I. Malnutrition: General Principles
A. What Is Malnutrition?
Defining the Terminology
Malnutrition is defined as a pathologic state resulting from a relative or absolute deficiency of one or more essential nutrients. The state of malnutrition is clinically manifested and detected by metabolic and physiologic abnormalities.
Protein-Energy
Malnutrition
PEM is defined by inadequate
intake of energy and protein.
Energy Malnutrition
Energy malnutrition
(marasmus) is defined as insufficient nutrient intake or nutrient stores to
meet body energy demands (i.e., a cell energy crisis).
Protein Malnutrition
Protein malnutrition
(kwashiokor) is defined as insufficient protein intake to meet bodily demands
for protein synthesis and tissue repair, with progressive erosion of lean
body mass.
Unintentional Weight
Loss
Loss of 10% of actual body weight
over a 6-month period or less is usually considered to be the definition
for weight loss producing a significant health risk.
|
Unintentional
Weight Loss (>10%
in 6 months)
|
|
|
.......PATIENT
POPULATION
|
..................INCIDENCE
|
|
.......Major
burns and trauma
|
..................80%
|
|
.......Spinal
injury rehab
|
..................50%
|
|
.......Outpatient
rehab
|
..................20%–40%
|
|
.......Nursing
home
|
..................25%
plus
|
 |
 |
 |
 |