The Relevance of Simple Anthropometric Parameter of Body Mass Index (BMI) In Assessing Nutritional Status of Surgical Patients

Abstract

The study has shown that malnutrition is known to increase morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Another study reported the superiority of the anthropometric measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI) over other methods used in assessing nutritional status. The aim of this study is to highlight the significance of the use of simple anthropometric parameter of Body Mass Index (BMI) in the assessment of nutritional status of surgical patients, relating such to nature of surgical procedures in terms of invasiveness and duration of hospital stay. Patients presenting for minor, intermediate and major surgeries (n=60) at Parklane Specialist Hospital, Enugu were selected for the study; after informed consent obtained. The age range of study population varied from 10 to 80 years and the M:F ratio given as 1:2:4. The weight and height of individual patients were measured at admission and body mass index (kg/m’) computed. Baseline investigations including haemogram, leucocyte count and urinalysis were done. The pre-operative course and post-operative outcome were monitored till discharge. At discharge, patients were re-assessed and findings documented. Data obtained was statistically analyzed. Pre-operatively, 29.4% of patients were malnourished (BMI <20kg/m²) and increased significantly to 41.8% post-operatively at discharge. On admission, 58.83% were well nourished (BMI=20-25kg/m²) while at discharge this declined to 47.1%. About 11.76% presented pre-operatively as overweight (BMI=25-30kg/m²). None of the patients was found to be morbidly obese (BMI>40kg/m²), 52.9% underwent intermediate surgery while 35.3% and 11.8% presented for minor and major surgeries respectively. The mean BMI of patients presenting for minor surgery is given as 23.2kg/m² declining only slightly to 23.12kg/m² post-operatively. Mean BMI of 20.85kg/m² at discharge. In patients undergoing major surgery, mean BMI pre-operatively is 20. 11kg/m² as compared to 18.93kg/m² at discharge. Post-operative complication noted as wound infection manifested only in 5.9%. No mortality was recorded. In conclusion, nutritional assessment using simple anthropometric parameter of Body Mass Index (BMI) is recommended for all surgical patients in order to hasten recovery and reduce post-operative morbidity.