Nutrition issues in the general medical ward patient: From general screening to specific diagnosis and individualized treatment

Disease-related malnutrition in patients in the general medical ward remains a complex syndrome, which contributes to high morbidity and mortality, and seriously interferes with recovery from acute illness. Recently, there have been important advances in the development of consensus diagnostic criteria for malnutrition, and through the recent completion of large-scale trials, the understanding of pathophysiological pathways and evidence-based treatment algorithms to provide nutrition care to patients at risk for malnutrition in the hospital setting has advanced. There is need to identify more specific clinical parameters and blood biomarkers, which allow a more personalized approach to the malnourished patients, because not all patients show the same response to nutrition interventions. Recent studies have suggested that some nutrition biomarkers of inflammation, kidney function and muscle health, among others, predict treatment response to nutrition interventions and may help to personalize treatments. In addition to advancing the science, there is need for more education of students and treating teams in the hospital to improve the screening of patients at hospital admission regarding nutrition risk with the start of individualized nutrition support interventions, thereby bringing optimal nutrition care to the bedside.

Automated summary

Disease-related malnutrition in patients in the general medical ward is a complex syndrome that affects recovery and increases morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in research have led to better understanding of diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatment for malnutrition. More specific clinical parameters and blood biomarkers are needed to personalize treatments. There is also a need for improved education and screening for nutrition risk in hospitals.