Assessment of Nutrition Risk in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Abstract Background Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and related disorders, presents a significant challenge as a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Malnutrition is a prevalent and often overlooked complication in IBD patients, contributing to poor clinical outcomes. Aim of the Work This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and nutritional risk among IBD patients attending or admitted to the gastroenterology unit at Ain Shams University Hospital and to evaluate the effectiveness of the SaskIBD-NR tool in identifying patients at risk. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional study involving 100 diagnosed IBD patients was conducted. Data regarding demographics, disease characteristics, unintended weight loss, and nutritional risk were collected. The SaskIBD-NR tool was employed to assess malnutrition risk. Results The study revealed a notable prevalence of malnutrition and nutritional risk among IBD patients, with a considerable proportion experiencing unintended weight loss. The SaskIBD-NR tool showed promise in identifying patients at nutritional risk, with a significant correlation observed between SaskIBD-NR scores and body mass index (BMI). Conclusion Malnutrition is a common issue in IBD patients, affecting clinical outcomes and quality of life. Routine screening for malnutrition using tools such as SaskIBD-NR can aid in early identification and intervention, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.