Description

White et al reported a simple tool for screening long-term pediatric inpatients for malnutrition. This can be used weekly to detect a deterioration in nutritional status. The authors are from Queensland Children's Hospital, Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland.


Patient selection: long-term pediatric inpatient

 

Rescreening questions:

(1) any reduction in nutritional/energy intake in the past 7 days (week)

(2) weight loss (any reduction in weight) in the past 7 days (week)

 

Responses: Yes or No

 

If either question has a "Yes" answer then a full nutrition assessment is performed.

 

Performance:

The first question has a sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 82%.

The second question has a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 88%.


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