Digital Commons Network^™

Diet Quality As Assessed By The Healthy Eating Index-2020 Among Individuals Diagnosed With And Without Type 2 Diabetes, Minghao Zhou, Hairui Yu, Renee Underwood, Hongning Cai, Tung Sung Tseng, Susu Luo

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Background: Dietary management is key to preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, few studies have examined differences in Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2020) scores and components among individuals with and without diagnosed T2DM. This study aimed to assess gender differences in HEI-2020 scores and its 13 components by T2DM status. Methods: Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2018, this cross-sectional study analyzed 19,464 adults. Diagnosed T2DM was identified via self-report or diabetes medication use. Diet quality was assessed using the HEI-2020, scored from 0 to 100, with a higher HEI score indicates …

Bone, Muscle, And Physical Function Measures In Older Adults According To Levels Of Social Disadvantage: A Cross-Sectional Study, Jason Talevski, Sharon Brennan-Olsen, Stefanie Bird, Sara Vogrin, Alison Beauchamp, Mizhgan Fatima, Cassandra Smith, Gustavo Duque

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Summary: This cross-sectional study of 300 older adults (aged ≥ 50 years) found that less education, lower income, and health care card ownership are associated with reduced bone, muscle, and physical function measures. This underscores the need for targeted preventive strategies for osteoporosis and sarcopenia that address socioeconomic-related disparities. Purpose: The prevalence of chronic diseases follows a social gradient, although this is unclear in musculoskeletal conditions. This study aims to examine the association between social disadvantage and diagnostic measures of osteoporosis and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted in adults (≥ 50 years) residing …

Body Composition And Muscle Health Changes After Providing Vascular Imaging Results In Older Adults: Secondary Analysis Of A Randomised Controlled Trial, Jack Dalla Via, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Marc Sim, Abadi K. Gebre, Catherine P. Bondonno, Kun Zhu, Shelby Mullin, John T. Schousboe, Richard J. Woodman, Markus P. Schlaich, Moira Sim, Pawel Szulc, Douglas P. Kiel, Wai H. Lim, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Provision of vascular imaging results has been investigated to prompt changes towards healthy lifestyle behaviours, but effects on body composition and muscle health are unknown. Aim: This secondary analysis of a 12-week parallel-group randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to explore body composition and muscle health effects of providing healthy lifestyle education (Ed) with and without abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) results. Methods: A total of 240 Australian community-dwelling older men and women (mean ± SD age 68 ± 5 years; 58% female; 57.1% with evidence of AAC) were randomised to AAC + Ed (n = 121) or Control + Ed …

Bambara Groundnut (Vigna Subterranea L.) Supplementation Ameliorates The Histological Structure Of Skeletal Muscle In Protein-Deficient Mice, Raquellynda Fadilla Syafanisa, Rimonta Febby Gunanegara, Sunarti Sunarti, Siti Aeniah, Ardaning Nuriliani

Makara Journal of Science

Protein deficiency may cause histological alterations and pathological effects in skeletal muscle, leading to reduced mus-cle size and functional degeneration. Bambara groundnuts contain essential amino acids that have the potential to meet the body’s protein requirements. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of bambara groundnut supplemen-tation on skeletal muscle in protein-deficient mice. Twenty-five female mice were divided into five groups (control, pro-tein deficiency, and protein deficiency with 100, 200, and 300 g of bambara groundnut supplementation/kg of feed). The treatment was administered for 2 months. At the end of the experiment, the left gastrocnemius muscles of the mice …

A Mixed Methods Study Of Inpatients’ Experiences, Priorities, And Health-Related Quality Of Life During High- Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy, Cintamani H. Ellsworth, Rebecca S. Bartlett

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an oxygen delivery method with numerous benefits for severely ill patients. There is a paucity of research focused on the perspectives of patients receiving HFNC oxygen therapy. This study aimed to engage with patients to gain a clearer understanding of their experiences, priorities, and health-related quality of life.

Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed methods study was completed with 10 adult inpatients who had received HFNC oxygen therapy during their hospital admission. Semi-structured interviews and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Scale were used to identify participant perceptions of their physical and …

Assessing Healthcare Access Among Overweight And Obese Individuals In Türkiye Using Latent Variable Modeling, Banu Beyaz Sipahi

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Overweight and obesity are critical determinants of healthcare access, yet evidence on how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped these dynamics in Türkiye remains limited. This study investigates whether the early post-pandemic recovery period altered healthcare access patterns for individuals with excess weight.

Methods: Using nationally representative microdata from the 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2022 Turkish Health Surveys, we constructed a latent Healthcare Access Index based on six indicators of unmet care needs. Probit models were estimated to assess associations between BMI categories and healthcare access, controlling for socioeconomic and demographic factors. The 2022 wave serves as the early …

Standardizing Group Visits For Gestational Diabetes Education: A Quality Improvement Initiative In An Outpatient Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic, Nha Nguyen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: At an outpatient maternal-fetal medicine clinic in Northern California, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) education is delivered inconsistently across nurse practitioners (NPs) and registered dietitians (RDs), with no standardized curriculum, referral criteria, or educational materials. Aim: By August 12, 2026, this project aimed to develop and implement a standardized GDM group visit framework for NPs, RDs, and scheduling staff in maternal-fetal medicine clinic, increasing compliance with standardized referral, enrollment, and educational processes from a baseline of 0% to 50%. Methods: Using baseline observations, workflow assessment, stakeholder input, and a literature review, the QI team developed standardized bilingual slide …

Ai-Enhanced Fluorescein Angiography Detection Of Diabetes-Induced Silent Retinal Capillary Dropout And Rna-Seq Identification Of Pre-Symptomatic Biomarkers, Yiyan Peng, Huishi Toh, Dennis Clegg, Peng Jiiang

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

Objective: Retinal capillary dropout, characterized by acellular capillaries or "ghost vessels," is an early pathological sign of diabetic retinopathy (DR) that remains undetectable through standard clinical imaging techniques until visible morphological changes, such as microaneurysms or hemorrhages, occur. This study aims to develop a non-destructive artificial intelligence (AI)-based method using fluorescein angiography (FA) images to detect early-stage, silent retinal capillary dropout.

Methods: We utilized 94 FA images and corresponding destructive retinal capillary density measurements obtained through retinal trypsin digestion from 51 Nile rats. Early capillary dropout was defined as having an acellular capillary density of >= 18 counts per mm2. …

Assessing The Feasibility Of A Self-Management Intervention For Individuals With Advanced Prostate Cancer And Comorbid Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus, Amy L. Shaver, Christina Steinbock-Malfer, William Tester, Patrick Mille, William K. Kelly, Kevin K. Zarrabi, Costas D. Lallas, Mihir M. Shah, Rose Dimarco, Emily Brand, Shawntel Brown, Swapnil Sharma, Nikita Nikita, Cindy Cogen, Scott W. Keith, Grace Lu-Yao

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Many older adults with cancer have at least one comorbidity. Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common comorbidity among patients with prostate cancer (PC) and represents an important consideration in this population. Comorbid T2DM can negatively impact cancer-specific outcomes for patients, suggesting the need for better glycemic management, especially for patients on active cancer treatment. The goal of this modified Diabetes Self-Management Education Services (mDSMES) pilot study was to provide patients with the opportunity to learn methods of diabetes self-management, including how to manage their glucose levels, improve their understanding and utilization of medication to promote improvements in …

Sex Differences And Cytokine Profiles In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ella Margaret Bartley Miss

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by persistent inflammation, joint destruction, and notable differences in prevalence and severity between sexes. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), are well established mediators of RA pathology. Although extensive research has elucidated their pathological roles, the influence of sex on cytokine profiles and RA outcomes remains undefined.

This review examines preclinical and clinical studies analysing sex-specific cytokine responses in RA. Findings reveal that female patients and experimental models exhibit higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory mediators, with oestrogen and androgen signalling playing relevant …

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal Of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026.

Assessing Current Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management Practices For Sickle Cell Disease In Adults, Shreya Kolipaka, Michelle Axe, Charmaine Wright, Stephanie Guarino

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

OBJECTIVES: Both acute and chronic pain caused by sickle cell disease (SCD) is often managed with opioid therapy despite limited evidence for long-term efficacy. Adequately managing SCD pain requires a comprehensive approach, incorporating both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. In other conditions, peer-mentored group programs are effective in managing chronic pain; however, their role in SCD is not yet described. Our objective is to understand patients' current pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic SCD management practices as well as further exploring perspectives of pain related to SCD.

METHODS: Participants were interviewed using semi-structured format. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed. Descriptive statistics and pain management modality …

Healthcare Access And The Persistent Racial Disparities In Low Birth Weight, Zaheda A. Hussain, Yadanar Moe

DePaul Discoveries

Low birth weight (LBW), defined as less than 2,500 grams, is an influential factor contributing to infant mortality in the United States, with significant racial disparities between Black and White mothers. This study analyzed data from 3,054 Black and White mothers collected from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey to explore the association between access to medical care and LBW within different racial groups. The prevalence of LBW was 8.0%. Overall, mothers without a usual place of medical care had, on average, an 18% higher risk of LBW than those with a usual place (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.80–1.74). …

Biotic Therapies For Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Current Interventions, Gina Wodarczyk, Maria Winte, Diana Mastellone, Termen Singh, Joshua Desipio, Sangita Phadtare

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits without measurable disease processes. Recent research emphasizes the gut-brain-microbiome (GBM) axis and explores how microbiota influence gastrointestinal and central nervous system functions. Here, we first discuss a brief overview of various treatment approaches for IBS, focusing on interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics that target the GBM axis in adults with IBS. Relevant trials discussed the use of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics.

Specific Carbohydrate Diet Versus Mediterranean Diet In Adult Patients With Mild To Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Controlled-Feeding Trial, Albert Sheng-Yin Chen, Long Nguyen, Brianna Gray, Katherine Williams, Jenny Gurung, Lauren Canha, Jessica Mcgoldrick, Jane Hubbard, Hamed Khalili

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Background and aims: This pilot randomized controlled-feeding trial compared the effect of Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) and Mediterranean diet (MeD) in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: Seventeen adults were randomized to a 6-week SCD (n = 8) or MeD (n = 9) intervention. Primary outcome was change in partial Mayo Clinic score (pMCS).

Results: The study was discontinued early due to significant dropout (n = 9, 52.9%). There was no significant between-group differences observed for pMCS change (SCD, -0.8; MeD, -1.3; p = 0.499) or secondary outcomes. Exploratory metagenomic analysis revealed enrichment of Parasutterella excrementihominis …

Pearson Syndrome: Expanding The Clinical Spectrum Of A Mitochondrial Cytopathy-A Case Report, Alizah Faisal, Hooria Waqas, Hania Masood, Armeen Butt, Saad Rahman, Muhammad Sheraz Hameed, Syed Rafay Hussain Zaidi, Ali Iqbal, Muhammad Usama Naveed

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Pearson syndrome (PS) is a rare multisystem mitochondrial disorder characterized by single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions (SLSMDs). It typically presents in infancy with refractory sideroblastic anemia, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and failure to thrive. Due to its heterogeneous manifestations and resemblance to other hematological conditions, early diagnosis remains a clinical challenge.

CASE PRESENTATION: A south asian male infant presented with persistent pancytopenia, severe anemia unresponsive to intravenous and oral iron and multivitamin supplements, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, failure to thrive, and metabolic acidosis. Born to consanguineous parents, the child had a significant family history of early infant deaths and hematological abnormalities. …

Optimizing Esophagogastric Junction Assessment And Antisecretory Medication Documentation During Egd: A Preintervention Quality Improvement Analysis, Vikram R. Ekambaram, Maneera Chopra, Wasseem Skef

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea On Circulating Immune Cells Profiles: Evidence From Nhanes Dataset And Mendelian Randomization, Yajie Jia, Xiang Gao, Shenglong Xu, Jingli Shi, Haifeng Hou, Yanru Li, Demin Han

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) on immune cell profiles by utilizing both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset and a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) method. Methods: We included 20,732 participants from the NHANES to explore the relationship between symptom defined OSA and peripheral immune cells. Additionally, we conducted a two-sample MR analysis to investigate the effect of OSA on 35 summarized peripheral immune cell properties and 731 immunophenotypes. To ensure the robustness of findings in MR analysis, we conducted a sensitivity analysis. Results: The NHANES dataset and MR analysis …

Pyogenic Liver Abscess Associated With Acute Hepatitis A And Burkholderia Cepacia Sepsis In A Child: A Rare Case Report, Anjali M, Poonam Wade, Snehal Sahebrao Kasbe, Neha Bhongale

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Pyogenic liver abscess is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening infection in children. Although it is usually associated with underlying predisposing conditions, its occurrence in association with acute hepatitis A is infrequently reported.

We report a case of a 4-year-old male child who presented with fever, jaundice, and abdominal distension and was diagnosed with pyogenic liver abscess associated with concurrent hepatitis A infection and Burkholderia cepacia complex sepsis.

This case underscores the need to consider secondary bacterial infection in children with hepatitis A who have persistent fever or an unexpected clinical course despite appropriate supportive care. Although jaundice may initially be …

Navigating Complex Esophageal Perforations: A Case-Specific Approach To Successful Outcomes, Harsimran Kalsi, Anushree Rai, Kobina Essilfie-Quaye, Neeka Akhavan, Yaseen Perbtani, Tony S. Brar

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Esophageal perforation is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and effective management. While self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are a first-line treatment, persistent leaks often necessitate adjunctive endoscopic interventions. A structured, multimodal approach is critical for optimizing outcomes and avoiding surgical intervention. A 44-year-old man developed an iatrogenic esophageal perforation following surgical leiomyoma enucleation. Initial treatment with overlapping fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FC-SEMS) failed to achieve closure, necessitating endoscopic suturing for defect reinforcement. Despite suturing, persistent leakage required placement of a larger-diameter FC-SEMS, secured with an endoscopic fixation system to prevent migration. Serial imaging confirmed successful defect closure, allowing the …

Trends In Emergency Department Utilization After Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery In The United States, Andrew Sanders, Isabella Moncada, Sabrina Avanzato, Michelle Fakler, Michael Dombek, R. Wesley Vosburg

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

In this article, we sought to understand the factors associated with emergency department (ED) utilization by patients after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). The hopes were that modifiable risk factors could be identified to reduce ED visits after MBS.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database (MBSAQIP) which is comprised of data from all nationally accredited bariatric centers in the United States. For our study, we included a population of 681 743 patients having undergone the 2 most common MBS procedures: sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GBP). Using logistic …

Determinants Of Hypertension Status Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus At Menteng Primary Health Center, 2024–2025, Ira Susanti Haryoso, Yudha Radityadana, Muthik Hanim Mufallahah, Lhuri Dwianti Rahmartani

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Hypertension is a common comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and substantially increases the risk of both macrovascular and microvascular complications. Data on the determinants of hypertension status among T2DM patients in primary healthcare settings remain limited. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of hypertension status in T2DM patients at Puskesmas Menteng during 2024–2025. This was an analytic observational study employing a cross-sectional design. Study subjects comprised T2DM patients registered and undergoing examinations at Puskesmas Menteng over the 2024– 2025 period. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, included age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic status, blood pressure, …

Mutation Screening For Confirming Suspected Spinal Muscular Atrophy Using Dried Blood Spotted On In-House Cellulose-Based Cards, Yogik Onky Silvana Wijaya, Farda Tsaqouva Ahza, Annisa Naufal Almaszahra, Mawaddah Ar Rochmah, Dian Kesumapramudya Nurputra

Makara Journal of Science

Early and accurate diagnosis for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained relevance in an era of emerging therapies to improve patient outcomes. While screening of dried blood spots (DBS) effectively detects deletion-type SMA, non-deletion cases are often missed. Mutation screening from DBS is needed to address this gap. Here, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an in-house, cellulose-based card for direct Sanger sequencing for variant hunting, avoiding DNA extraction and offering an alternative to commercial cards. As a proof of concept, sequences obtained from DBSs of 23 healthy individuals were compared with sequences derived from isolated genomic DNA (gDNA). …

From Combustion Emissions To Neurotoxicity: Brain Health Risks Of Military Burn Pits Exposure, Katherine M. Eggers, Zoe A. Keller, Paul Barach, Julie M. Tomáška, Joshua P. Nixon, Janeen H. Trembley, Tammy A. Butterick

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

Military burn pits used during post-9/11 U.S. military deployments functioned as uncontrolled combustion systems and were widely utilized to dispose of large volumes of outdoor waste by burning. Burn pits involved heterogeneous waste materials burned under variable temperature and oxygen conditions. These combustion environments generated complex, toxic, multipollutant airborne emission mixtures that included particulate matter (PM2.5), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This narrative review synthesizes epidemiologic, experimental, and mechanistic evidence linking burn pit emissions to disruption of the lung–brain axis and adverse neurological outcomes. We specifically aim to address a critical gap in understanding how combustion-derived …

Mapping The Neuroexposome: Integrative Analysis Of Dementia Risk Factors Through Multi-Omics And Environmental Profiling In The Egyptian Population., Mai Ahmed Saadzaghloul Othman

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Dementia represents one of the most pressing public health challenges of the twenty-first century, with the global burden projected to reach 153 million cases by 2050. Egypt, as the most populous Arab nation, faces a corresponding rise in age-related diseases, yet comprehensive data from low- and middle-income countries remain severely limited. The neuroexposome framework, integrating genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and metabolic alterations, offers a powerful strategy to characterize the complex interplay between internal and external risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's disease Related Dementias (ADRD).

Objectives: This thesis aimed to: (1) examine the distribution of APOE alleles …

Ig–Microbiota Binding Patterns In Mothers And Infants: A Scoping Review, Alicia Tan Yi Jia, Christopher S. Peacock, Danielle E. Dye, Claus T. Christophersen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Studies characterising the immunoglobulin (Ig)-bound microbiota apply varying methodologies, making comparisons difficult. This scoping review synthesised evidence on Ig–microbiota binding patterns in maternal and infant contexts, identified recurrent Ig-bound and -unbound bacteria across studies, and highlighted knowledge gaps for further study. Nine articles investigating Ig–microbiota binding patterns in stool or breastmilk samples in mothers or infants were included. Ig–microbiota associations were influenced by sample type, Ig-subclass, genetics, and diet. The most important antibody was IgA, with partial functional redundancy with IgM, while IgG appeared more selective for pathobionts. Ig-bound taxa in early life included important commensals and pathobionts, with high …

Exercise Prescription For Adults With Prediabetes In The Primary Care Clinic, Katherine W. Hall

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Prediabetes affects approximately one in three adults in the United States, with an estimated 10% progressing to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) annually. Despite strong evidence supporting exercise as a first-line intervention to prevent disease progression, most patients in primary care settings do not receive structured physical activity counseling. This evidence-based project (EBP) aims to address this gap by implementing a standardized protocol to assess baseline physical activity levels and deliver individualized exercise prescriptions to adults with prediabetes in the primary care clinic.

Eligible participants, defined by HbA1c values between 5.70% and 6.49%, were identified during routine primary care visits …

Culturally Competent Nurse-Led Education To Reduce Delayed Diagnosis And Increase Awareness Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Reproductive-Aged South Asian Women, Madeeha Syeda

Honors College Theses

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects hormones in women, especially in their 20s and 30s. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, abnormal hair growth, acne, obesity, hyperpigmentation of the skin, cysts, skin tags, thinning hair, and infertility (Newin, 2023). While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, it is linked to insulin resistance, higher levels of androgens, and low-grade inflammation (Newin, 2023). In regards to complications, PCOS can increase risk for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm term, and C-section deliveries. In terms of treatment, there is no cure but early diagnosis is key to reducing symptoms (Newin, …

Examining The Ligands, Location, And Function Of Toll-Like Receptor 10, Kiefer Keanu Tam

Master's Theses

Toll-like receptors are a class of innate immune pattern recognition receptors that detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns and regulate downstream inflammatory responses. Toll-like receptor 10 remains the only human TLR whose ligand specificity, cellular localization, and immunological function are not fully defined. Emerging evidence suggests that TLR10 may play an anti-inflammatory role and can heterodimerize with TLR2 to modulate immune signaling. Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that stimulation with heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis promotes TLR2-TLR10 heterodimerization and trafficking to the cell surface. In this study, we expanded our ligand panel to include additional gram-positive bacteria, particularly anti-inflammatory probiotic species, to further …

Malnutrition At The Time Of Surgery Predicts Increased Morbidity After Distal Femur Fracture Fixation: A Propensity-Matched Analysis, Jawad Saad, Amir Ghafarian, Tyler Forbes, Muaaz Wajath, Noor Saad, Khaled Saleh

Medical Student Research Symposium

Abstract

Background: Distal femur fractures (DFF) are serious injuries most often affecting older adults with multiple medical comorbidities. Malnutrition is known to worsen outcomes in elective orthopedic surgery, but its impact in urgent DFF fixation, where optimization time is limited, remains unclear. This study evaluated whether preoperative malnutrition predicts 90-day morbidity after DFF fixation and whether implant choice influences risk among malnourished patients.

Methods: Adults undergoing operative DFF fixation from 2005–2025 were identified using the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network. Malnutrition was defined as serum albumin ≤3.5 g/dL or leukocyte count ≤1.5×10³/µL within one year preoperatively. After 1:1 propensity matching for …