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TL;DR
However, increased malnutrition risk at admission was associated with a longer length of stay, and readmissions were associated with age, metastases, and cancer type.
Cancers · 3 authors, 2 centres
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However, increased malnutrition risk at admission was associated with a longer length of stay, and readmissions were associated with age, metastases, and cancer type.
Adequate nutrition is essential for oncology patients, but the relationship between nutritional intake and clinical outcomes like length of stay (LOS) and readmissions is unclear. This study aimed to investigate these interrelationships in hospitalised adult oncology patients. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted at a specialist cancer centre. Nutritional intake data were estimated using a validated tool for 331 patients. Clinical data, including LOS and 30-day readmissions, were obtained from medical records. Statistical analyses, including multivariable regression, assessed associations. Key Results: No direct relationship was found between nutritional intake (energy or protein) and LOS or readmissions. Patients at risk of malnutrition (MST ≥ 2) had lower mean daily energy (−898.9 kJ, p = 0.001) and protein (−10.34 g, p = 0.015) intakes. Increased malnutrition risk at admission was associated with a longer LOS (1.33 days, p = 0.008). The 30-day readmission rate was 20.2%, associated with age (r = −0.133, p = 0.015), presence of metastases (r = 0.125, p = 0.02), and longer LOS (1.34 days, r = 0.145, p = 0.02). Cancer types with highest readmission rates included sarcoma (43.5%), gynaecological (36.8%), and lung (40.0%). Limitations: The study was retrospective with a short duration, missing dinner data (addressed via modeling), and potential underestimation of intake (snacks, outside food not captured). Readmission data did not distinguish planned vs. unplanned visits, and results may not generalize to other settings. Implications: While nutritional intake did not directly impact outcomes, malnutrition risk and cancer diagnosis were key factors. Future research should focus on specific cancer diagnoses and better discriminate between planned and unplanned readmissions.