Clinical outcomes and financial impacts of malnutrition in sepsis

Abstract

Background: In the United States in 2014 approximately 1.7 million adults were hospitalized with sepsis, resulting in about 270,000 deaths. Malnutrition in hospitalized patients contributes to increased morbidity, mortality, and costs, especially in the critically ill population.

Aim: Our goal was to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition in sepsis and the impact it has on clinical and financial outcomes in our most critically ill patients.

Methods: We implemented nutritional screening by a registered dietitian of 1000 patients admitted with sepsis to specialized care units. We calculated the prevalence of malnutrition, and compared outcomes including mortality, length of stay, and financial costs.

Results: About 10% of patients with sepsis admitted to our specialized care units were diagnosed with malnutrition on admission after implementation of mandatory assessment.

Conclusions: Although mortality did not reach statistical significance, these patients had more comorbidities, longer hospital stays, and higher total costs.

Keywords: Nutrition; critical illness; enteral nutrition; financial; sepsis.