Visceral protein status of patients hospitalized for alcoholism.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients hospitalized for alcoholic rehabilitation. It was hypothesized that thyroxine-binding prealbumin, due to its shorter half-life, would be more sensitive to poor nutritional status than other visceral proteins. Extensive biochemical, anthropometric, and nutrient intake data were obtained on hospital days 2, 7, and 14. No abnormalities in visceral protein status initially, or with time, were seen in this population. The principal conclusion is that severe nutritional deficiencies are not prevalent in this patient sample hospitalized for alcoholic rehabilitation.