Neck of femur (NOF) fractures are one of the predominant reasons for hospital admissions in patients >65 year. These fractures are associated with a poor outcome; end to independent living in 60% of patients and a 6 month mortality of 30%. Previous studies have shown show elements of under/mal-nutrition on admission. In addition, their nutritional status shows some deterioration thereafter. The aim of this present study is to examine if the nutritional status of patients with NOF fracture admitted at our institution is associated with a larger post-operative haemoglobin drop. This is compared to an independent living age matched control group from the same geographical area. A retrospective audit of pathology results for three hundred fracture patients (n = 300) and one hundred age matched home living group pre-assessed of total hip replacement (n = 100). Total serum protein, albumin, total lymphocyte count levels were determined at the time of admission to assess nutritional status. Pre/post-operative haemoglobin, resultant haemoglobin drop, and 6 month mortality was assessed in NOF fracture patients. The nutritional parameters were correlated with the haemoglobin levels and mortality.Introduction
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