Muscle Measures and Nutritional Status at Hospital Admission Predict Survival and Independent Living of Older Patients - the EMPOWER Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Older adults with sarcopenia and malnutrition are at risk for co-morbidities, hospitalization, institutionalization, and mortality. In case of hospitalization, risks may be further increased, especially in case of suboptimal dietary intake. The aim of our study was to assess whether muscle mass, muscle strength, functional performance, and nutritional status at hospital admission were associated with survival and independent living among older patients three months after discharge.DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: The EMPOWER study was an observational, prospective and longitudinal inception cohort of patients older than 70 years admitted to the VU University Medical Centre in Amste..