| Methods |
Method of randomisation: not stated
Assessor blinding: not reported
Intention to treat: apparently no withdrawals
Lost to follow‐up: none
Timing of intervention: 4 weeks, patients with malabsorption in both groups received any necessary supplements such as calcium, vitamin D and haematinics, not given encouragement to eat extra food |
| Participants |
Location: acute geriatric ward, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne
51 patients
Inclusion criteria: elderly patients admitted to an acute geriatric ward. Poorly nourished according to at least two of the following criteria; weight below 85% of ideal weight for height, triceps skinfold thickness below 85% of standard values, serum albumin less than 34g/l.
Exclusion criteria: malignant conditions, metabolic disease such as thyrotoxicosis or diabetes
Sex: not given
Age: not given
Health Status: acute geriatric ward, poorly nourished |
| Interventions |
a: in addition to normal hospital diet, two sachets of Build‐up daily providing 36.4 g Protein and 644 kcal, states consumption ensured by the nursing staff
b: normal hospital diet
Allocated: 26/25
Assessed: 26/25 |
| Outcomes |
Main outcomes:
Mortality
Additional outcomes:
Measures of nutritional status‐
Anthropometric indices ‐ weight change, mid upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold, arm muscle circumference |
| Notes |
More information requested regarding baseline characteristics of study population, care programmes, blinding of outcome assessment, details of supplement sent 14/7/01 |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
B ‐ Unclear |
