Prognosis Assessment in Emergency Department via Nutritional and Muscle Measurements for Home Health Care Patients

Aim: This study examined the relationship between the factors contributing to emergency department visits for patients who receive home health care services and the density and area of the pectoralis major muscle. Materials and Methods: In this study, the relationship between demographic data, mini nutritional assessment form data, scores, malnutrition situation, pectoralis major muscle density and area measured on thoracic tomography and prognosis of patients receiving home health care who applied to the emergency department between January and December 2023 was examined. Results: A total of 220 patient files were found that met the study criteria. The mean screening score of all patients and the mean malnutrition indicator score indicated a risk of malnutrition. In the Ex-group, pectoralis major muscle density (especially on the right side) and area (especially on the left side) were significantly lower, respectively. Pectoralis major muscle density and area measurements of patients with sarcopenia in both sexes were significantly lower compared to control subjects. Conclusion: The contribution of the pectoralis major muscle to daily living activities is limited, which may lead to a more pronounced occurrence of sarcopenia in patients who are bedridden and immobile for extended periods. Moreover, monitoring the decline in area and density within this muscle group is crucial for accurately predicting prognosis.