Malnutrition Risk in Hospitalized Children: A Descriptive Study of Malnutrition‐Related Characteristics and Development of a Pilot Pediatric Risk‐Assessment Tool

• Published in: Nutrition in clinical practice 2019-06, Vol.34 (3), p.406-413
• Main Authors: Wong Vega, Molly, Beer, Stacey, Juarez, Marisa, Srivaths, Poyyapakkam R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Anthropometry; Body Mass Index; Child; Child Nutrition Disorders - diagnosis; Child Nutrition Disorders - epidemiology; Child Nutrition Disorders - etiology; Child, Hospitalized; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease - therapy; Female; growth; Humans; Infant; Length of Stay; Male; malnutrition; Nursing; Nutrition Assessment; pediatrics; Pilot Projects; Risk Assessment - methods; Risk Factors
• ISSN: 0884-5336; 1941-2452
• DOI: 10.1002/ncp.10200

Background Underrecognition of pediatric malnutrition may affect nutrition interventions and outcomes. Pediatric malnutrition uses more specific etiology‐based criteria but lacks clarity in implementation guidelines. Study goals were to identify malnutrition and risk among hospitalized patients, characterize malnutrition risk factors, and assess reliability of criteria against outcome measures. Materials and Methods All children 44 weeks postmenstrual age–18 years, admitted for 48 hours during a 16‐day period, were included (n = 528). Trained dietitians assessed patients in physical assessments (PA), growth, energy intake, increased nutrient losses (IL), altered absorption of nutrients (AA), hypermetabolism and inflammation, laboratory information, micronutrient deficiency, and functional status. Outcome data assessed were length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, ventilation days, nutrition support, and dietitian intervention. Results Malnutrition prevalence upon admission was 19.7%. Weight/length or BMI/age z‐score (ZS) had no effect on LOS. AA and IL upon admission were independently associated with malnutrition (both, P