Abstract

Background: In this study, we examined whether assessment, including Calf circumference (CC), could predict feeding and swallowing function at discharge in elderly patients hospitalized for pneumonia.

Method: The subjectswere selected frompneumonia patients admitted to Matsusaka Municipal Hospital from October 2019 to March 2021. The 120  patients (median age of the subjects: 86 years; male/female ratio: 73/47) who did not meet the discontinuation or exclusion criteria were included. The subjects were classified into the following two groups according to the score on the FOIS at discharge: one group of patients who could not eat a normal diet by the time of discharge (FOIS: 1–5) and another group of patients who could eat a normal diet at discharge (FOIS: 6, 7). Statistical analysiswas examined using univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis.

Result: Logistic regression analysis was performed with the patient's ability/inability to eat a normal diet at discharge as the dependent variable and age, cerebrovascular disease, the Mann assessment of swallowing ability (MASA), Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and CC, which showed significant differences in univariate analysis, as independent variables. Model A identified the odds ratio of having cerebrovascular disease, MMSE, and SMI. Model B identified MMSE and CC as being independent predictors of the ability of the patients to eat a normal diet at discharge.

Conclusion: CC may be a useful predictor of the ability for normal oral dietary intake at discharge in elderly patients hospitalized for pneumonia.