Malnutrition in People With Complex Multiple Disabilities

Maastricht University Medical Center125 enrolled

Overview

Underweight is more prevalent in people with a mental handicap than in people without a mental handicap, especially in people with a severe mental handicap. It is unknown if these people are malnourished. There is no validated screening instrument available to determine the nutrition status in people with complex multiple disabilities. Research regarding malnutrition based on body composition and nutrients in stead of anthropometric data is important. The aim of the study is to understand the nutritional status of people with complex multiple disabilitiest through measurement of body composition and nutritients. The primary objective of the study is: What percentage of people with complex multiple disabilities are malnourished, based on altered body composition and nutritients? Understanding the nutritional status of these patients is important in order for them to receive appropriate and effective treatment. This treatment is of interest for general health and the quality of daily life.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

125

Conditions

Complex Multiple Disabilities Malnutrition

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Person with complex multiple disabilities; * Living in a care institution participating in the Governor Kremers Centre (GKC); * Chronically confined to a wheelchair or bedridden; * 18+ years Exclusion Criteria: * Parenteral nutrition; * Serious infection; * Terminal illness

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

What percentage of people with complex multiple disabilities are malnourished, based on altered body composition and nutritients?

Concerning measurement of body composition, the Deuterium dilution method will be used. A blood sample will be collected for measurement of nutrients. Furthermore, clinical parameters (weight, height and abdominal girth) will be measured.

Time frame: One hour