Article Text
Abstract
We evaluated prevalence of MN risk, dietitian documented MN (DDMN), physician coded malnutrition (PCMN) in consecutive inpatients with solid tumors. EMR reviewed for admissions (2016–2019). High MN risk (≥2 on Malnutrition Screening Tool; MST) completed by an RN at admission. Dietitian notes examined DDMN/grade. PCMN based on discharge codes. Multivariate logistic regression models identified associations between clinicodemographic factors and MN prevalence. N=5143; 48% females. Median age 63 (range 18–102) years. 70% White; 24% Black. Common cancers: digestive system 25%, thoracic 19%. MST completed in 79%. Among those with MST≥2 (N=1,005), DDMN/PCMN prevalence 30% and 22%, respectively. In entire cohort, 8% DDMN; 7% PCMN; 4% both. DDMN mild 2%; moderate 16%; severe 66%. PCMN mild 10%; moderate 0%; severe 69%. Male gender (OR 1.3), Black race (OR 1.6), stage IV disease (v I–III) (OR 3.1), primary site independent predictors of DDMN; Black race (OR 1.5), stage IV disease (OR 2.7), primary site independent predictors of PCMN (p<0.05). 25% were at high risk for MN. Primary site, disease stage, race independent predictors of greater risk. MN appeared to be underdiagnosed.