The association between atrophic glossitis and protein-calorie malnutrition in old age.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between atrophic glossitis (absence of papillae in more than 50% of the tongue) and nutritional status.


METHODS
A randomized population survey.


METHODS
The medical department of Aker University Hospital, and people living at home.


METHODS
310 old people recently admitted to hospital and 106 randomly selected elderly people at home.


METHODS
The presence of atrophic glossitis and nutritional indices.


RESULTS
Atrophic glossitis occurred in 13.2% of men and 5.6% of women at home and in 26.6% of men and 37% of women in hospital. The atrophic glossitis was related to reduced weight, body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, arm-muscle circumference, muscular strength, activities of daily living and serum concentrations of cholesterol, ascorbic acid, cholecalcidiol and B12, but not to levels of zinc or folate. In a multiple logistic regression model, atrophic glossitis was related only to cholesterol (P = 0.032), muscular strength (P = 0.018) and activities of daily living (P = 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Atrophic glossitis is common in elderly people and is a marker for malnutrition and reduced muscle function.
Bøhmer
T
T
Department of Medicine, Aker University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Mowé
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry; D003677:Deficiency Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005928:Glossitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*