Nutritional screening tools for hospitalized children: methodological considerations

Clin Nutr. 2014 Feb;33(1):1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2013.08.002. Epub 2013 Aug 31.

Abstract

Children who are admitted to the hospital are at a risk of developing undernutrition, especially children with an underlying disease. High percentages of both acute and chronic undernutrition have been reported in various Western countries for many years. Several nutritional screening tools have been developed for hospitalized children in the last years. This review gives an overview of the nutritional screening tools that are currently available with a focus on their aims, clinical use and validity.

Keywords: Children; Hospital; Nutritional screening tools; Nutritional status; Undernutrition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Hospitalized*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans
  • Malnutrition / diagnosis*
  • Nutrition Assessment*
  • Nutritional Status*
  • Risk Factors