The Particulars: Nutritional deficits have been linked topoor outcomes in geriatric patients who are hospitalized with pneumonia. Few studies have explored the role of time spent in the ED and the effects of not receiving enough calories during ED stays in this patient population.
Data Breakdown: An analysis of 478 patients aged 62 or older with a primary diagnosis of pneumonia was performed. Researchers found that 30 patients died in the hospital and only 58 received food in the ED. Of those who died, none received enough calories before leaving the ED. The average albumin was 2.75 g/dl for those who died, compared with 3.1 g/dl for those who lived.
Take Home Pearl: In-hospital mortality appears to be negatively impacted by initial low albumin levels and inadequate caloric intake during ED stays among geriatric patients diagnosed with pneumonia.
