Identifying reliable predictors of protein-energy malnutrition in hospitalized frail older adults: A prospective longitudinal study

Middle-upper arm circumference, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, and impaired self-feeding are easily obtainable indicators of impaired energy and protein intake and poor clinical outcomes. Such parameters should be adopted as screening criteria to assess the risk for critically reduced energy/protein intake in hospitalized older adults. These findings are relevant to improve clinical practice through the implementation of multidisciplinary strategies, given the adverse clinical outcomes related to hospital malnutrition.