PD102 - PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION AND SARCOPENIA: ANALYSIS OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT IN CLINICAL REHABILITATION

PD102

PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION AND SARCOPENIA: ANALYSIS OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT IN CLINICAL REHABILITATION

K. Šmid^1,*, K. Grašič Lunar¹, T. Kopač¹, E. Peklaj^1,2

¹University rehabilitation institute Republic of Slovenia-Soča, ²University of Ljubljana, Faculty of sports, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Rationale: Early identification of malnutrition and sarcopenia is critical, as they significantly impact treatment outcomes, hospital stay, and mortality. This study assessed their prevalence in rehabilitation and evaluated the consistency of nutritional therapy implementation.

Methods: This retrospective study of 557 adult rehabilitation patients assessed nutritional risk using Nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002) tool. Malnutrition was diagnosed via the Global leadership initiative on malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, and sarcopenia was identified through the fat-free mass index (FFMI), derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and handgrip strength. Statistical significance regarding age and biological sex was determined using the Chi-square test, which also evaluated the association between malnutrition diagnosis and therapy implementation.

Results: Nutritional risk (NRS-2002) was 71.4%, while malnutrition was confirmed in 74.8% of all patients. Sarcopenia was present in 33.1% of measurable cases and was significantly more frequent in females (46.2% vs. 31.5%; p<0,001) and patients aged 65 or older (38.0% vs 29.4%; p=0,033). No significant differences based on age or sex were found in NRS-2002 or malnutrition. Regarding nutritional support, high responsiveness was observed, as 88% of malnourished patients received appropriate therapy (p<0,001). The remaining 12% were primarily supported through food enrichment and dietary adjustments.

Conclusion: Nutritional risk and malnutrition are highly prevalent in rehabilitation, while sarcopenia affects one-third of patients, particularly females and the elderly. The high rate of therapy implementation demonstrates a strong clinical commitment to nutritional support; medical nutrition therapy was provided to 88% of malnourished patients, while the remaining 12% received nutritional support through food enrichment and dietary adjustments.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared