Evaluation of nutritional status in persons with spinal cord injury: a prerequisite for successful rehabilitation.

Evaluation of nutritional status is a pre-requisite for planning a comprehensive and appropriate nutritional care plan for spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. A nutritional assessment reveals the nutritional status of a patient and identifies the objectives of nutritional care. There is no single measurement that totally reflects the state of a patient's nutritional health. Besides anthropometric, laboratory, and dietary intake, a patient's social and medical history are needed to develop an individualized plan. The outcome of establishing a screening and assessment program results in quality and cost-effective nutritional care for patients. Providing optimal nutritional care at the onset of SCI can help reduce complications, decrease length of hospital stay, and enhance the rehabilitation outcome.