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Nutritional supplementation for hip fracture aftercare in older people

Avenell A, Handoll HH

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2006

1,727 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Older people with hip fractures are often malnourished at the time of fracture, and have poor food intake subsequently.

OBJECTIVES: To review the effects of nutritional interventions in older people recovering from hip fracture.

SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (December 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 1), MEDLINE, six other databases and reference lists. We contacted investigators and handsearched journals.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of nutritional interventions for people aged over 65 years with hip fracture.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Both authors independently selected trials, extracted data and assessed trial quality. We sought additional information from trialists, and pooled data for primary outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-one randomised trials involving 1727 participants were included. Overall trial quality was poor, specifically regarding allocation concealment, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis, and limited availability of outcome data. Eight trials evaluated oral multinutrient feeds: providing non-protein energy, protein, some vitamins and minerals. Oral feeds had no statistically significant effect on mortality (15/161 versus 17/176; relative risk (RR) 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 1.68) but may reduce 'unfavourable outcome' (combined outcome of mortality…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,727 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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