The prevalence of malnutrition in elderly hip fracture patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of protein and energy malnutrition in elderly patients with a fracture of the proximal femur, in New Zealand.


METHODS
Consecutive elderly patients (65 years and over) admitted to Christchurch Hospital with a fracture of the proximal femur over a four-month period were recruited. Nutritional indices were measured within three days of admission. These included triceps skinfold thicknesses, mid upper arm circumference, serum albumin and pre-albumin.


RESULTS
Forty-two per cent of patients had at least two, and nine per cent had three, indicators of protein and energy malnutrition present on admission. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of malnutrition between young old (<80 years) and old old (80 years and over) patients. Patients residing in an institution had lower mean protein reserves, as indicated by lower corrected arm muscle area (p=0.003) and pre-albumin levels (p=0.09), than those living in the community. A drink, rather than a pudding or biscuit, was the preferred protein and energy supplement form. Ensure Plus (lactose-free) and Fortisip (lactose-free) were the most preferred drink supplements.


CONCLUSIONS
Protein and energy malnutrition is common in elderly New Zealanders who fracture their femur. The prevalence is comparable to overseas data. These patients prefer nutritional supplementation given as a drink.
Hanger
H C
HC
Older Persons Health, The Princess Margaret Hospital, Christchurch. carl.hanger@healthlinksouth.co.nz
Smart
E J
EJ
Merrilees
M J
MJ
Frampton
C M
CM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005526:Food, Formulated; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D011228:Prealbumin / Q000032:analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D012885:Skinfold Thickness
D011228:Prealbumin; D012709:Serum Albumin