White et al reported criteria for the diagnosis of adult malnutrition. One set of criteria is intended for evaluation of a patient with acute illness. The authors are from University of Tennessee, Pennsylvania State University, Mt. Carmel West Hospital Columbus and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Patient selection: adult with acute illness or injury
Parameters:
(1) energy intake
(2) weight loss
(3) body fat
(4) muscle mass
(5) fluid accumulation
(6) grip strength
Parameter
Moderate Malnutrition
Severe Malnutrition
energy intake
< 75% of estimated requirements for > 7 days
<= 50% of estimated requirements for >= 5 days
weight loss
1-2% at 1 week; 5% at 1 month
5% at 1 week; 7.5% at 1 month
loss of body fat
mild
moderate or severe
loss of muscle mass
mild
moderate or severe
fluid accumulation
mild
moderate or severe
grip strength
NA
measurably reduced
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