Therapeutic Research

Abstract

Introduction:The relationship between nutritional status and physical function in pneumonia patients remains unclear. This study investigated this association in older adults with pneumonia, classifying them based on their Mini Nutritional Assessment Short‒Form scores into undernourished(0‒7 points)and at‒risk(8‒11 points)groups. We hypothesized that physical function would be lower in the undernourished group, that lower leg and upper arm circumference would be useful in determining undernutrition, and that survival would be lower with undernutrition and low body mass index(BMI). 　　Methods:Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of malnutrition, incorporating significant variables. Additionally, 2‒year mortality rates were examined in relation to BMI. We enrolled 141 patients, comprising 82 and 59 patients in the undernourished and at‒risk groups, respectively. 　　Results:The analysis identified BMI(odds ratio[OR], 1.416;p<0.05), maximum upper arm circumference(OR, 0.677;p<0.05), maximum lower leg circumference(OR, 1.259;p<0.05), and functional independence measure score at hospital admission(OR, 1.040;p<0.001)as independent predictors of undernutrition. BMI<18.5 kg/m2 was significantly associated with increased mortality(p<0.05). 　　Conclusion:Assessing physical function is crucial when determining treatment strategies for poor nutritional status.