Prise en charge de la dénutrition chez les personnes âgées : quoi de neuf depuis les recommandations de l'HAS en 2007 ?

Malnutrition is a major concern among the elderly. Its prevalence is high and its consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality are severe. The “Haute Autorité de santé” (French health authority) published clinical practice guidelines in 2007, concerning nutritional support strategy in protein-energy malnutrition in the elderly. These guidelines are to be used by all health professionals that take care of elderly patients. Situations that put elderly subjects at risk for malnutrition are described. These guidelines include screening tools and strategies, and criteria for diagnosis of malnutrition. A general strategy for nutritional support is proposed, with a full description of the practical aspects of oral nutrition support (dietary counseling, enriched food, and nutritional supplements). Indications for enteral and parenteral nutrition are explained. Lastly, it is important to organize coordination between health professionals around the management of nutritional support. We propose to recall the principles of these guidelines and to add clinically relevant data from the literature that has been published since 2007.