Serum Pseudo-Cholinesterase: A Biochemical Index of Nutritional Status in the Elderly

Abstract

The nutritional status of 199 patients, admitted to a geriatric unit, was assessed clinically. 38% of the 90 men and 37% of the 109 women were classified " subnutrition"; and the remainder were classified "average" nutritional state. The serum pseudo-cholinesterase (P.C.E.) activity of each patient was measured according to the method of de la Huerga, Yesinick and Popper. A serum P.C.E. activity greater than 150 units was consistent with an "average" nutritional status and a serum P.C.E. activity less than 140 units was consistent with a state of "subnutrition". Patients with serum P.C.E. activities between 140-150 units warrant more critical clinical assessment for evidence of subnutrition.