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Artificial nutrition support 

Artificial nutrition support
Chapter:
Artificial nutrition support
Author(s):

Jeremy Woodward

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198746690.003.0224
Page of

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date: 27 February 2021

The prevalence and relevance of undernutrition in affluent societies is often unrecognized, but nutritional status significantly impacts outcomes in all disease states. Nutrition screening identifies patients at risk of undernutrition and should be carried out in hospitals and community: its components comprise past weight loss, current body mass index, and likely foreseeable nutritional challenges. A body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m2; weight loss of more than 10% over 6 months; or BMI of less than 20 kg/m2 with weight loss of more than 5% over 6 months, are all indicative of undernutrition. Nutrition support is indicated for malnourished patients or those at risk of undernutrition in view of inadequate oral intake or malabsorption. Timing of the intervention depends on the pre-existing nutritional status and the likelihood of restoring adequate intake.

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