Comparison of one-day and three-day calorie counts in hospitalized patients: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a 1-day calorie count can replace the labor-intensive 3-day calorie count commonly, performed in hospitalized patients when estimates of caloric and protein intake are required.


METHODS
Pilot study using prospective, non-concurrent review of medical records.


METHODS
Hospital.


METHODS
Thirty patients (mean age 67 years).


RESULTS
Mean 3-day intake (952 +/- 91 calories, 41 +/- 4 g protein) was about half of calculated requirements; first-day intake was similar (918 +/- 116 calories, 40 +/- 5 g protein). The first day had high sensitivity (calories 96%; protein 93%) and positive predictive value (calories 100%; protein 96%). Malnutrition was evident; three-fourths of patients had weights below recommended ranges, and 83% were hypoalbuminemic.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-day calorie counts are frequently performed in patients suspected of eating poorly. Results of this pilot study suggest that 1-day calorie counts may be a valid alternative. However, readily available anthropometric and biochemical data may be as good an indicator of inadequate dietary intake.
Breslow
R A
RA
Westat, Rockville, Maryland.
Sorkin
J D
JD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry; D001835:Body Weight; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D012709:Serum Albumin; D002784:Cholesterol