The prevalence of malnutrition in elderly hip fracture patients.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of protein and energy malnutrition in elderly patients with a fracture of the proximal femur, in New Zealand. METHODS: Consecutive elderly patients (65 years and over) admitted to Christchurch Hospital with a fracture of the proximal femur over a four-month period were recruited. Nutritional indices were measured within three days of admission. These included triceps skinfold thicknesses, mid upper arm circumference, serum albumin and pre-albumin. RESULTS: Forty-two per cent of patients had at least two, and nine per cent had three, indicators of protein and energy malnutrition present on admission. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of malnutrition between young old ( Language: en