Coronavirus (COVID-19), advanced age, and malnutrition: A risky coexistence

Malnutrition is a more common nutritional disorder in older patients that causes negative reactions to normal human functions and is associated with high risk of infection, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and increased cost. Clinical observations have revealed that many older patients with COVID-19 are at risk of malnutrition or suffer from malnutrition. The aim of this case series was to evaluate 20 older patients with coronavirus, who suffered from malnutrition, and to examine the parameters likely contributing to malnutrition. This series included a total of 20 patients over 65 years of age, who were hospitalized for COVID 19 and had malnutrition according to the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) form applied during admission. The mean age of the patients was 75.5±8.7 (years) and the female/male ratio was 7/13. While only 6 patients had no comorbid disease, the others had coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and heart failure. Three patients were at risk of malnutrition (NRS <5); on the other hand, 17 patients were suffering from malnutrition (NRS ≥5). Advanced age, comorbidity, hypoalbuminemia, low lymphocyte count, and low hemoglobin and protein values were considered as risk factors for malnutrition in this case series performed in COVID 19 patients. The relationship of these findings with mortality could not be determined. © 2020, Full Universe Integrated Marketing Limited. All rights reserved.