Analyzing nutrition risks and blood biomarkers in hospitalized patients with tuberculosis: Insights from a 2020 hospital-based study.

Background: There exists a bidirectional relationship between tuberculosis (TB) and nutrition, wherein they mutually influence and interact causally. However, current guidance for providing nutrition support to individuals diagnosed with TB remains inadequate, leading to a significant gap in comprehensive patient care. This study aims to assess the nutrition status of patients with TB and endeavors to provide insights into early nutrition interventions for individuals vulnerable to TB-associated malnutrition.

Methods: Data from 2204 newly admitted patients at Beijing Chest Hospital in 2020 were collected, with 1735 patients with confirmed TB aged ≥18 years after exclusions. Patient data, encompassing diagnosis and results from routine blood tests and biochemical analyses conducted on the day after admission, were gathered using the electronic medical records system. Nutrition risk screening was conducted using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) tool, and questionnaire-based assessments were administered. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 17.0 software.

Results: Among 1735 patients with TB, the occurrence rate of nutrition risk was 74.58%. Factors such as age ≥65 years, sputum smear positivity for TB, and concurrent illnesses significantly increased the occurrence rate of nutrition risk. Nutrition risk among patients with TB exhibited negative correlations with parameters such as body weight, hemoglobin, and serum albumin level while showing positive correlations with white blood cell count and C-reactive protein, among others.

Conclusion: The occurrence rate of nutrition risk among patients with TB at Beijing Chest Hospital was notably high, particularly among older individuals, those with sputum smear positivity, and those with concurrent illnesses.