Laboratory assessment of protein energy status.

Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is widespread throughout the world in both community and hospital settings. Assessment of PEM in an individual consists of good dietary and clinical assessment, followed by laboratory measurements. Recent changes in body weight and simple anthropometric measurements are also useful. Laboratory measurements have the advantage in that they are independent of body size, they can be made precisely, and allow monitoring of progress. However, laboratory measurements must be interpreted with caution, especially in seriously ill patients in the hospital.