The risk of malnutrition in patients with spinal cord injury during inpatient rehabilitation–A longitudinal cohort study

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) show an increased risk of malnutrition. Studies found that about 50% of patients with a recent SCI are affected by malnutrition when they enter a rehabilitation institution. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of malnutrition in individuals with SCI 3 months post injury and at the end of inpatient rehabilitation and to identify factors associated with a high risk of malnutrition. Based on these findings and the known negative impact of malnutrition on clinical outcomes, the awareness of malnutrition should be increased in the population with SCI.

• 1
  Of the 252 participants included, 62% were at risk for malnutrition 3 months post injury and 40% at discharge (p = 0.000).
• 2
  The highest odds for an increased risk at 3 months post injury was identified in ventilator-dependent persons (OR 10.2). At discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, pressure injury (OR 16.3) was the most prominent risk factor.
• 3
  In the population with SCI the risk of malnutrition is widespread during inpatient rehabilitation, but also at discharge.