serum albumin as a nutritional marker, it is reported to have limitations in evaluation of malnutrition. However, anthropometric measurements are not commonly used, in spite of their simple, easy, and effective characteristics. We evaluated the associations of anthropometric measurements with other nutritional factors and examined its relations with mortality, decubitus, length of hospital stay (time to discharge) and antibiotics usage. We enrolled 223 patients, performed anthropometric measurements and assessed other factors at baseline and followed the patients for a mean of 24 months. Patients with hypoalbuminemia but with normal body composition tended to increase in serum albumin levels over 24 months and were more discharged. Patients with normal albumin but with decreased body cmposition resulted in a later decrease in serum albumin levels and had a higher mortality rate. Patients with hypoalbuminemia used more antibiotics than patients without hypoalbuminemia, suggesting the preexisting infection. Anthropometric measurements are not only an important marker of lean body muscle mass but also provides valuable prognostic information independent of serum albumin. Anthropometric measurements are deeply associated with increased mortality, decubitus ulcer, and length of hospital stay.