Newsletter

[ Vol. 11 No. 3 ] (September - December 2010 )
Comparison of the mini nutritional assessment and the malnutrition universal screening tool in patients suffering from acte abdominal conditions

A Y B Teoh, C Y J Chan, K K Chan, C K Lai, W C Z Yeung, K W E Ng
Division of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

BACKGROUND
The optimal method of assessing nutritional status in patients with acute abdominal conditions is uncertain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis of all patients admitted through the Accidents & Emergency department due acute abdominal conditions was performed between April and May 2007. The nutritional status of the patients were assessed by the mini nutritional assessment tool (MNA), the malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST), the albumin level and the total lymphocyte count. These were then correlated with clinical outcomes and compared.

RESULTS
A total of 185 patients were recruited during the study period. Amongst these patients, 40 malnourished patients (21.6%) were identified using the MNA tool and 59 patients (31.9%) who are at high risk of malnutrition were identified using the MUST score. 49 patients (26.5%) and 87 patients (74.4%) had low levels of albumin and total lymphocyte counts respectively. Overall, both the MUST score and the albumin level were significantly associated with longer periods of hospital stay (P = 0.042 and P = 0.001 respectively). On the other hand, the MUST score showed a trend to significance as a risk factor for development of morbidities in operated patients (P = 0.079).

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, in patients suffering from acute abdominal conditions, the malnutrition universal screening tool was an effective method of identifying those who at high risk of developing malnutrition. These patients were at increased risk of developing morbidities and were associated with longer lengths of hospital stay.

From
PENSA 2009
“Energizing Nutrition Support Practice for Life”
June 5-7 2009, Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 
Page: 93