Description
Malnutrition is widely prevalent in the UK, both in hospitals and the community, more so amongst patients who are elderly and institutionalised. It carries with it a greater morbidity and mortality. Earlier detection could reverse this trend. Methods used to assess malnutrition begin at the bedside or consulting room with a proper history (including a dietary assessment) and physical examination, while biochemical and anthropometric tests are commonly employed by most physicians. Dynamometry and body composition assessments are undertaken mainly in research centres. No single test is useful by itself and should be interpreted in the context of all other measurements. Shortfalls are present with many of these tests which the physician should be aware of.
