Which factors influence the prevalence of institution-acquired falls? Results from an international, multi-center, cross-sectional survey.

PURPOSE: Falls are a highly prevalent problem in hospitals and nursing homes with serious negative consequences such as injuries, increased care dependency, or even death. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive insight into institution-acquired fall (IAF) prevalence and risk factors for IAF in a large sample of hospital patients and nursing home residents among five different countries. DESIGN: This study reports the outcome of a secondary data analysis of cross-sectional data collected in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom in 2017 and 2018. These data include 58,319 datapoints from hospital patients and nursing home residents. METHODS: Descriptive statistics, statistical tests, logistic regression, and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to analyze the data. FINDINGS: IAF prevalence in hospitals and nursing homes differed significantly between the countries. Turkey (7.7%) had the highest IAF prevalence rate for hospitals, and Switzerland (15.8%) had the highest IAF prevalence rate for nursing homes. In hospitals, our model revealed that IAF prevalence was associated with country, age, care dependency, number of medical diagnoses, surgery in the last two weeks, and fall history factors. In nursing homes, care dependency, diseases of the nervous system, and fall history were identified as significant risk factors for IAF prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale study reveals that the most important IAF risk factor is an existing history of falls, independent of the setting. Whether a previous fall has occurred within the last 12 months is a simple question that should be included on every (nursing) assessment at the time of patient or resident admission. Our results guide the development of tailored prevention programs for persons at risk of falling in hospitals and nursing homes.

Indications, effectiveness and safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: A single center experience and literature review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been widely used since 1980 in enteral feeding of patients that are not able to be fed orally for a long time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the PEG indications, effectiveness and PEG related complications from a single center in Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: 265 patients with PEG who were followed up by the clinical nutrition team of a university hospital between 2010-2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002) test, anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis and laboratory data were used to evaluate the patients' nutritional status. RESULTS: The most common indications for PEG were dementia (35.1%), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (22.6%), stroke (15.8%), and cancer (14%). The mean body weight of the patients was increased after PEG (63.5±12.2 vs 62.0±12.7 kg). Mid upper arm circumference and calf circumference of the patients increased after PEG (27.5±2.5 vs 25.4±3.1 cm and 32.2±7.9 vs 29.6±5.9 cm, respectively). Serum albumin of the patients was increased significantly after PEG (3.34±0.69 g/dL to 3.64±0.65 g/dL) without any significant change in serum CRP. Subgroup analyses showed a significant increase in the mean serum albumin of patients with dementia after PEG (3.23±0.67 g/dL to 3.54±0.58 g/dL). Local insertion site infection occurred in 15 patients (5.6%) and only 3 patients had systemic inflammatory symptoms after local infection (1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed that long-term enteral feeding with PEG is an effective and safe method that provides improvement in nutritional status.

Low skeletal muscle mass index is associated with function and nutritional status in residents in a Turkish nursing home.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the prevalence of low muscle mass (LMM) and the relationship between LMM with functional and nutritional status as defined using the LMM evaluation method of European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria among male residents in a nursing home. METHODS: Male residents aged >60 years of a nursing home located in Turkey were included in our study. Their body mass index (BMI) kg/m2, skeletal muscle mass (SMM-kg) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI-kg/m2) were calculated. The participants were regarded as having low SMMI if they had SMMI <9.2 kg/m2 according to our population specific cut-off point. Functional status was evaluated with Katz activities of daily living (ADL) and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Nutritional assessment was performed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The number of drugs taken and chronic diseases were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven male residents were enrolled into the study. Their mean age was 73.1 ± 6.7 years with mean ADL score of 8.9 ± 2.0 and IADL score of 8.7 ± 4.6. One hundred twelve (71%) residents were aged >70 years. Thirty-five men (23%) had low SMMI in group aged >60 years, and twenty-eight subjects (25%) in the group aged >70 years. MNA scores were significantly lower in residents with low SMMI compared with having normal SMMI (17.1 ± 3.4 versus 19.6 ± 2.5, p = 0.005). BMI was significantly lower in the residents with low SMMI compared with normal SMMI (19.6 ± 2.7 versus 27.1 ± 4.1, p< 0.001). ADL scores were significantly different between residents with low SMMI and normal SMMI in those aged >70 years (8.1 ± 2.6 versus 9.1 ± 1.6, p = 0.014). In regression analyses, the only factor associated with better functional status was the lower age (p = 0.04) while the only factor associated with better nutrition was higher SMMI (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Low SMMI detected by LMM evaluation method of EWGSOP criteria is prevalent among male nursing home residents. There is association of low SMMI with nutritional status and probably with functional status within the nursing home setting using the EWGSOP criteria with Turkish normative reference cut-off value.

Case report of fatal Mycobacterium tilburgii infection.

There are few reports concerning Mycobacterium tilburgii infection in humans because this bacterium is non-cultivatable. Herein, using new molecular techniques, we report the case of an immunocompromised patient with fatal disseminated lymphadenitis that was caused by M. tilburgii.26 years old Caucasian HIV negative female patient presented with abdominal pain. Her clinical assessment revealed disseminated lymphadenitis, that was acid fast bacilli positive. Further molecular evaluation showed the causative agent as M. tilburgii. Despite anti mycobacterial therapy and careful management of intervening complications patient died because of an intraabdominal sepsis. This is the first fatal M. tilburgii infection in the literature. This case points the importance of careful management of patient's immune status and intervening infections besides implementation of effective drug treatment.

Role of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the differentiation of benign retroperitoneal fibrosis from malignant neoplasm: preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) features and signal intensity values at T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for differential diagnosis of benign retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) and plaque-like retroperitoneal malignant neoplasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained for this retrospective study. Fifty-one patients with plaque-like confluent retroperitoneal soft-tissue masses were divided into three groups: group I, 25 patients with malignant RPF and retroperitoneal malignant neoplasm; group II, 16 patients with chronic RPF; and group III, 10 patients with active RPF. On T1-weighted (unenhanced and contrast material-enhanced), T2-weighted, and DWI (b = 1000 sec/mm(2)) images, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and quotients of postcontrast signal intensities between lesions and psoas muscle were evaluated. The χ(2) test was used to compare categorical values; one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare groups. RESULTS: Overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of DWI findings were 92% (23 of 25 patients), 62% (16 of 26 patients), 70% (23 of 33 patients), and 89% (16 of 18 patients), respectively. Mean ADC values were 0.79 ± 0.19 in group I, 1.43 ± 0.16 in group II, and 0.91 ± 0.14 in group III. When comparing values, differences between groups I and II (ADC values, P < .0001; DWI quotients, P < .0001; postcontrast quotients, P = .001) and groups II and III (ADC values, P < .0001; DWI quotients, P = .016; postcontrast quotients, P = .04) were significant. There was no significant difference between groups I and III or between the three groups when T2-weighted values were compared. CONCLUSION: ADC of chronic RPF was higher than that for active RPF or malignant RPF and retroperitoneal malignant neoplasm. DWI can contribute to differential diagnosis of chronic RPF and malignant neoplasms with RPF morphology. Lesions in the malignant group and active RPF group had similar enhancement patterns, while those in the chronic RPF group demonstrated less enhancement. Signal intensity values on T2-weighted images were not useful for differentiating these conditions.

Uncomplicated diabetes does not accelerate age-related sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is reported to accelerate sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass and function). We aimed to assess muscle mass and strength in elderly diabetics, elderly non-diabetics, younger diabetics and healthy subjects, and to define correlates of muscle mass and strength in these subjects. METHODS: Sixteen elderly diabetics, 16 younger diabetics, 16 elderly non-diabetics and 18 younger non-diabetics were included. Elderly and diabetic subjects were first evaluated with exercise testing. Isokinetic leg extension and flexion tests were performed using a Cybex 350 dynamometer. Muscle mass was calculated using bioelectric impedance analysis. RESULTS: Muscle mass was similar between all groups; however, muscle strength was significantly lower in diabetic and non-diabetic elderly subjects compared with younger diabetic subjects and non-diabetics. Muscle strength was positively correlated with albumin, metabolic equivalent and hemoglobin, and inversely correlated with age, HbA1c, functional capacity and CRP. Independent correlates of muscle strength were age and hemoglobin. There was no clinically significant correlate of muscle mass. Presence or duration of diabetes was not associated with muscle mass or strength. CONCLUSIONS: Uncomplicated diabetes does not seem to accelerate aging-related muscle mass or strength loss. Exercise test parameters may be useful markers in the screening of sarcopenia.

Is inferior vena caval filter an alternative treatment option for geriatric patients that cannot use anticoagulation therapy?

The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism has been increasing in the elderly because of hypercoagulability associated with aging. Age has also been identified as an independent risk factor for bleeding complications related to anticoagulation therapy. Inferior vena cava filters could be used as alternatives to anticoagulant therapy for the prevention of pulmonary embolism when anticoagulation is either contraindicated or ineffective. Here, we report two geriatric patients who had documented acute DVT and in whom inferior vena caval filter was used because of the patients have a contraindication to use an anticoagulation.

Limited utility of adipokine levels in the diagnosis of malnutrition in the elderly.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adipokine levels may have a role in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of malnutrition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between malnutrition score and leptin, other biological markers, and body mass index (BMI) in the diagnosis of malnutrition in the elderly. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, we enrolled subjects over 70 years. Exclusion criteria were diabetes mellitus, obvious thyroid disorders, significant edema, renal dysfunction, chronic liver disease, symptomatic cardiovascular diseases, and malignity. Patients' demographic and medical data were recorded and anthropometric measurements were performed. Laboratory parameters including leptin, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, IL-6, TNF-α were measured. We defined malnutrition according to mini nutritional assessment (MNA) scale. Patients were divided into four groups according to BMI quartiles. RESULTS: Average age of the patients was 81.9 ± 4.8 years, 68.2 % female and 31.8 % male. According to their MNA scores, 103 (66.9 %) were well nourished, 33 (21.4 %) were under malnutrition risk and 18 (11.7 %) were malnourished. MNA total and screening scores were positively correlated with albumin, BMI, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Serum leptin levels (ng/ml) were 18.9 ± 22.6, 22.3 ± 21.9, 51.9 ± 85.5, and 61.7 ± 56.1 in BMI groups 1-4, respectively. BMI was positively correlated with leptin and triglyceride levels. Leptin levels were similar among nutritional state groups. Neither BMI nor MNA scores had any significant correlation with adiponectin, ghrelin, IGF-1, or IGFBP-3. CONCLUSIONS: Adipokine levels do not seem to give relevant information in nutritional state assessment.

Corticosteroid treatment normalizes QTc prolongation and improves heart block in an elderly patient with anti-Ro-positive systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic disease which potentially involves various organs including the skin, joints, kidneys, liver, hematopoetic system, and serous membranes. It is rarely seen in elderly males. The most common cardiovascular involvement type is pericarditis. Anti-Ro antibodies may be associated with neonatal lupus which causes heart blocks. Recent literature indicates that anti-Ro antibodies may be associated with various rhythm and conduction disturbances in the adulthood. The most common finding associated with anti-Ro antibodies is prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval. Herein, we present an elderly male patient with anti-Ro-positive SLE associated with prolonged QTc interval and AV blocks that significantly improved after corticosteroid treatment.

The Knowledge of Malnutrition-Geriatric (KoM-G) 2.0 Questionnaire for Health Care Institutions: Cross-Cultural Adaptation into German, Czech, Dutch and Turkish.

It is necessary for nursing staff to have adequate knowledge of malnutrition in older people in order to provide high quality care. This study was conducted to update the Knowledge of Malnutrition-Geriatric (KoM-G) questionnaire to fit different settings and to cross-culturally adapt it to the German, Czech, Dutch and Turkish languages. In Part 1 of the study, the KoM-G questionnaire was updated and adapted for use in different settings. Content validation of the KoM-G 2.0 was carried out in a Delphi study with 16 experts. The final KoM-G 2.0 questionnaire consists of 16 items with a Scale Content Validity Index/Average of 94.5%. In Part 2, the English KoM-G 2.0 was cross-culturally adapted into the German, Czech, Dutch and Turkish languages. In the pilot test, between 96.9% (The Netherlands) and 97.8% (Austria) of the nursing staff rated the items as understandable. The KoM-G 2.0 is an up-to-date questionnaire with a highly satisfactory Content Validity Index. It was cross-culturally adapted into the German, Czech, Dutch, and Turkish languages, and the understandability was high. At the moment, the necessary comprehensive psychometric testing of the KoM-G 2.0 is in process. Afterwards it can be used to compare nurses' knowledge between various countries and settings.

Assessment of Tp-Te interval in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged Tp-Te interval is strongly associated with fatal ventricular arrhythmias and mortality. This association has been demonstrated in various diseases. However, the current literature does not give any information on Tp-Te interval in cardiac amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. METHODS: We retrospectively screened 116 cardiac AL amyloidosis patients and 35 patients were included in the study. Demographic, laboratory, 12-lead electrocardiographic (QTc, Tp-Te V1-V6) and transthoracic echocardiographic data of the patients were analysed and compared with 35 healthy controls. RESULTS: QTc and Tp-Te V2-V5 were significantly prolonged in the cardiac AL amyloidosis group (p < 0.05). Also, there was a positive and statistically significant correlation between the parameters of QTc and Tp-Te V3-V6, and also between the parameters of interventricular septum thickness at enddiastole and Tp-Te V2-V5. CONCLUSION: We present the first strong evidence of prolonged Tp-Te intervals in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis. There may also be a relationship between prolonged Tp-Te interval and the development of arrhythmia in this patient group, as in some other groups. There is a need for prospective studies examining the relationship of prolonged Tp-Te interval with arrhythmias and its prognostic significance in cardiac AL amyloidosis.

Olanzapine as a cause of peripheric edema in an elderly man.

Edema can be observed as side-effect of many medications, of which calcium channel blockers are the best known. Elderly people use many more medications than their younger counterparts and are usually more prone to developing medication-induced side-effects. Atypical antipsychotics have occasionally been shown to induce peripheric edema. Age is put forward as a risk factor for olanzapine-induced edema. We present here the case of an elderly man who developed upper- and lower-limb edema during use of olanzapine to emphasize its relatively frequent association with edema in the elderly.

Cytomegalovirus esophagitis precipitated with immunosuppression in elderly giant cell arteritis patients.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is generally associated with significant immunosuppression. Cellular immunity is particularly important and corticosteroid treatment increases the risk of CMV infection substantially. Immunocompetence generally decreases with age, older patients are at higher risk for developing CMV disease than are younger patients. CMV infection in the immunocompetent adults is quite rare. Esophagitis is the second most common gastrointestinal manifestation of CMV infection after colitis. Herein, we present three cases of giant cell arteritis who developed CMV esophagitis after various periods of corticosteroid treatment. CMV infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of GI disease in immunocompromised patients, and the clinician should pursue appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions aggressively.

Malnutrition knowledge among nursing staff in four European countries: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nursing staff must have sufficient knowledge in order to adequately prevent and treat malnutrition. However, only a marginal amount of information on this topic is available in the literature. OBJECTIVES: This paper provides a comparison of the malnutrition knowledge among nursing staff in Austria, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Turkey and presents factors associated with the malnutrition knowledge of nursing staff. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Nursing staff from different care settings in Austria, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Turkey participated in the study. METHODS: The KoM-G 2.0 (Knowledge of Malnutrition - Geriatric) questionnaire was used for data collection. RESULTS: In total, 2056 participants from different care settings took part in the study. Between 11.7 % (Turkey) and 32.5 % (Austria) of the participants had high levels of malnutrition knowledge. The country itself was the factor most strongly associated with malnutrition knowledge. The nurses' educational level and specialised training of nursing staff were also significantly (p < 0.001) associated with malnutrition knowledge. Questions about "factors that should be considered during older persons' food intake" were most frequently answered correctly, while questions about "different aspects of nutritional screening" were less often answered correctly in all four countries. CONCLUSIONS: This study was one of the first to describe the rather low level of malnutrition knowledge among nursing staff in different countries. The country itself was identified as the factor most strongly associated with the nurses' knowledge of malnutrition, while the nursing staff's basic education as well as further training were also detected as significant factors. These results indicate that it is necessary to extend and improve (academic) nursing education and to offer specialised training programmes which may improve nutritional care across country borders over the long run.

Cyclin-D1 positive B cell lymphoma with intravascular and interstitial involvement of kidney and bone marrow.

Kidney involvement is rare in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), and can be caused by direct lymphoid infiltration, paraneoplastic glomerulonephritis (GN), or both. Herein, we present a case of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to renal cyclin-D1 positive B cell lymphoma infiltration. To our knowledge, this is the first case where a renal biopsy revealed intravascular neoplastic cells along with parenchymal infiltration.

Prognostic Value of Regular Nutritional Treatment in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition adversely affects the prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of regular nutrition treatment and follow-up in clinical nutrition outpatient clinic (CNOC) on survival in ALS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 55 ALS patients who were admitted and followed up in CNOC. Malnutrition was diagnosed using ESPEN criteria and nutrition treatment was planned according to needs of each patient. Nutritional status was followed up by body mass index (BMI), bioelectrical impedence analysis, and serum albumin. During the follow-up, survivors and nonsurvivors were compared according to their nutrition treatment success and changes in the anthropometric and laboratory measurements. RESULTS: Body weight, BMI, and fat free mass were decreased during the follow-up in both survivors and nonsurvivors ( P <0.01). The decrease in the serum albumin and BMI were significantly higher in nonsurvivors ( P <0.01). Mortality rate was lower in those with higher adherence to nutrition treatment ( P <0.01) and patients with lower adherence to nutrition treatment showed more significant decrease in serum albumin levels ( P <0.01). CONCLUSION: A personalized nutrition treatment combined with increased nutritional adherence in CNOC can decrease mortality in ALS patients.

Urinary incontinence prevalence and management in nursing homes in Austria, the Netherlands, Turkey and the United Kingdom: A multi-site, cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe and compare the prevalence rates of urinary incontinence as well as the management of urinary incontinence in the nursing home setting in Austria, the Netherlands, Turkey and the UK. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of the 2017 and 2018 data from a multi-site, cross-sectional study which is performed annually in the nursing home setting in Austria, the Netherlands, Turkey and the UK. RESULTS: A total of 23,334 nursing home residents was included in this study, most of whom were female. The urinary incontinence prevalence rates ranged from 13.8% in Turkey to 35.1% in Austria. In all countries, the most frequently used intervention for urinary incontinence management was the use of absorbent products and/or catheters (ranging from 81% in Turkey to 94.5% in Austria). The countries differed with regard to the methods used to assess the type of urinary incontinence, scheduled individual bathroom visits and medication evaluation. In the UK (77.1%), scheduled individual bathroom visits were a more frequent measure than in Austria (51.3%), the Netherlands (24.4%) and Turkey (10.2%). CONCLUSION: The most frequently used nursing intervention in all countries was the use of absorbent products and/or catheters. Future studies on the over- or misuse of these products are warranted. In order to avoid the over- or misuse of these products in the nursing home setting, the use of the evidence- and consensus-based algorithm provided by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ is recommended.

Malnutrition treatment and follow-up in clinical nutrition outpatient clinics associated with increased muscle mass.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical nutrition outpatient clinics (CNOCs) are the mainstay of the nutrition bundle in hospitals. They are important for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of outpatients with malnutrition (MN) and sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in muscle mass during the treatment of MN in patients admitted to CNOCs. METHODS: A total number of 1118 patients were included in this retrospective cohort descriptive study. Data including medical history, weight loss, anthropometric measurements, MN diagnosis (according to ESPEN definition), nutrition treatment, bioelectrical impedance analysis and laboratory examinations were noted for the first admission and the follow-up. RESULTS: This retrospective, cohort descriptive study included 1118 patients. The mean age of the participants was 54 ± 22 y (18-101 y) and half of the patients were men. Of the 1118 patients, 37,7% were ≥65 y of age. Cancer (32.2%) was the most frequent diagnosis followed by diabetes (16.7%) and dementia (11.3%). MN prevalence was 51.6%. Protein- and energy-enriched diet, oral enteral nutrition supplementation, tube enteral feeding, and parenteral nutrition were used in 42.7%, 69.6%, 11%, and 2.7% of the patients with MN, respectively. Skeletal muscle mass was significantly increased in MN, cancer, neuromuscular diseases (NMD) and patients ≥65 y of age in the first 6 mo, and could be maintained during the next 6 mo of follow-up. Patients with cancer, chronic kidney disease, and NMD and those ≥65 y of age were able to increase their body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: MN treatment and follow-up can restore muscle mass especially in patients ≥65 y of age and in those with chronic diseases. CNOCs are beneficial in the treatment and follow-up of MN.

Best Practice Recommendations for Geriatric Dysphagia Management with 5 Ws and 1H.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a geriatric syndrome. Changes in the whole body that occur with aging also affect swallowing functions and cause presbyphagia. This condition may progress to oropharyngeal and/or esophageal dysphagia in the presence of secondary causes that increase in incidence with aging. However, no study has been published that provides recommendations for use in clinical practice that addresses in detail all aspects of the management of dysphagia in geriatric individuals. This study aimed to answer almost all potential questions and problems in the management of geriatric dysphagia in clinical practice. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team created this recommendation guide using the seven-step and three-round modified Delphi method via e-mail. The study included 39 experts from 29 centers in 14 cities. RESULTS: Based on the 5W and 1H method, we developed 216 detailed recommendations for older adults from the perspective of different disciplines dealing with older people. CONCLUSION: This consensus-based recommendation is a useful guide to address practical clinical questions in the diagnosis, rehabilitation, and follow-up for the management of geriatric dysphagia and also contains detailed commentary on these issues.

Risk of sarcopenia in hospitalized patients and related clinical factors: a multicenter study from Turkey.

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk of sarcopenia in hospitalized older patients and to assess the associations between sarcopenia risk and health care outcomes including dependency, malnutrition, and dysphagia. METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional study was a part of the annual National Prevalence Measurement of Quality of Care (LPZ) in Turkey. Hospitalized patients age 65 and older were included in the study. The SARC-F was used to assess risk of sarcopenia. Dependency was appraised according to the Care Dependency Scale (CDS). Nutritional status was established with respect to the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). Dysphagia was screened by two structured questions. RESULTS: A total of 492 patients were included in the analysis. Two hundred and forty patients (48.8%) were at risk of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia risk was more prevalent among women (p = 0.007) and patients with risk of sarcopenia were older (p < 0.001). Hospital stay was longer and malnutrition and dysphagia were more prevalent in patients with sarcopenia risk than without (all p < 0.001). All nutritional interventions were applied mostly to patients with sarcopenia risk than without. In multivariate analysis, advanced age (OR: 1.068, CI 1.032-1.104, p < 0.001), female gender (OR: 2.414, CI 1.510-3.857, p < 0.001), and dependency (OR: 5.022, CI 2.922-8.632, p < 0.001) were independently associated with sarcopenia risk. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia risk is related with unfavorable outcomes in hospitalized patients. Primarily older female patients are at risk for sarcopenia. It is important to recognize sarcopenia at an early stage and to prevent its progression, before dependency develops. The SARC-F may be a useful tool for screening sarcopenia risk in hospitalized patients.