Combined Nutritional Risk and Iron Deficiency as Indicators of 28-Day Mortality in Elderly Patients in the Emergency Department
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By
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Chao Zhang
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Shijia Li
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Ziyi Li
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Xinhua He
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July 21, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Combined Nutritional Risk and Iron Deficiency as Indicators of 28-Day Mortality in Elderly Patients in the Emergency Department
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Nutritional Risk and Iron Deficiency in Elderly Patients |
| Key Mechanisms | Synergistic effect on mortality through high nutritional risk and iron deficiency, with hemoglobin as a protective factor. |
| Target Population | Patients aged ≥ 60 years in the emergency department. |
| Care Setting | Emergency Department Resuscitation Room |
Key Highlights
- 28-day mortality rate of 22.8% in the studied population.
- Patients with high nutritional risk and iron deficiency had a mortality rate of 42.7%.
- Hemoglobin levels were identified as a strong independent protective factor.
- The combination of nutritional risk, hemoglobin, and iron deficiency provided the best prediction of mortality.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize the modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) score for assessing nutritional risk.
Management
- Address both nutritional risk and iron deficiency concurrently in older ED patients.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regularly monitor hemoglobin levels and nutritional status in elderly patients.
Risks
- High nutritional risk and iron deficiency significantly increase the risk of 28-day mortality.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Elderly patients aged ≥ 60 years presenting to the emergency department.
Integrated assessment of nutritional risk and iron deficiency may help identify high-risk patients.
Clinical Best Practices
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments in elderly patients.
- Implement strategies to manage iron deficiency in conjunction with nutritional risk.
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