Nutritional Intervention Reduces Malnutrition Mortality – Espen
- The Spanish Association of Manufacturers and Distributors of Enteral Nutrition Products (AENE) is advocating for increased awareness and proactive management of disease-related malnutrition (DRE).
- According to Irene Boj, president of AENE, "DRE is very prevalent among vulnerable patients, including those with cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.It significantly reduces the ability to...
- DRE is a widespread clinical condition affecting both hospitalized patients and individuals within the community, yet it remains largely underrecognized as a public health concern.
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Malnutrition in Disease: AENE Highlights Prevalence and Importance of Clinical Nutrition
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The Spanish Association of Manufacturers and Distributors of Enteral Nutrition Products (AENE) is advocating for increased awareness and proactive management of disease-related malnutrition (DRE). AENE emphasizes the critical role of adequate clinical nutrition in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.
According to Irene Boj, president of AENE, “DRE is very prevalent among vulnerable patients, including those with cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.It significantly reduces the ability to respond to treatment, prolongs hospital stays, increases readmission rates, and elevates mortality.” she stresses the need for greater attention to malnutrition and the integration of clinical nutrition into patient recovery and care plans.
DRE is a widespread clinical condition affecting both hospitalized patients and individuals within the community, yet it remains largely underrecognized as a public health concern. It commonly affects patients battling complex or serious illnesses, negatively impacting their clinical progression and overall quality of life. The Spanish ‘Predyces’ study revealed that up to 24% of patients are at nutritional risk upon hospital admission (AENE, Predyces Study).
As explained by Ballesteros, “DRE, stemming from insufficient nutrient intake or loss during illness, leads to weight loss, diminished skeletal muscle mass, physical and mental dysfunction, and worsened clinical outcomes. Malnutrition exacerbates the course of almost any disease, making early and intensive nutritional intervention essential for these patients.”
DRE isn’t simply about not eating enough. It’s a complex metabolic response to illness,characterized by inflammation and altered nutrient utilization. This can lead to a cascade of negative effects,including:
- Muscle Loss (Sarcopenia): weakens the body and impairs physical function.
- Immune Dysfunction: Increases susceptibility to infections.
- Delayed Wound Healing: Prolongs recovery time.
- Reduced Quality of Life: Impacts mental and emotional well-being.
Identifying patients at risk is the first step. Tools like the Malnutrition Worldwide Screening Tool (MUST) (British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition – MUST) can help healthcare professionals quickly assess nutritional status.
The Role of Clinical Nutrition
Clinical nutrition involves the assessment of a patient’s nutritional needs and the development of a tailored plan to meet those needs. This may include:
- Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS): Convenient way to boost calorie and protein intake.