Muscle strength as a predictor of loss of functional status in hospitalized patients.
OBJECTIVE
The incidence of protein-calorie malnutrition in hospitalized adult patients can reach 30% to 50% and adversely affect clinical outcome. We evaluated the efficacy of muscle strength to predict functional derangement and detect early changes in nutrition status in hospitalized patients.


METHODS
Patients hospitalized at medical and surgical wards from two different hospitals in Santiago, Chile, were studied during their hospital stay. Subjective Global Assessment of nutrition status and laboratory parameters were measured on admission. Anthropometric measures, handgrip dynamometry, and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were measured on admission and discharge. The Karnofsky index was used to assess functional status. Twice weekly, caloric balance was calculated with indirect calorimetry and assessment of dietary intake.


RESULTS
From the initial selection of patients (n = 70), 50 patients (26 men and 24 women) completed the study. Median hospital stay was 10 d. Subjective Global Assessment was associated with anthropometric data, handgrip dynamometry, and serum levels of total proteins. Patients in whom functional status declined during hospital stay, on admission had lower left handgrip strength, a worse Subjective Global Assessment classification, were older, and had lower fat mass. No association between caloric balance during hospital stay and changes in muscle strength was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjective Global Assessment, handgrip strength, and fat mass were good predictors for the decline in functional status during hospital stay. No association between caloric balance and changes in muscle strength was observed.
Humphreys
Jennifer
J
Faculty of Medicine, Central Campus, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
de la Maza
Pia
P
Hirsch
Sandra
S
Barrera
Gladys
G
Gattas
Vivien
V
Bunout
Daniel
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018908:Muscle Weakness; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests