[Protein-energy malnutrition. Diagnostic methods and epidemiology].
BACKGROUND
Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) is highly prevalent among elderly persons living in the community (4%), hospitalized in acute care units or geriatric rehabilitation units (50%), or in long-term care facilities (30-40%). PCM is the first predictor of poor prognosis in the elderly.


METHODS
Parameters used to establish the diagnosis of PCM and identify its pathophysiology are both simple and inexpensive: body mass index, plasma albumin and CRP, arm circumference and skin fold thickness.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of its frequency and consequences on morbidity and mortality in the elderly, PCM is an important public health problem in industrialized countries.
Constans
T
T
Hôpital de l'Ermitage, CHU de Tours, 2, allée Gaston Pagès, F37081 Tours.
Alix
E
E
Dardaine
V
V
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D009026:Mortality; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D015995:Prevalence; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
Malnutrition protéino-énergétique. Méthodes diagnostiques et épidémiologie.