Malnutrition in Joint Arthroplasty: Prospective Study Indicates Risk of Unplanned ICU Admission

Abstract

<br/> <br/><strong>Background: </strong>Malnutrition has been linked to poor outcomes after elective joint arthroplasty, but the risk of unplanned postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission in malnourished arthroplasty patients is unknown. <br/><strong>Methods: </strong>1098 patients were followed as part of a prospective risk stratification program at a tertiary, high-volume arthroplasty center. Chronic malnutrition was defined as preoperative albumin <br/><strong>Results: </strong>The overall incidence of malnutrition was 16.9% (primary and revision arthroplasty patients). Average BMI was highest for patients in albumin category 3.0-3.5 (BMI 35.7). Preoperative albumin postoperative ICU admission. <br/><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients with poor nutritional status must be counseled on the risks of adverse medical complications. <br/> <br/> <br/>