PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Christina Priegnitz AU - Ilona Kietzmann AU - Kerstin Richter AU - Wolfgang Galetke AU - Winfried Randerath TI - Nutritional risk screening 2002 - Application in pneumology DP - 2012 Sep 01 TA - European Respiratory Journal PG - P3493 VI - 40 IP - Suppl 56 4099 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3493.short 4100 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3493.full SO - Eur Respir J2012 Sep 01; 40 AB - BackgroundMalnutrition has a prevalence of ca. 20-50% of all inpatients and is recognized as a relevant risk factor concerning morbidity and mortality. In a German multicenter study (Pirlich et al., 2006) malnutrition was detected in 27% of patients, affecting significantly more women. Malnutrition according to the WHO (BMI <18.5 kg/m²) was found in 4.1%. Especially in those over 65 years age was the most important factor for malnutrition. The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in pneumologic patients using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS) and to analyze possible relations to age, sex, disease or length of stay.Methods:705 consecutive patients in our clinic specialized in pneumology were analyzed in respect of age, sex, BMI, disease, malnutrition risk (NRS) and length of stay.ResultsRisk of malnutrition (MN risk) according to NRS was found in 14.3% of patients, while according to WHO only 2.5% were malnourished. In those older than 65 years, these values were 19.6% and 1.5% respectively. There was no relevant difference between sexes. Age significantly contributed to MN risk (OR 1.054, p<0.001). A tumorous disease markedly increased MN risk (OR 2.33, p<0.001), while it was highly reduced in sleep-related breathing disorders (OR 0.04, p<0.001). MN risk was also associated with a significantly longer length of stay (10.2±9.5 vs. 5.4±6.0 days).ConclusionThe application of a validated screening tool significantly contributes to detected patients at risk for malnutrition. Especially patients older than 65 as well as those with specific diseases need increased attention regarding MN risk. An early intervention could help to reduce length of stay.