Prevalence and consequences of malnutrition and malnourishment in older individuals admitted to hospital with a hip fracture

Background/objectives Major causes of hip fractures are osteoporosis and falls, both of which are determined by nutrition. Information on the nutritional status of patients admitted to hospital with a hip fracture is lacking. In this study, we assessed determinants and adverse outcomes associated with malnutrition and malnourishment. Methods Nutritional status, assessed using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool protocol, was compared to age and residency prior to admission, and outcomes during hospital stay and at discharge. Results A total of 1239 patients admitted with a hip fracture (349 men, 890 women), aged 60-100 years. Compared with well-nourished individuals, the prevalences of malnutrition risk or malnourishment were higher in older age groups and those from residential or nursing care. Those with risk of malnutrition or malnourishment stayed in hospital longer by 3.0 days (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5-4.5 days;p < 0.001) and 3.1 days (95% CI, 0.7-5.5 days;p = 0.011), respectively. Compared with the well-nourished group, malnourished individuals had increased: (1) risk for failure to mobilise within 1 day of surgery (rates = 17.9 versus 27.0%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.6 (95% CI, 1.0-2.7),p = 0.045); (2) pressure ulcers (rates = 1.0% versus 5.0%; OR = 5.5 (95% CI, 1.8-17.1),p = 0.006); (3) in-patient mortality (rates = 4.5% versus 10.1%; OR = 2.3 (95% CI, 1.1-4.8)p = 0.033) and (4) discharge to residential/nursing care: rates = 4.3% versus 11.1%; OR = 2.8 (95% CI, 1.2-6.6),p = 0.022. Conclusions Inadequate nutrition is common in patients admitted to hospital with a hip fracture, which in turn predisposes them to a number of complications. More research on nutritional support should be directed to this group to prevent or minimise hip fractures.

Automated summary

This study found a high prevalence of malnutrition in patients admitted with hip fractures, with older age and residency being associated factors. Malnourished patients had longer hospital stays and increased risks of complications and adverse outcomes. Further research on nutritional support in this patient group is needed to prevent or minimize hip fractures.