Association of nutritional status as measured by the Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form with changes in mobility, institutionalization and death after hip fracture

Nutritional status as independent prognostic factor of outcome and mortality until five years after hip fracture: a comprehensive prospective study

We determined the prognostic value of nutritional status for outcome after hip fracture. Nutritional status was a strong independent prognostic factor for clinical outcome and 5-year mortality. Physical function showed incomplete recovery. Elderly care should focus on prevention already before hip fracture.

PURPOSE

To determine the prognostic value of nutritional status in hip fracture patients for multiple clinical and functional outcomes over 6 months, and for new fractures and survival over 5 years post-fracture.

METHODS

We included 152 well-characterized subjects (age 55+ years) with a hip fracture from a previously published randomized controlled trial. Nutritional status was appraised using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Multivariable linear, logistic and Cox regression models were fitted, adjusted for age, sex, ASA score, group and additional prognostic covariates identified in backward regression models.

RESULTS

At baseline, impaired nutritional status was significantly associated with physical disability, depression, impaired cognition and lower quality of life. Prospective analyses showed that impaired baseline nutritional status was an independent prognostic factor for postoperative complications (OR 2.00, 95%CI 1.01-3.98, p = 0.047), discharge location from hospital (home vs. rehabilitation clinic, OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.18-0.98, p = 0.044), hospital readmission (OR 4.59, 95%CI 1.70-12.4, p = 0.003) and total length of hospital stay (HR of being discharged: 0.63, 96%CI 0.44-0.89, p = 0.008), as well as for 5-year mortality (HR 3.94, 95%CI 1.53-10.2, p = 0.005), but not for risk of new fractures (5y-HR 0.87, 95%CI 0.34-2.24, p = 0.769). Curves of physical disability over time showed that the three nutritional status categories followed almost parallel trajectories from baseline until 6 months after hip fracture, without complete recovery and even with further deterioration in malnourished subjects from 3 to 6 months post-fracture.

CONCLUSION

As baselline nutritional status is a strong independent prognostic factor for clinical outcome after hip fracture, affecting even five-year survival, elderly health care should focus on prevention and identification of at-risk individuals already before hip fracture.

Malnutrition-Related Health Outcomes in Older Adults with Hip Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hip fracture is a common condition in older adults, leading to disability and mortality. Several studies have demonstrated the association between nutritional status and the risk of a negative health outcome after fractures. In this systematic review, we evaluated the association between malnutrition and mortality, changes in mobility/living arrangements, and postoperative complications, such as delirium, in older patients with hip fractures. A literature search on the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, up to September 2023, was conducted to identify all studies involving older subjects that reported an association between MNA/GNRI/PNI/CONUT and health outcome after hip fracture. Meta-analysis was performed by a random-effects model using risk values (RR, OR, and HR) extracted from the 14 eligible selected studies. Malnutrition significantly increased the risk of any analyzed adverse outcome by 70% at 1 month, and up to 250% at 1 year. Malnutrition significantly increased delirium risk by 275% (OR = 2.75; 95% CI 1.80-4.18; p ≤ 0.05), mortality risk by 342% (OR = 3.42; 95% CI 2.14-5.48; p ≤ 0.05), mortality hazard risk by 351% (HR = 3.51; 95% CI 1.63-7.55; p ≤ 0.05) at 1 month, and transfer-to-more-supported-living-arrangements risk by 218% (OR = 2.18; 95% CI 1.58-3.01; p ≤ 0.05), and declined mobility risk by 41% (OR = 1.41; 95% CI 1.14-1.75; p ≤ 0.05), mortality risk by 368% (OR = 3.68; 95% CI 3.00-4.52; p ≤ 0.05), and mortality hazard risk by 234% (HR = 2.34; 95% CI 1.91-2.87; p ≤ 0.05) at 1 year. Malnutrition of older patients increases the risk of death and worsens mobility and independence after hip fractures. The results of the present study highlight the importance of nutritional status evaluation of older subjects with hip fractures in order to prevent potential adverse outcomes (Registration No: CRD42023468751).

Systematic review and meta-analysis of preoperative predictors for early mortality following hip fracture surgery

Hip fractures are a global health problem with a high postoperative mortality rate. Preoperative predictors for early mortality could be used to optimise and personalise healthcare strategies. This study aimed to identify predictors for early mortality following hip fracture surgery. Cohort studies examining independent preoperative predictors for mortality following hip fracture surgery were identified through a systematic search on Scopus and PubMed. Predictors for 30-day mortality were the primary outcome, and predictors for mortality within 1 year were secondary outcomes. Primary outcomes were analysed with random-effects meta-analyses. Confidence in the cumulative evidence was assessed using the GRADE criteria. Secondary outcomes were synthesised narratively. Thirty-three cohort studies involving 462,699 patients were meta-analysed. Five high-quality evidence predictors for 30-day mortality were identified: age per year (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.07), ASA score ≥ 3 (OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 2.12-3.42), male gender (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.85-2.18), institutional residence (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.31-2.49), and metastatic cancer (OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 2.58-3.10). Additionally, six moderate-quality evidence predictors were identified: chronic renal failure, dementia, diabetes, low haemoglobin, heart failures, and a history of any malignancy. Weak evidence was found for non-metastatic cancer. This review found relevant preoperative predictors which could be used to identify patients who are at high risk of 30-day mortality following hip fracture surgery. For some predictors, the prognostic value could be increased by further subcategorising the conditions by severity.

Incidence of the Risk of Malnutrition and Excess Fat Mass, and Gait Speed as Independent Associated Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Only one cohort study exists on the incidence of the risk of malnutrition (RM) in older adults, though numerous cross-sectional reports, identified several risk factors associated with the prevalence and incidence of this condition. However, alterations in body composition and impaired physical performance as exposition variables of RM have not been explored. This study assessed the incidence of RM and determined its association with excess fat mass, low total lean tissue, gait speed, and handgrip strength as exposition variables for RM in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of older adults (≥60 years) derived from the study "Frailty, dynapenia, and sarcopenia in Mexican adults (FraDySMex)", a prospective cohort project conducted from 2014 to 2019 in Mexico City. At baseline, volunteers underwent body composition analysis and physical performance tests. Several covariates were identified through comprehensive geriatric assessment. At baseline and follow-up, RM was assessed using the long form of the mini nutritional assessment (MNA-LF) scale. Associations between the exposition variables and RM were assessed by multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

The cohort included 241 subjects. The average age was 75.6 ± 7.8 years, and 83.4% were women. The mean follow-up period was 4.1 years, during which 28.6% of subjects developed RM. This condition was less likely to occur in those with an excess fat mass, even after adjusting for several covariates. Regarding total lean tissue, the unadjusted model showed that RM was more likely to occur in men and women with a low TLT by the TLTI classification, compared to the normal group. However, after adjusting for several covariates (models 1 and 2), the association lost significance. Results on the association between gait speed and RM showed that this condition was also more likely to occur in subjects with low gait speed, according to both the unadjusted and adjusted models. Similar results were found for RM in relation to low handgrip strength; however, after adjusting for the associated covariates, models 1 and 2 no longer reached the level of significance.

CONCLUSIONS

RM diagnosed by MNA-LF was significantly less likely to occur among subjects with excess fat mass, and a significant association emerged between low gait speed and RM after 4.1 years of follow-up in these community-dwelling older adults. These results confirm the association between some alterations of body composition and impaired physical performance with the risk of malnutrition and highlight that excess fat mass and low gait speed precede the risk of malnutrition, not vice versa.

Correlation between admission hypoalbuminemia and postoperative urinary tract infections in elderly hip fracture patients

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between hypoalbuminemia upon admission and the incidence of postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) in elderly patients with hip fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of elderly patients who underwent surgical treatment for hip fractures at a level I trauma center from 2013 to 2023. Serum albumin levels were measured upon admission, and hypoalbuminemia was defined as a total albumin level < 35 g/L. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching analysis were utilized to control and reduce potential confounding factors, aiming to obtain adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for UTIs to determine the strength of the association.

RESULTS

This observational cohort study included 1279 patients, among whom 298 (23.3%) developed UTIs. Patients with albumin levels < 35 g/L had significantly greater odds of developing UTIs compared to those with albumin levels ≥ 35 g/L (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.28-2.70). Further analysis, dividing albumin levels into quartiles, demonstrated that patients in the Q2 group (38.0-40.9 g/L; OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.88-2.17), Q3 group (35.0-37.9 g/L; OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.06-2.71), and Q4 group (15.3-34.9 g/L; OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.61-4.43) had notably higher odds of developing UTIs compared to those in the Q1 group (41.0-52.0 g/L).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of hypoalbuminemia upon admission in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery is strongly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative UTIs. Furthermore, this association exhibits a clear dose-response relationship.

Predictive Validity of Mortality after Surgically Treated Proximal Femur Fractures Based on Four Nutrition Scores-A Retrospective Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are becoming a growing concern due to an aging population. The high costs to the healthcare system and far-reaching consequences for those affected, including a loss of independence and increased mortality rates, make this issue important. Poor nutritional status is a common problem among geriatric patients and is associated with a worse prognosis. Nutritional screening tools can help identify high-risk patients and enable individualized care to improve survival rates.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study investigates four nutritional scores and laboratory parameters' predictive significance concerning postoperative mortality after surgical treatment of proximal femur fractures at 1, 3, 6, and 12 month/s for patients over 60 years using the chi-square test, Cox regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC). The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) guidelines were used as part of the screening of the respective nutritional status of the patients, in particular to filter out malnutrition.

RESULTS

A total of 1080 patients were included in this study, whereas 8.05% suffered from malnutrition, defined as a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m2. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) screening tool identified the highest proportion of malnourished patients at 14.54%. A total of 36.39% of patients were at risk of malnutrition according to three nutrition scores, with MNA providing the most significant proportion at 41.20%. Patients identified as malnourished had a higher mortality rate, and MNA screening was the only tool to show a significant correlation with postoperative mortality in all survey intervals. The MNA presented the best predictive significance among the screening tools, with a maximum area under the curve (AUC) of 0.7 at 12 month postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

MNA screening has a solid correlation and predictive significance regarding postoperative mortality-therefore routine implementation of this screening in orthopedic/traumatology wards is recommended. Moreover, nutritional substitution therapy can offer a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-implement measure. The Graz malnutrition screening (GMS) shows moderate predictive power and could be considered as an alternative for patients under 60 years of age. A higher albumin level is associated with improved survival probability, but cannot be indicative of nutritional status.

The Relationship between Nutritional Risk and the Most Common Chronic Diseases in Hospitalized Geriatric Population from Central Poland

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and the prevalence of concomitant chronic diseases among hospitalized older adults. This study included 2122 consecutively hospitalized older participants with an average age of 82 years. The criteria to participate were the ability to communicate and give consent. In multivariate design, the prevalence of nutritional risk with at least 3 points in the NRS-2002 score was associated with the presence of stroke, atrial fibrillation, dementia and pressure ulcers. Patients with arterial hypertension, lipid disorders, osteoarthritis and urine incontinence had a significantly lower (better) NRS-2002 score. The explanation of the inverse relationship between some disorders and nutritional risk may be their occurrence in relatively earlier age and the relationship with body mass index. In conclusion, the study revealed which medical conditions coexist with the increased nutritional risk in a “real-world” hospitalized geriatric population. The hospital admission of an older subject with stroke, atrial fibrillation, dementia or pressure ulcers should primarily draw attention to the nutritional risk of the patient.

Nutritional Status Is Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life, Physical Activity, and Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Elderly Greek Population

This study aims to explore the associations between nutritional status and health-related quality of life, physical activity, and sleep quality in older exclusively Caucasian adults from Greec who were free of any severe disease. This is a cross-sectional study. Mini Nutritional Assessment was used to assess nutritional status, health-related quality of life was assessed using the Short Form Healthy Survey questionnaire, sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and physical activity levels were assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. 3405 community-dwelling men and women, over 65 years old from14 different Greek regions were enrolled. Ten-point four percent (10.4%) of the participants were classified as malnourished, while 35.6% were "at risk of malnutrition". A better nutritional status was significantly and independently associated with higher physical activity levels (p = 0.0011) and better quality of life (p = 0.0135), as well as better sleep quality (p = 0.0202). In conclusion, our study highlights the interrelationships between a good nutritional status, a high-quality sleep, active lifestyle, and good quality of life. Further interventional studies are needed to clarify the associations, and test the feasibility of improving the nutritional status, physical activity levels and sleep quality of the elderly, and the impact of these changes on quality of life, and healthy ageing in races beyond Caucasian populations. Public health strategies and policies should be recommended to inform older adults for the necessity to improve their nutritional status and lifestyle habits to improve their health status and to obtain better life expectancy.

Impact of malnutrition evaluated by the mini nutritional assessment on the prognosis of acute hospitalized older adults

Background

Malnutrition is prevalent among hospitalized older patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between nutritional status [assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and serum albumin levels] and adverse outcomes in hospitalized older patients. We also aimed to compare the predictive utility of our findings.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2016 and June 2020. In total, 808 older patients (aged ≥ 65 years, mean age 82.8 ± 6.70 years, 45.9% male) admitted to the acute geriatric unit were included in our sample. Comprehensive geriatric assessments, including the MNA, were performed. Malnutrition and risk of malnutrition were defined as MNA < 17, albumin < 3.5 g/dL and 17 ≤ MNA ≤ 24, 3.5 g/dL ≤ albumin < 3.9 g/dL, respectively. The primary outcome was that patients could not be discharged to their own homes. The secondary outcomes were overall all-cause mortality, 3-month all-cause mortality, and incidence of geriatric syndrome, including delirium, falls, and newly developed or worsening pressure sores during hospitalization.

Results

Poor nutritional status was associated with older age; female sex; admission from the emergency room; high risk of pressure sores and falls; lower physical and cognitive function; higher depressive score; and lower serum albumin, protein, cholesterol, and hemoglobin levels. In the fully adjusted model, malnutrition assessed using the MNA predicted discharge to nursing homes or long-term care hospitals [odds ratio (OR) 5.822, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.092-16.199, P = 0.001], geriatric syndrome (OR 2.069, 95% CI: 1.007-4.249, P = 0.048), and 3-month mortality (OR 3.519, 95% CI: 1.254-9.872, P = 0.017). However, malnutrition assessed using albumin levels could only predict 3-month mortality (OR 3.848, 95% CI: 1.465-10.105, P = 0.006). The MNA predicted 3-month mortality with higher precision than serum albumin levels (P = 0.034) when comparing the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Conclusion

Nutritional risk measured by the MNA was an independent predictor of various negative outcomes in hospitalized older patients. Poor nutritional status assessed by serum albumin levels, the most widely used biochemical marker, could predict mortality, but not the development of geriatric syndrome or discharge location reflecting functional status.

Malnutrition is associated with six-month mortality in older patients admitted to the emergency department with hip fracture

Background

Hip fractures in older people are a common health problem often associated with malnutrition that might affect outcomes. Screening for malnutrition is not a routine examination in emergency departments (ED). This analysis of the EMAAge study, a prospective, multicenter cohort study, aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of older patients (≥ 50 years) with hip fracture, factors associated with malnutrition risk, and the association between malnutrition and the six-months mortality.

Methods

Risk of malnutrition was evaluated using the Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire. Clinical data as well as data on depression and physical activity were determined. Mortality was captured for the first six months after the event. To assess factors associated with malnutrition risk we used a binary logistic regression. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association of malnutrition risk with six-month survival adjusted for other relevant risk factors.

Results

The sample consisted of N = 318 hip fracture patients aged 50 to 98 (68% women). The prevalence of malnutrition risk was 25.3% (n = 76) at the time of injury. There were no differences in triage categories or routine parameters measured in the ED that could point to malnutrition. 89% of the patients (n = 267) survived for six months. The mean survival time was longer in those without malnutrition risk (171.9 (167.1-176.9) days vs. 153.1 (140.0-166.2) days). The Kaplan Meier curves and the unadjusted Cox regression (Hazard Ratio (HR) 3.08 (1.61-5.91)) showed differences between patients with and patients without malnutrition risk. In the adjusted Cox regression model, risk of death was associated with malnutrition risk (HR 2.61, 1.34-5.06), older age (70-76 years: HR 2.5 (0.52-11.99); 77-82 years: HR 4.25 (1.15-15.62); 83-99 years: HR 3.82 (1.05-13.88)) and a high burden of comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3: HR 5.4 (1.53-19.12)).

Conclusion

Risk of malnutrition was associated with higher mortality after hip fracture. ED parameters did not differentiate between patients with nutritional deficiencies and those without. Therefore, it is particularly important to pay attention to malnutrition in EDs to detect patients at risk of adverse outcomes and to initiate early interventions.

Combined Effects of Cognitive Impairment and Nutritional Trajectories on Functional Recovery for Older Patients after Hip-Fracture Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition and cognitive impairment are associated with poor functional recovery in older adults following hip-fracture surgery. This study examined the combined effects of cognitive impairment and nutritional trajectories on postoperative functional recovery for older adults following hip-fracture surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal correlational study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This study recruited 350 older adults (≥60 years of age) who received hip-fracture surgery at a 3000-bed medical center in northern Taiwan from September 2012 to March 2020.

METHODS

Participant data were collected over a 2-year period after surgery for nutritional and cognitive status and activities of daily living (ADLs). Participants were grouped by type of nutritional trajectory using group-based trajectory modeling. Generalized estimating equations analyzed associations between trajectory groups/cognitive status at discharge and performance of ADLs.

RESULTS

Nutritional trajectories best fit a 3-group trajectory model: malnourished (19%), at-risk of malnutrition (40%), and well-nourished (41%). Nutritional status for the malnourished group declined from 12 months to 24 months following surgery; nutritional status remained stable for at-risk of malnutrition and well-nourished groups. Interactions for cognitive impairment-by-nutritional status were significant: the malnourished + intact cognition subgroup had significantly better ADLs than the malnourished + cognitive impairment subgroup (b = 27.1, 95% confidence interval = 14.0-40.2; P < .001). For at-risk of malnutrition and well-nourished groups, there were no significant differences between cognitive impairment and intact cognition in ADLs. These findings suggest that nutritional status may buffer the negative effect of cognitive impairment on ADLs.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Better nutritional status over time for older adults following hip fracture can protect against adverse influences of cognitive impairment on ADLs during postoperative recovery. Participants with malnutrition and cognitive impairment had the poorest ADLs. These findings suggest interventions tailored to improving nutritional status may improve recovery for older adults following hip-fracture surgery.

Preoperative malnutrition as an independent risk factor for the postoperative mortality in elderly Chinese individuals undergoing hip surgery: a single-center observational study

Objective:

Malnutrition is prevalent in elderly with hip fracture and higher than in community-dwelling older adults. Scarce studies have examined the association between preoperative malnutrition and postoperative mortality in elderly Chinese individuals with hip fracture. This study was designed to explore the effect of preoperative malnutrition on the postoperative long-term mortality in elderly Chinese individuals undergoing hip surgery.

Methods:

As a single-center observational study, this study included 263 consecutive patients above 70 years old with hip fracture and elective surgery. Preoperative nutritional status was evaluated by prognostic nutritional index (PNI). Patients were divided into one group with malnutrition (26 patients with PNI ⩽ 38) and the other group without malnutrition (169 patients with PNI > 38), respectively.

Results:

The overall malnutrition rate was 13.3% (26 patients). The postoperative long-term mortality rates of patients with and without malnutrition had statistically significant difference [10 patients (38.5%) and 32 patients (18.9%), p < 0.05]. Cox regression analysis showed that malnutrition (hazard ratio: 0.269, 95% confidence interval: 0.085–0.859, p < 0.05) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (hazard ratio: 0.873, 95% confidence interval: 0.790–0.964, p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for the postoperative long-term mortality.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that preoperative malnutrition was an independent risk factor for the postoperative long-term mortality and resulted in a more than 2.5-fold increase of the postoperative long-term mortality in elderly Chinese individuals undergoing hip surgery.

Low geriatric nutritional risk index is a risk factor for death within 1 year following hip fracture

PURPOSE

Hip fracture is common in older patients and is associated with high mortality and functional impairment. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) evaluates the risk of malnutrition-related complications, and the Barthel Index (BI) evaluates older patients' functional status. The study aim was to determine the risk factors for both death and decreased BI within 1 year after hip fracture.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 108 patients who were treated for hip fractures in 10 public or private hospitals from February to July 2007. Participating facilities comprised eight public or private hospitals with 200-499 beds, and two private or orthopedic hospitals with 20-199 beds. We evaluated several risk factors for death and lower BI within 1 year after hip fracture.

RESULTS

The mortality rate within 1 year postoperatively for patients who survived inpatient stay was 6.5% (7/108). The proportion of patients with decreased postoperative BI was 43.6% (44/101). Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that several factors, including low GNRI (odds ratio [OR]: 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI: 0.68-0.93]), were risk factors for death within 1 year. Postoperative delirium (OR: 8.84 [1.52-51.6]), postinjury dementia (OR: 34.8 [3.01-402]), preinjury BI (OR: 1.05 [1.02-1.08]), and preinjury dementia (OR: 6.22 [1.73-22.4]) were risk factors for decreased postoperative BI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that lower GNRI was a risk factor for death within 1 year of hip surgery and that delirium and dementia were among the risk factors for decreased BI 1 year after hip fracture.

Influence of Nutritional Status on a Family-Centered Care Intervention for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment following Hip-Fracture Surgery: Secondary Data Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

In Taiwan, older adults with cognitive impairment who undergo hip-fracture surgery are routinely cared for by family members. This study aimed to determine if nutritional status influenced the effects of a family-centered intervention for older adults with cognitive impairment recovering from hip-fracture surgery.

DESIGN

Secondary data analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the influences of nutritional status 1 month after hospital discharge on the effects of a family-centered care intervention model, which was designed for older adults with hip fracture and cognitive impairment. Outcomes were compared among participants according to nutrition status (well-nourished/poorly-nourished) and treatment approach (control/intervention).

SETTING

The original study was conducted at a 3000-bed medical center from July 2015 to October 2019.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were older adults with cognitive impairment who had undergone hip-fracture surgery. Participants were assessed as poorly-nourished or well-nourished with the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) 1-month post-discharge and were then randomly assigned to either the intervention group or control group.

INTERVENTION

A family-centered intervention model for family caregivers of older adults with cognitive impairment recovering from hip-fracture surgery was implemented. The intervention was delivered by geriatric nurses, which included instructions for family caregivers in overseeing exercises for strengthening the hip, understanding dietary requirements, and managing behavioral problems associated with cognitive impairment.

MEASUREMENTS

Outcome measures included activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs, hip range of motion, hip muscle strength, depression, measured with the Geriatric Depressive Scale, and physical and mental health related quality of life, measured with the Short Form Survey (SF-36), Taiwanese version. Participants were assessed at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-discharge.

RESULTS

Most of the 134 participants were assessed as poorly nourished (n = 122); 57 were the control group and 65 received the intervention. For the well-nourished participants (n = 12), four were in the intervention group and eight were controls. There were no significant differences in any outcome variables for poorly nourished participants who received the intervention compared with controls. For the sample of well-nourished participants, those who received the intervention performed significantly better in outcomes of IADLs (b = 1.74, p < .05), hip muscle strength (b = 9.64, p < .01), and physical health related quality of life (b = 10.47, p < .01).

CONCLUSION

The family-centered care intervention was only effective for older adults with cognitive impairment recovering from hip-fracture surgery who were well-nourished at 1 month following hospital discharge, but not for those at risk of malnutrition. Interventions should focus on enhancing nutritional status following hip surgery which could allow the family-centered in-home intervention to be beneficial for more older adults with cognitive impairment recovering from hip-fracture surgery.

Cutoff Value for a Nutritional Indicator Related to Gait Independence in Elderly Fracture Patients: A Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have reported the relationship between nutritional status and gait independence in elderly fracture patients. However, the degree to which nutritional indicators are related to gait independence is unclear. The purpose of this study is to calculate a cutoff value for a nutritional indicator related to gait independence in patients with hip and vertebral compression fractures.

METHOD

This study included 69 patients (33 hip fracture, 36 vertebral compression fracture) who underwent rehabilitation at a convalescent rehabilitation ward. The relationships between nutritional indexes (Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form [MNAⓇ-SF] and skeletal muscle mass index [SMI] ) at admission and gait independence at discharge were analyzed using logistic regression. In addition, receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to calculate a cutoff value that predicts gait independence.

RESULTS

Among the nutritional indicators used in this study, only MNAⓇ-SF was significantly able to predict gait independence at discharge, and this association was maintained, even after adjustment for confounders. The calculated MNAⓇ-SF cutoff values were 5.5 (sensitivity 100%, specificity 46.3%) and 7.5 points (sensitivity 67.9%, specificity 78.0%).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that MNAⓇ-SF may be an index for predicting gait independence in patients with hip or vertebral compression fractures in the convalescent rehabilitation ward. The cutoff values calculated in this study were simple and useful index for physical therapists to interpret the results of MNAⓇ-SF.

Hip fractures in elderly patients with non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease: Outcomes in a Southeast Asian population

ABSTRACT

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes bone and mineral disorders and alterations in vitamin D metabolism that contribute to greater skeletal fragility. Hip fracture in elderly is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of elderly patients with non-dialysis dependent CKD and hip fracture undergoing surgery.Retrospective study with IRB approval of patients above 65 years of age, with hip fractures admitted between June 2014 to June 2016 in a Southeast Asian cohort. Data collected included demographic variables and the haematological and biochemical parameters HBA1c, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum calcium, phosphorous, and 25(OH) Vitamin D. Co-morbidities investigated were ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, malignancy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebro vascular accident, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. All patients were followed up from index date to either death or June 1, 2018.Of the 883 patients, 725 underwent surgery and 334 had CKD. Death rates for CKD patients with hip fractures and those with normal renal function did not differ significantly [8.08% vs 6.54%, (HR= 1.33, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.86; P = .102)], whilst median hospital length of stay was significantly higher in CKD patients [10.5 vs 9.03 days (P = .003)]. Significant risk factors associated with higher risk of mortality in the elderly with hip fracture were male gender, age ≥80 years and serum albumin < 30 g/L (all, P < .0001).In summary, in elderly, non-dialysis dependent CKD patient with hip fracture we found that male gender, age ≥80 years, low serum albumin and eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 were associated with higher risk of death. The hospital stay in the CKD group was also longer. Additional studies are needed to validate our findings.

Orthogeriatric Management: Improvements in Outcomes during Hospital Admission Due to Hip Fracture

Hip fractures are an important socio-economic problem in western countries. Over the past 60 years orthogeriatric care has improved the management of older patients admitted to hospital after suffering hip fractures. Quality of care in orthogeriatric co-management units has increased, reducing adverse events during acute admission, length of stay, both in-hospital and mid-term mortality, as well as healthcare and social costs. Nevertheless, a large number of areas of controversy regarding the clinical management of older adults admitted due to hip fracture remain to be clarified. This narrative review, centered in the last 5 years, combined the search terms "hip fracture", "geriatric assessment", "second hip fracture", "surgery", "perioperative management" and "orthogeriatric care", in order to summarise the state of the art of some questions such as the optimum analgesic protocol, the best approach for treating anemia, the surgical options recommendable for each type of fracture and the efficiency of orthogeriatric co-management and functional recovery.

Post-discharge complications in postoperative patients with hip fracture

Hip fractures often occur in elderly people and are a major global health challenge causing many consequences, both in health and socioeconomic costs. This review aimed to identify complications that occur in patients with postoperative hip fracture between 30 days and 60 months after discharge. This review was conducted on articles published from 2005 to 2017 obtained from the EBSCO, PubMed, ProQuest and Google Scholar databases. The literature search followed PRISMA Guidelines. Key search words included the terms: hip fracture, complication, postoperative, community, and nursing. Articles were considered eligible if discussed the complications of hip fracture with surgical treatment, occurring post hospital discharge and the patient was in the community. In this review, 23 articles were included that met the inclusion criteria. There were 16 articles that cohort studies, 3 were retrospective studies, 3 were randomized control trials and 1 article was an observational study. The time of observation varied from 30 days to the longest of 5 years. Quality assessment of the levels of evidence used the Oxford CEBM recommendations. The review results found that postoperative hip fracture patients after discharge still experienced various complications after 30 days and up to 1-3 years post-operation.

Rapid nutritional assessment and intervention in orthopedic rehabilitation patients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of early nutritional assessment and nutritional intervention on outcomes of older adult patients after discharge from an acute care hospital following fall related fracture.

METHODS

This was a feasibility pilot study with post intervention data. One group pretest-posttest study design was implemented. All participants were admitted to a rehabilitation facility in the Southwestern US after a fall related fracture.

MEASURES

Discharge destination, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

A total of 69% of the participants were discharged home. Total FIM scores improved (p<0.01). No significant association was identified between prealbumin change and total FIM change. Patients who had improved prealbumin experienced improved FIM and shorter LOS; however, no significant correlations were determined between LOS and prealbumin change.

CONCLUSION

Nutritional interventions are important for recovery during rehabilitation of a fall-related fracture.

SUMMARY

This project supports early nutritional evaluation and intervention for older adult patients after major orthopedic procedure. Participants who received early intervention had improved outcomes. (194 characters).

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with reduced mobility after hip fracture surgery: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality, and successful ambulation after surgery is an important outcome in this patient population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration or the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is associated with mortality or rates of walking in a patient cohort after hip fracture surgery.

METHODS

Patients undergoing hip fracture repair from a multisite study in North America were included. Mortality and mobility were assessed at 30 and 60 d after surgery. Serum albumin, 25(OH)D, and intact parathyroid hormone were measured. Patients were characterized according to 25(OH)D <12 ng/mL, 12 to <20 ng/mL, 20 to <30 ng/mL, or ≥30 ng/mL. GNRI was categorized into major/moderate nutritional risk (<92), some risk (92 to <98), or in good nutritional status (≥98).

RESULTS

Of the 290 patients [aged 82 ± 7 y, BMI (kg/m2): 25 ± 5], 73% were women. Compared with patients with <12 ng/mL, those with higher 25(OH)D concentrations had higher rates of walking at 30 d (P = 0.031): 12 to <20 ng/mL (adjusted OR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.13, 5.99); 20 to <30 ng/mL (3.48; 1.53, 7.95); ≥30 ng/mL (2.84; 1.12, 7.20). In addition, there was also greater mobility at 60 d (P = 0.028) in patients with higher 25(OH)D compared with the reference group (<12 ng/mL). Poor nutritional status (GNRI <92) showed an overall trend to reduce mobility (unadjusted P = 0.044 and adjusted P = 0.056) at 30 but not at 60 d. There was no association of vitamin D or GNRI with mortality at either time.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/mL) is associated with reduced ambulation after hip fracture surgery, whereas GNRI also contributes to immobility but is a less reliable predictor. Mechanisms that can explain why vitamin D deficiency is associated with mobility should be addressed in future studies.

Hip Fracture Patients in Geriatric Rehabilitation Show Poor Nutritional Status, Dietary Intake and Muscle Health

The aim of this study was to gain insight into the nutritional status, dietary intake and muscle health of older Dutch hip fracture patients to prevent recurrent fractures and to underpin rehabilitation programs. This cross-sectional study enrolled 40 hip fracture patients (mean ± SD age 82 ± 8.0 years) from geriatric rehabilitation wards of two nursing homes in the Netherlands. Assessments included nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment), dietary intake on three non-consecutive days which were compared with Dietary Reference Intake values, and handgrip strength. Muscle mass was measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and ultrasound scans of the rectus femoris. Malnutrition or risk of malnutrition was present in 73% of participants. Mean energy, protein, fibre and polyunsaturated fat intakes were significantly below the recommendations, while saturated fat was significantly above the UL. Protein intake was <0.8 in 46% and <1.2 g/(kg·day) in 92%. Regarding micronutrients, mean intakes of calcium, vitamin D, potassium, magnesium and selenium were significantly below the recommendations. The prevalence of low muscle mass, low handgrip strength and sarcopenia were 35, 27 and 10%, respectively. In conclusion, a poor nutritional status, dietary intake and muscle health are common in older hip fracture patients in geriatric rehabilitation wards.

Hip fractures in South Africa: mortality outcomes over 12 months post-fracture

With increased urbanisation and longevity in sub-Saharan Africa, the burden of osteoporosis and resultant hip fractures (HF) has increased. This study shows that 1 in 3 subjects dies post-HF, and that there are significant delays and barriers to surgery, reflecting the need to prioritise HF care in South Africa.

PURPOSE

The outcomes following hip fractures are unknown in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to quantify the mortality rate (MR) following hip fractures and to identify predictors of mortality over 1 year.

METHODS

In this cohort study, demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics of consecutive patients with low trauma hip fractures, admitted to the five public sector hospitals in eThekwini (formerly Durban), were recorded. Cox regression analyses identified predictors of mortality at 30 days and 1 year.

RESULTS

In the 200 hip fracture patients studied, the mean age was 74.3 years (SD ± 8.8) and 72% were female. Hospital presentation was often delayed, only 15.5% presented on the day of fracture. At admission, 69.5% were anaemic, 42% had hyponatraemia, 34.5% raised creatinine, and 58.5% hypoalbuminaemia. All received skin traction before 173 (86.5%) underwent surgical fixation. Median time from admission to surgery was 19.0 days (IQR 12.3-25.0). Median hospital stay was 9.0 days (IQR 12.3-25.0). Mortality rates were 13% and 33.5% at 30 and 365 days, respectively. Over 1 year, African patients were more likely to die than Indian patients (40.9 versus 30%, HR 11.5 [95% CI 1.51, 2.57]; p = 0.012); delays to surgery predicted death (HR 1.02 [95% CI (1.00, 1.04)]; p = 0.022). In multivariate analyses, death at 1 year was most strongly predicted by an elevated serum creatinine (HR 2.43, 95% CI (1.02, 5.76), p = 0.044].

CONCLUSION

Hip fractures are associated with high MRs, in part explained by insufficient surgical capacity, highlighting the need for national efforts to improve hip fracture service provision.

Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Its Association with Functional Independence, Quality of Life and In-Hospital Course of Recovery in Elderly Patients with Proximal Femur Fractures: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Physical activity in elderly patients is crucial for recovery from proximal femoral fractures. Considering the limited possibilities for objective measurement, we aimed to evaluate the use of an accelerometer in this population to determine activity's association with functional independence, quality of life, and course of recovery.

Methods

52 patients undergoing operative treatment for proximal femur fractures (81.3 ± 7.5 years) were included in a prospective cohort study. 12 patients with fall but without fracture of the lower extremities (80.8 ± 9.5 years) served as control. An Axivity AX3 tracker continuously recorded signal vector magnitudes during the hospital stay. Additionally, 2 ± 1 and 8 ± 3 days (time point 1 and 2) after operation EuroQol-5D and Barthel-20 indices were evaluated.

Results

Physical activity increased in all patients with time. Multiple regression analyses revealed that a high Barthel-20 before fracture, a low age, a high body mass index, high albumin, and low C-reactive protein levels were independent predictors for high physical activity at time point 1 (p < 0.05). Physical activity correlated significantly with EuroQol-5D and Barthel-20 at time point 1 and 2 (p < 0.02). Furthermore, physical activity at time point 1 predicted EuroQol-5D, physical activity, and Barthel-20 at time point 2 (p < 0.01). A multiple regression demonstrated equal physical activity in patients with or without a hip fracture.

Conclusions

Accelerometer signals correlate with postoperative physical activity, Barthel-20 and quality of life in elderly patients. Physical activity is thereby positively influenced by a high prefall functional independence and a good nutrition status. A timely and adequate operation provided, there is no difference between patients with or without a fracture. This trial is registered with DRKS 00011934 on 10^th April 2017.

[Functional and clinical outcomes in patients admitted to nursing homes after hip fractures. Implementation of a multi-level intervention program]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and functional outcomes of patients discharged to nursing homes after a hip fracture.

METHODS

The study included all patients admitted to a group of nursing homes after a hip fracture in 2016. A geriatric assessment protocol was applied, and patients were treated with a specific protocol for 90 days. They were assessed for nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Assessment and Body Mass Index), pain (Visual Analogue Scale, and the PAINAD Scale), the presence of pressure ulcers, blood test (D vitamin, haemoglobin, proteins), and functional status (Barthel index and Functional Assessment Categories).

RESULTS

Out of a total of 175 patients, 116 (75%) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 84.9 years old (±6.7 SD), and 91 (78.4%) were women. At admission, 73.8% of 65 residents had anaemia, 76.7% hypovitaminosis D, 88% malnutrition or «at risk of malnutrition», and 15.3% had pressure ulcers. After 90 days, the moderate-severe functional status (Barthel index < 60) was reduced from 90.4 to 39.6%, dependence due to gait from 97.3 to 36.1%, and moderate-severe pain from 88.9 to 14.4%. Most of the pressure ulcers healed (94.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients admitted to nursing homes after a hip fracture had poor clinical and functional status. This study shows that after 90 days from admission these patients had positive outcomes in terms of functionality, gait, pain control, and pressure ulcers healing.

Predictors of poor functional outcomes and mortality in patients with hip fracture: a systematic review

Background

Hip fracture is an important and prevalent medical condition associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this article is to systematically review and summarise the predictors of poor functional outcomes and mortality for patients with hip fractures.

Methods

We conducted a systemic literature search using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. We included English peer-reviewed cohort studies that examined predictors of poor functional outcomes (such as independence in Activities of Daily Living) and mortality for patients with hip fracture published in the past 15 years (from 1 Jan 2004 up to 30 May 2019). Two independent researchers evaluated the articles for eligibility. Consensus on the eligibility was sought and a third researcher was involved if there was disagreement. A standardised form was used to extract relevant data. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies.

Results

We retrieved 4339 and included 81 articles. We identified two emerging predictors of poor functional outcomes and mortality for patients with hip fractures: low hand grip strength and frailty in line with an emerging concept of “physical performance”. The predictors identified in this systematic review can be grouped into 1) medical factors, such as presence of co-morbidities, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, sarcopenia, 2) surgical factors including delay in operation (e.g. > 48 h), type of fracture s, 3) socio-economic factors which include age, gender, ethnicity, and 4) system factors including lower case-volume centers.

Conclusions

This systematic review identified multiple significant predictors of poor functional outcomes and mortality, with the hand grip strength and frailty being important emerging predictors in the most recent literature. These predictors would further inform healthcare providers of their patients’ health status and allow for early intervention for modifiable predictors.

Changes in Nutritional Status and Musculoskeletal Health in a Geriatric Post-Fall Care Plan Setting

Understanding how changes in nutritional status influence musculoskeletal recovery after falling remains unclear. We explored associations between changes in nutritional status and musculoskeletal health in 106 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years, who attended the Falls and Fractures Clinic at Sunshine Hospital in St Albans, Australia after falling. At baseline and after 6 months, individuals were assessed for Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA^®), grip strength, gait speed, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and bone turnover marker levels. Associations were examined using multiple linear regression, adjusted for baseline covariates and post-fall care plans. Over 6 months, the prevalence of malnutrition or risk thereof decreased from 29% to 15% using MNA <24/30. Specifically, 20 individuals (19%) improved, 7 (7%) deteriorated, and 73 (69%) maintained nutritional status, including 65 (61%) who remained well-nourished and 8 (8%) who remained malnourished/at risk. A 1-point increase in MNA score over 6 months was associated with an increase of 0.20 points (95% confidence interval 0.10, 0.31, p < 0.001) in SPPB score. Improvement in nutritional status was associated with improvement in physical performance, providing a basis for interventional studies to ascertain causality and evaluate nutritional models of care for post-fall functional recovery in older adults.

Prognostic Role of Serum Albumin, Total Lymphocyte Count, and Mini Nutritional Assessment on Outcomes After Geriatric Hip Fracture Surgery: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture is a significant health risk for older adults and malnutrition indicates hip fracture risk.

METHODS

We evaluated whether nutrition status could predict clinical outcomes and mortality after hip fracture surgery in older adults. MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published until July 1, 2018, in patients with serum albumin or total lymphocyte count (TLC) at admission, nutritional status by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and in-hospital follow-up. Data extracted were analyzed using random-effects or fixed-effects models.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies with 34,363 adults aged 74-85 years receiving hip fracture surgery were eligible for inclusion. Among these studies, 13 were screened for low albumin, 4 were evaluated for TLC, and 4 for nutritional status by MNA. Hypoalbuminemia was significantly associated with higher total mortality and higher risk of in-hospital death (both P < .001). Low TLC and MNA results "at risk of malnutrition" (hazard ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval = 1.28-2.18) and "malnourished" nutritional status (hazard ratio, 2.65; 95% CI = 1.81-3.88) also were significantly associated with higher total mortality (all P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Low serum albumin level is a sole indicator for increased risk of in-hospital death, postoperative complications, and total mortality after hip fracture surgery in older adults. Low TLC and malnutrition classified by MNA predict increased mortality. These indicators provide valuable prognostic information and routine use may be prudent.

Poor nutritional status but not cognitive or functional impairment per se independently predict 1 year mortality in elderly patients with hip-fracture

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hip fractures are strongly associated with mortality in the elderly. Studies investigating predisposing factors have suggested a negative impact of poor nutritional, cognitive and functional status on patient survival, however their independent prognostic impact as well as their interactions remain undefined. This study aimed to determine whether poor nutritional status independently predicts 1 year post-fracture mortality after adjusting for cognitive and functional status and for other clinically relevant covariates.

METHODS

1211 surgically treated hip fracture elderly (age ≥ 65) patients consecutively admitted to the Orthopaedic Surgery Unit of the "Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Trieste" (ASUITs), Cattinara Hospital, Trieste, Italy and managed by a dedicated orthogeriatric team. Pre-admission nutritional status was evaluated by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire, cognitive status by Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) and functional status by Activity of Daily Living (ADL) questionnaire. All other clinical data, including comorbidities, type of surgery, post-operative complications (delirium, deep vein thrombosis, cardiovascular complications, infections, need for blood transfusions) were obtained by hospital clinical records and by mortality registry.

RESULTS

Poor nutritional status (defined as MNA ≤23.5), increased cognitive and functional impairment were all associated with 3-, 6- and 12 month mortality (p < 0.001). Both cognitive and functional impairment were associated with poor nutritional status (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the association between nutritional status and 3-, 6- and 12- month mortality was independent of age, gender, comorbidities, type of surgery and post-operative complications as well as of cognitive and functional impairment (p < 0.001). In contrast, the associations between mortality and cognitive and functional impairment were independent (p < 0.001) of demographic (age, gender) and clinical covariates but not of malnutrition. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower mean survival time (p < 0.001) in patients with poor nutritional status compared with those well-nourished.

CONCLUSIONS

In hip fracture elderly patients, poor nutritional status strongly predicts 1 year mortality, independently of demographic, functional, cognitive and clinical risk factors. The negative prognostic impact of functional and cognitive impairment on mortality is mediated by their association with poor nutritional status.

Predictive value of the mini-nutritional assessment short form (MNA-SF) and nutritional risk screening (NRS2002) in hip fracture

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To examine Mini-Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA-SF) and Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002) as prognostic indicators of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), readmissions, mobility, living arrangements and mortality after hip fracture.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Population-based prospective data were collected on 265 consecutive hip fracture patients aged 65 and over. Nutritional status according to MNA-SF and NRS2002 was assessed on admission. Outcomes were postoperative complications, LOS, readmissions and mortality 1 and 4 months post fracture and changes in mobility level and living arrangements 4 months post fracture.

RESULTS

At baseline, 18 (7%) patients were malnourished and 108 (41%) at risk of malnutrition according to MNA-SF. According to NRS2002, 11 (4%) patients were at severe risk and 56 (21%) patients at moderate risk of malnutrition. Only MNA-SF predicted mortality, LOS and readmissions. Both instruments proved ineffective in predicting changes in mobility level and living arrangements.

CONCLUSIONS

MNA-SF is superior to NRS2002 in predicting short-term hip fracture outcomes.

Nutritional status in patients aged over 65 years and its influence on the quantity and type of complications occurring 3, 6 and 12 months after hospitalisation: a clinical prospective study

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition in hospitalised patients is associated with frequent complications and increased mortality. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal nutritional status in patients aged over 65 years with a diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and also to determine its relationship with the duration of hospitalisation and the incidence of complications over 3, 6 and 12 months of observation. A comparison was also made of diagnostic performance between the various classifications used to diagnose abnormal nutritional status.

METHODS

In total, 76 patients aged over 65 years with cardiovascular conditions were involved in the study. Abnormal nutritional status was identified on the basis of Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) test results, laboratory tests and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) nutritional status assessment criteria. During 3, 6 and 12 months of observation, data were collected concerning the number of re-hospitalisations and the presence of complications.

RESULTS

Abnormal nutritional status was reported in 78% of participants. Malnutrition, as diagnosed on the basis of laboratory findings and also on the basis of ESPEN criteria comprising the value of fat free mass index (FFMI), was significantly related to prolonged hospitalisation and an increased complication rate. The results of the MNA-SF test performed at baseline revealed no relationship with the incidence of complications during the first stage of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal nutritional status was a common phenomenon in the group of patients under investigation. The set of criteria for assessing the nutritional status that had the highest association with the duration of hospitalisation and the incidence of complications includes laboratory tests and ESPEN criteria comprising the value of FFMI.

Increasing Severity of Malnutrition Is Associated With Poorer 30-Day Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Low serum albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) have classically been used to identify malnutrition. The effect of increasing severity of malnutrition on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery has not been well delineated on a large scale.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Multicenter.

PATIENT/PARTICIPANTS

A total of 12,373 patients undergoing hip fracture surgery from 2006 to 2013 National Surgery Quality Improvement Project data were identified.

INTERVENTION

Patient demographic, comorbidity, and preoperative laboratory data and complication, reoperation, and readmission data were collected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the effect of increasing severity of malnutrition on rates of 30-day postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperations.

RESULTS

A total of 12,373 hip fractures met inclusion criteria. A total of 6506 (52.6%) patients had normal albumin levels (albumin ≥3.5 g/dL), 3205 (25.9%) patients were mildly malnourished (albumin 3.1-3.49 g/dL), 2265 (18.3%) were moderately malnourished (albumin 2.4-3.1 g/dL), and 397 (3.2%) patients were severely malnourished (albumin <2.4 g/dL). Mean age was similar between the 4 cohorts (P < 0.001). Severe malnutrition was associated with a 2-fold increase in the odds of postoperative complications and mortality when compared with mild malnutrition (P < 0.001). Increasing severity of malnutrition was associated with significantly longer lengths of stay and higher odds of experiencing a related readmission (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing severity of hypoalbuminemia is independently associated with poorer outcomes in the 30 days after hip fracture surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The fat mass index, not the fat-free mass index, is associated with impaired physical performance in older adult subjects: Evidence from a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Impaired physical performance (IPP) and physical disability (PD) are two serious public health problems in older adult populations worldwide. While studies show that changes in body composition are important risk factors for developing these conditions, there is little evidence that the fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) indices (FFMI and FMI, respectively) are associated with IPP in older men and women. This study assessed the association among FFMI, FMI, and IPP using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in Mexican men and women aged over 60 years.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 217 older people (men 34.6%, women 65.4%; 60-92 years). FFM and FM were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry, assuming a two-compartment model. FFM and FM were adjusted by height squared and the indices were obtained. After assessment of physical performance by SPPB, subjects with scores ≤6 were classified as having IPP. Associations were tested by multiple logistic regression analysis in separated models.

RESULTS

IPP prevalence was 14.3%. Women were affected more than men. Regression analysis showed no significant association between FFMI and IPP, but FMI was strongly-associated, as for each unit increase in FMI, the risk of IPP rose significantly (OR: 1.14), and this result remained significant after adjusting for age, comorbidity, polypharmacy, and the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (OR: 1.23; p ≤ 0.001). These results emphasize the importance of preventing increases in FM and avoiding overweight and obesity in older men and women.

Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short-Form as a useful method of predicting poor 1-year outcome in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery

AIM

The present study aimed to determine whether the Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) can predict the 1-year outcome of orthopedic fracture surgery in elderly patients.

METHODS

This 1-year prospective study assessed nutrition using the MNA-SF at baseline, and postoperatively at 6 and 12 months. Repeated measures analysis of covariance was used to examine functional change over time for two MNA-SF categories. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with forward stepwise modeling was carried out to identify risk factors of functional decline, emergency department visit, hospital readmission and mortality at follow up.

RESULTS

There were 312 participants, 11 of whom died (3.53%) during 1-year follow up. The mean age was 74.04 ± 7.65 years. A total of 88.1% and 11.9% of the participants were well nourished (MNA-SF 12-14 points) or at risk of undernutrition (0-11 points), respectively. For MNA-SF as a continuous variable, lower MNA-SF scores were associated with a significantly higher risk of emergency department visit at 6-month follow up, and mortality at 12-month follow up (emergency room visit, adjusted odds ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.63-0.96, P < 0.05; mortality, adjusted odds ratio 0.73, 95% CI 0.57-0.94, P < 0.05). No association was found between functional decline and hospital readmission, and MNA-SF scores. For MNA-SF categories, functional decline was more profound in patients at risk of undernutrition than in well-nourished patients, especially 6-12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The MNA-SF could be an effective and non-invasive preoperative screening tool to predict functional decline, emergency department visit and mortality during the year after surgery. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2361-2368.

Rapid Geriatric Assessment of Hip Fracture

A comprehensive geriatric assessment, combined with a battery of imaging and blood tests, should be able to identify those hip fracture patients who are at higher risk of short- and long-term complications. This comprehensive assessment should be followed by the implementation of a comprehensive multidimensional care plan aimed to prevent negative outcomes in the postoperative period (short and long term), thus assuring a safe and prompt functional recovery while also preventing future falls and fractures.

Comparison of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment short and long form and serum albumin as prognostic indicators of hip fracture outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Malnutrition is common among older hip fracture patients and associated with adverse outcomes. We examined Mini Nutritional Assessment short (MNA-SF) and long form (MNA-LF) and serum albumin as prognostic indicators of mobility, living arrangements and mortality after hip fracture.

METHODS

Population-based prospective data were collected on 594 hip fracture patients aged 65 and over. MNA-SF, MNA-LF and serum albumin were assessed on admission. Outcomes were poorer mobility; transfer to more assisted living accommodation and mortality one month, four months and one year post fracture. Logistic regression analyses for mobility and living arrangements with odds ratios (OR) and Cox proportional hazards model for mortality with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used, adjusted for age, gender, ASA grade and fracture type.

RESULTS

All measures predicted mortality at all time-points. Risk of malnutrition and malnutrition measured by MNA-LF predicted mobility and living arrangements within four months of hip fracture. At one year, risk of malnutrition predicted mobility and malnutrition predicted living arrangements, when measured by MNA-LF. Malnutrition, but not risk thereof, measured by MNA-SF predicted living arrangements at all time-points. None of the measures predicted one-month mobility.

CONCLUSIONS

All measures were strong indicators of short- and long-term mortality after hip fracture. MNA-LF was superior in predicting mobility and living arrangements, particularly at four months. All measures were relatively poor in predicting short-term outcomes of mobility and living arrangements.

Nutritional Aspects of Bone Health and Fracture Healing

INTRODUCTION

Fractures are quite common, especially among the elderly. However, they can increase in prevalence in younger ages too if the bone health is not good. This may happen as a result of bad nutrition.

METHODS

A customized, retrospective review of available literature was performed using the following keywords: bone health, nutrition, and fractures.

RESULTS

Insufficient intake of certain vitamins, particularly A and D, and other nutrients, such as calcium, may affect bone health or even the time and degree of bone healing in case of fracture. The importance of different nutrients, both dietary and found in food supplements, is discussed concerning bone health and fracture healing.

CONCLUSION

A healthy diet with adequate amounts of both macro- and micronutrients is essential, for both decreasing fracture risk and enhancing the healing process after fracture.

The multidisciplinary management of hip fractures in older patients

Older patients presenting with hip fractures are some of the frailest and sickest patients in hospital. In addition to complex medical problems and comorbidities, they have to overcome the additional physiological challenges posed by the hip fracture itself, and subsequent surgery. Hip fracture associated morbidity and mortality at one year remains high. Published guidelines stress the need for a multidisciplinary approach and the importance of the care environment for good outcomes. A combined management approach identifies and addresses not only the surgical but also the complex analgesic, medical, cognitive, nutritional, social and rehabilitation needs of our patients, thereby improving outcome for our patients.