Hospital malnutrition in gastro-entero-hepatology (GEH) patients and its relationship to clinical outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Hospital malnutrition remains a significant global health burden, particularly among gastro-entero-hepatology patients. It adversely impacts clinical outcomes, prolongs hospital stays, and raises healthcare costs. Despite its relevance, recent data on malnutrition among Indonesia’s gastro-entero-hepatology (GEH) patients are limited. Objective: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated risk factors and clinical outcomes, inflammatory markers, and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) in GEH patients at Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 569 GEH inpatients aged 18–59 years with hospital stays exceeding 7 days. Nutritional risk was assessed using the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), while Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Total Lymphocyte Count (TLC), and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) were measured as inflammatory markers. Statistical analyses evaluated correlations between malnutrition risk, clinical outcomes, and laboratory values. Results: Of the 569 patients, 7.4% were at high risk of malnutrition, 38.7% at moderate risk, and 54% at low risk. High-risk patients showed significantly elevated NLR (p = 0.000) and lower TLC (p = 0.000), reflecting an impaired immune response. These patients also had a lower PNI (p = 0.000) and more extended hospital stays (p = 0.000). No significant difference in mortality was found between different malnutrition risk groups. Conclusion: Malnutrition is prevalent among GEH patients, particularly those with malignancies. Early nutritional screening and appropriate interventions are essential to improving clinical outcomes and reducing hospital stay durations. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to optimize patient care.