Hospital-Acquired Malnutrition

Definition

A state of malnutrition resulting from insufficient nutritional intake or inadequate absorption during hospitalization, leading to loss of lean mass and alterations in biological functions. It is a major public health problem affecting recovery and clinical progression of patients.

How it works

Hospital-acquired malnutrition develops rapidly in hospitalized patients, particularly the elderly and those with chronic or severe acute diseases. It often results from periodic fasting for exams, low-quality meals, disease-related anorexia, or unmanaged swallowing disorders.

Role

Major hospital complication compromising recovery, increasing infectivity, and prolonging stay by reducing functional autonomy.

Examples

• Older patient hospitalized for hip fracture with reduced food intake
• Oncology: malnutrition due to treatments
• ICU: progressive malnutrition despite inadequate artificial nutrition
• Digestive surgery: rapid postoperative weight loss

Recommendations

Perform systematic nutritional screening at hospital admission using the MNA or MUST score. Implement early nutritional intervention (enriched meals, oral supplements, enteral or parenteral nutrition according to the situation). Regularly monitor weight, biological markers, and feeding efficacy to adjust prescription.

Key takeaway

Hospital-acquired malnutrition is a preventable and serious condition requiring systematic screening and early nutritional intervention to improve clinical outcomes.

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