ABSTRACT
Chronic illness-related malnutrition is generally characterized by low levels of inflammation (continuous or recurrent) and illness of a duration greater than three months. Chronic illness-related malnutrition may also result from disease-related symptoms, but without the presence of inflammation. Disease- and treatment-related symptoms that contribute to malnutrition include those that result in inadequate oral intake, altered nutrient metabolism, and impaired nutrient absorption. Because chronic illness-related malnutrition encompasses a wide variety of causes and disease states, the breadth of treatments is greater than those used to address acute illness-related malnutrition, and include modifications to oral intake, enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition, and nutrition counseling. In order to develop an individualized, comprehensive, and effective treatment plan, clinicians must identify all factors that contribute to malnutrition in chronic illness.
