[Protein-energy malnutrition. Diagnostic methods and epidemiology].

EPIDEMIOLOGY: Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) is highly prevalent among elderly persons living in the community (4%), hospitalized in acute care units or geriatric rehabilitation units (50%), or in long-term care facilities (30-40%). PCM is the first predictor of poor prognosis in the elderly.

DIAGNOSIS: Parameters used to establish the diagnosis of PCM and identify its pathophysiology are both simple and inexpensive: body mass index, plasma albumin and CRP, arm circumference and skin fold thickness.

CONSEQUENCES: Because of its frequency and consequences on morbidity and mortality in the elderly, PCM is an important public health problem in industrialized countries.