Tag: Hospitalized patients

According to ESPEN, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, the NRS 2002 screening tool is a standard method for identifying malnourished and at-risk patients in the hospital setting. This tool, also known as the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, was developed to help identify patients who would benefit from nutritional support and potentially improve outcomes.

According to recent studies, up to 50% of hospitalized patients are at risk for or are already malnourished upon admission. This article will help you identify which patient would be at high risk for developing malnutrition in a hospitalized setting, a critical factor for improving patient outcomes.

While famously associated with children in developing countries, research indicates that kwashiorkor can occur in adults, especially those with severe protein-energy malnutrition. So, is kwashiorkor common in adults? The answer is complex, involving underlying health conditions, restrictive diets, and specific clinical scenarios that are distinct from its presentation in children.

According to numerous studies worldwide, between 20% and 50% of hospitalized patients are malnourished or at risk of becoming so, a condition linked to significant adverse clinical outcomes. Understanding what are the clinical outcomes of malnutrition in hospitalized patients is crucial for improving patient recovery and overall healthcare quality.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 45% of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition. While children are a particularly vulnerable group, the question of which patient is at the highest risk for malnutrition is complex and includes a wide range of individuals with specific medical conditions, social challenges, and physical limitations. Identifying these at-risk patients is the first step toward effective nutritional intervention and improved health outcomes.