Article

Objectives:To evaluate whether undernutrition risk measured using the
Spinal Nutrition Screening Tool (SNST) and the Malnutrition Universal Screening
Tool (MUST) is associated with worse clinical outcomes in respect of length of
in-patient hospital stay (LOS) and mortality in the 12 months after admission to
a spinal cord injuries (SCIs) centre.Methods:A multicentre, prospective,
cross-sectional observational study was conducted in four UK SCI centres (SCICs).
A total of 150 SCI patients (aged 18-88 years (median: 44 years), 30.7% females)
were studied between July 2009 and March 2010. LOS and mortality 12 months after
admission to the SCIC was monitored. Multivariate regression analysis was used to
identify unique predictors of the variance of LOS.Results:The patients initially
undernourished or at risk of undernutrition (44.6%) had a significantly longer
LOS (median (days): 129 vs 85, P=0.012) and greater 12-month mortality (%
deceased: 9.2% vs 1.4%, P=0.036). In addition, serum albumin and new admission to
an SCIC were identified as independent predictors for long LOS.Conclusion:The
present study suggests that undernutrition risk, as identified by the SNST, is
associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Nutritional screening should be
helpful in improving clinical outcomes if it promotes more appropriate and
effective nutritional intervention.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance
online publication, 20 November 2013; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2013.238.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI