Insufficient fluid and energy intake in hospitalised patients with hip fracture. A prospective randomised study of 80 patients.

Aims: Evaluate nutritional status and fluid and energy intake during the first ten days of hospitalisation in a selection of otherwise healthy patients with a hip fracture.

Methods: A prospective randomised controlled study of 80 patients. Nutritional status was assessed at inclusion. The energy and fluid intake was recorded and calculated daily whilst hospitalised. All patients were given ordinary hospital food and beverage. In the treatment group (n = 40) patients also received intraveneous supplementary nutrition (1000 kcal/day) for three days followed by oral supplementary nutrition (400 kcal/day) for seven days or until discharge.

Results: One third of patients were classified as malnourished in both groups. The average daily fluid intake/patient was 1300 ml in the control group compared to 1856 ml in the treatment group (P<0.0001). The average daily energy intake/patient was 916 kcal in the control group compared to 1296 kcal in the treatment group (P = 0.003). The mean difference between actual and needed daily fluid intake was -739 ml in the control group and +27 ml in the treatment group (P<0.0001). Corresponding numbers for energy intake was -783 kcal/day in the control group and -228 kcal/day in the treatment group (P = 0.0003).

Conclusions: Malnutrition is common even in a selection of healthy patients with hip fractures. During hospital stay the fluid and energy intake was considerably lower than that needed in the control group. Supplementary nutritional intake for ten days increased the total fluid and energy intake in the treatment group to near needed levels.