Nutritional Status and Patient Traits Linked to Hospital Stay Length, Health Outcomes, and Survival in Older Adults

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on older adults aged 65 years and above who are acutely admitted to the hospital and may experience disease-related malnutrition DRM. DRM involves undernutrition or nutrient imbalances caused by illness and is linked to poorer healing, weaker immune response, slower recovery from chronic diseases, longer hospital stays, more readmissions, and higher mortality. The study aims to better understand the relationship between nutritional status, patient characteristics, and clinical outcomes in this population. Participants will be part of a geriatric cohort where detailed measurements will be taken, including body composition, nutritional screenings using multiple tools, functional tests, muscle strength, blood tests, and fecal swabs. Additional assessments include seismocardiography, indirect calorimetry, memory and orientation tests, and evaluations of frailty, sarcopenia, comorbidities, and polypharmacy. A portrait photo will also be taken. The study will explore how these factors relate to patient prognosis and aim to improve the identification of malnutrition-related risks. During the study, researchers will track the length of hospital stay from admission until discharge, monitor readmissions and acute hospital contacts within 30 days after discharge, and observe mortality within 90 days of admission. Data collected will be linked to patient registries to analyze these outcomes. Participants will undergo various assessments performed by research personnel, and their nutritional and physiological status will be carefully documented. The study is observational and will last until November 2028, with participation involving compliance with study information and understanding Danish language.

Nutritional Status and Patient Characteristics Upon Length of Stay, Clinical Outcome, and Survival in Older Hospitalized Patients