Malnutrition treatment and follow-up in clinical nutrition outpatient clinics associated with increased muscle mass

Objective: Clinical nutrition outpatient clinics (CNOCs) are the mainstay of the nutrition bundle in hospitals. They are important for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of outpatients with malnutrition (MN) and sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in muscle mass during the treatment of MN in patients admitted to CNOCs. Methods: A total number of 1118 patients were included in this retrospective cohort descriptive study. Data including medical history, weight loss, anthropometric measurements, MN diagnosis (according to ESPEN definition), nutrition treatment, bioelectrical impedance analysis and laboratory examinations were noted for the first admission and the follow-up. Results: This retrospective, cohort descriptive study included 1118 patients. The mean age of the participants was 54 +/- 22 y (18-101 y) and half of the patients were men. Of the 1118 patients, 37,7% were >= 65 y of age. Cancer (32.2%) was the most frequent diagnosis followed by diabetes (16.7%) and dementia (11.3%). MN prevalence was 51.6%. Protein- and energy-enriched diet, oral enteral nutrition supplementation, tube enteral feeding, and parenteral nutrition were used in 42.7%, 69.6%, 11%, and 2.7% of the patients with MN, respectively. Skeletal muscle mass was significantly increased in MN, cancer, neuromuscular diseases (NMD) and patients >= 65 y of age in the first 6 mo, and could be maintained during the next 6 mo of follow-up. Patients with cancer, chronic kidney disease, and NMD and those >= 65 y of age were able to increase their body mass index. Conclusions: MN treatment and follow-up can restore muscle mass especially in patients >= 65 y of age and in those with chronic diseases. CNOCs are beneficial in the treatment and follow-up of MN. (C) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Clinical nutrition outpatient clinics (CNOCs) play a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with malnutrition (MN) and sarcopenia. They can effectively restore muscle mass, especially in patients aged 65 years and above and those with chronic diseases.