Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index is comparable to the mini nutritional assessment for assessing nutritional status in elderly hospitalized patients

Nutritional risk assessment in hemodialysis patients: A comparative analysis of modified creatinine index, geriatric nutritional risk index and simple protein-energy wasting score with malnutrition-inflammation score

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nutritional status has a great impact on the prognosis of maintenance hemodialysis patients. Therefore, its management should be a priority, and risk screening frequent and easily implemented, based on the biochemical and clinical routine parameters already available, when the use of more comprehensive tools is not possible. Many tools fit these simple criteria, namely the modified creatinine index, geriatric nutritional risk index, and simple protein energy wasting score. These scores are associated with mortality and morbidity risk in hemodialysis patients. This study aims to confirm that these scores are significantly associated with all-cause mortality and to compare them with malnutrition inflammation score.

METHODS

Historical cohort study of hemodialysis patients from 25 outpatient clinics. The nutritional and inflammation status was assessed at baseline with malnutrition-inflammation score, geriatric nutritional risk index, modified creatinine index, and simple protein-energy wasting score. Univariable and multivariable Cox additive regression models were used to analyse data. Partial likelihood ratio tests to compare the performance of non-nested Cox models were used.

RESULTS

We analysed 2322 patients, 59 % males, 31.7 % diabetic, with a median age of 70 years (P25 = 60, P75 = 79), during a median follow-up period of 45 months (P25 = 31; P75 = 45). All-cause mortality was observed in 778 patients (33.5 %). The median of the modified creatinine index was 19.9 mg/kg/day (P25 = 18.6, P75 = 23.2), and a higher index value was observed for the surviving patients (p < 0.001). Regarding geriatric nutritional risk score, a median of 106.6 (P25 = 99.4, P75 = 114.2) was observed, being significantly higher in the survival group (p < 0.001). Simple protein-energy wasting score lower values were more frequent in the group of deceased patients (p < 0.001). For the malnutrition-inflammation score the median was 6 (P25 = 4, P75 = 8), and 50.6 % of the patients had a score ≥6, with higher scores being more frequent in the deceased group (p < 0.001). Partial likelihood ratio tests showed that the malnutrition-inflammation score only fitted better than the model including simple protein-energy wasting score. All scores had a good discriminative performance with Harrell's C-statistic ranging from 0.71 to 0.73. Malnutrition-inflammation score and modified creatinine index models attained the highest values.

CONCLUSION

All the tools were significantly associated with mortality. The geriatric nutritional risk index was the score that performed most similarly to the malnutrition-inflammation score.

High Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Risk as a Predictor of Postoperative Complications and Early Mortality in Older Adult Patients Undergoing Pancreatoduodenectomy for Periampullary Malignancies

Introduction: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a major surgery associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in older adult patients. Malnutrition is a common complication in these patients and is linked to poorer outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the associations between preoperative nutritional status using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and postoperative outcomes in older adult patients who underwent PD. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 363 older adult patients who underwent PD. The preoperative GNRI was calculated based on serum albumin levels and body mass index. GNRI ≤ 82, GNRI 83 to ≤98, and GNRI > 98 were classified as severely malnourished, moderately/mildly malnourished, and no malnourishment, respectively. Perioperative data, including demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications, were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the associations between the GNRI and outcomes such as length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and overall survival. Results: Patients with a higher GNRI were more likely to experience Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3b postoperative complications (42.1% vs. 22.0% vs. 14.1%; p = 0.027) and pulmonary complications (26.3% vs. 11.9% vs. 4.2%; p = 0.016). These patients also stayed at the hospital for a longer duration (17.0% vs. 16.0% vs. 11.0%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the GNRI was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, even after adjusting for other confounding factors. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of preoperative nutritional assessment in older adult patients undergoing PD. Patients with low GNRI scores are at increased risk of postoperative complications and prolonged recovery. These results underscore the need for targeted nutritional interventions and regular monitoring of these patients. Future studies should focus on interventions to improve nutritional status in older adult patients undergoing PD.

Gender difference in metabolic syndrome and quality of life among elderly people in Noakhali, Bangladesh

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that significantly heighten the risk of non-communicable diseases, affecting the quality of life (QOL) of millions, including the elderly. Hence, the study aims to assess the prevalence of MetS and its impact on QOL among elderly population, with a focus on gender differences.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 400 elderly participants sought care at Noakhali General Hospital, Noakhali, Bangladesh. MetS was diagnosed based on National Cholesterol Education Program's (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria, while QOL was assessed using the brief version of the World Health Organization's QOL (WHOQOL-BREF) tool.

Results

Results revealed that over 70 % of the elderly participants had MetS, with a significantly higher prevalence among females (79.2 %) compared to males (66.7 %). Gender disparities were also evident in QOL scores, with males reporting better outcomes across all domains-physical, psychological, social, and environmental. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that MetS negatively impacted the overall QOL for both genders, with more pronounced effects observed in females.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the necessity of gender-specific interventions targeting MetS management to improve the overall well-being of the elderly.

Prognostic value of preoperative nutritional status for postoperative moderate to severe acute kidney injury among older patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a retrospective study based on the MIMIC-IV database

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between preoperative nutritional scores and moderate-to-severe acute kidney injury (AKI) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and the predictive significance of nutritional indices for moderate to severe AKI.

METHODS

This study retrospectively included older patients underwent CABG surgery from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) database. Nutritional scores were calculated by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), respectively. Moderate-to-severe injury was determined by KDIGO criteria. Logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic splines were utilized to investigate the association. The predictive value was also assessed by the area under the curve (AUC), net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

RESULTS

A total of 1,007 patients were retrospectively included, of which 100 (9.9%) and 380 (37.7%) had malnutrition calculated by GNRI and PNI scores. The incidence of moderate-to-severe AKI was 524 (52.0%). After adjustment for selected risk factors, worse nutritional scores were associated with a higher incidence of moderate-to-severe AKI (PGNRI<0.001; PPNI=0.001). Integrating these indices into different base models improves their performance, as manifested by significant improvements in AUCs and NRIs (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Worse preoperative nutritional status was associated with an elevated risk of postoperative moderate-to-severe AKI. Integrating these indices into base models improve their predictive performance. These results highlight the importance of assessing nutritional status among older patients had CABG surgery.

Unveiling a hidden burden: exploring sarcopenia in hospitalized older patients through concordance and cluster analysis

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia has been shown to be an important condition with the ability to predict negative health outcomes, especially in hospitalized older adults; hence, its accurate identification has an important role in the prognosis of older patients.

AIM

The prevalence of sarcopenia among hospitalized older adults was assessed by employing three distinct diagnostic methods.

METHODS

Older adults who were hospitalized were recruited. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to assess muscle mass and body composition. Sarcopenia was diagnosed via the European and Asian criteria and via a modified approach in which the Colombian cutoff points for handgrip and gait speed were used. Finally, a cluster analysis was performed to classify the population.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia ranged from 7.3 to 31.6%. The agreement between approaches revealed substantial or almost perfect agreement in 30% of the sarcopenia comparisons and 46.6% of the severe sarcopenia comparisons. The cluster analysis defined three different clusters. The first cluster was associated with increased age, BMI and body fat and poorer functional status and muscle. The second cluster was the healthiest, with high functional status and muscle mass. The third cluster had intermediate characteristics.

DISCUSSION

This study highlights the requirements for standardized diagnostic criteria and precise body composition assessment tools in acute geriatric units and highlights the heterogeneity of older adults. Accurate assessment and well-defined diagnostic criteria will facilitate the implementation of appropriate management and interventions.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in hospitalized older adults, but the adjusted criteria and the inclusion of other parameters must be considered in the assessment.

The implications of poor nutritional status on outcomes of geriatric trauma patients

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is shown to be associated with worse outcomes among surgical patients, yet its postdischarge outcomes in trauma patients are not clear. This study aimed to evaluate both index admission and postdischarge outcomes of geriatric trauma patients who are at risk of poor nutritional status.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of the prospective observational American Association of Surgery for Trauma Frailty Multi-institutional Trial. Geriatric (≥65 years) patients presenting to 1 of the 17 Level I/II/III trauma centers (2019-2021) were included and stratified using the simplified Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (albumin [g/dL] + body mass index [kg/m2]/10) into severe (simplified Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index <5), moderate (5.5> simplified Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index ≥5), mild level of nutritional risk (6> simplified Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index ≥5.5), and good nutritional status (simplified Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index ≥6) and compared.

RESULTS

Of the 1,321 patients enrolled, 22% were at risk of poor nutritional status (mild: 13%, moderate: 7%, severe: 3%). The mean age was 77 ± 8 years, and the median [interquartile range] Injury Severity Score was 9 [5-13]. Patients at risk of poor nutritional status had greater rates of sepsis, pneumonia, discharge to the skilled nursing facility and rehabilitation center, index-admission mortality, and 3-month mortality (P < .05). On multivariable analyses, being at risk of severe level of nutritional risk was independently associated with sepsis (adjusted odds ratio 6.21, 95% confidence interval 1.68-22.90, P = .006), pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio 4.40, 95% confidence interval 1.21-16.1, P = .025), index-admission mortality (adjusted odds ratio 3.16, 95% confidence interval 1.03-9.68, P = .044), and 3-month mortality (adjusted odds ratio 8.89, 95% confidence interval 2.01-39.43, P = .004) compared with good nutrition state.

CONCLUSION

Nearly one quarter of geriatric trauma patients were at risk of poor nutritional status, which was identified as an independent predictor of worse index admission and 3-month postdischarge outcomes. These findings underscore the need for nutritional screening at admission.

Association between the geriatric nutritional risk index and cognitive functions in older adults: a cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective

To investigate the associations between the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) with cognitive functions among U.S. older adults. (Patients were classified into two nutrition risk groups based on the GNRI).

Methods

Our analysis utilized data from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2014. Cognitive function was measured using CERAD test, AFT and DSST. Composite z-scores were obtained by summing test-specific z-scores of the above three cognitive tests and were used to assess the global cognitive function. We employed weighted logistic regression models to evaluate the associations between GNRI and nutritional status (low and high GNRI) with cognitive function among older participants. The non-linear relationship was described using fitted smoothed curves and threshold effect analyses. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were also conducted.

Results

This study included 2,592 older participants aged 60 years and older. After adjusting for confounding variables, the GNRI was positively associated with AFT (β = 0.05, 95% CI 0.005-0.096, p-value = 0.0285), DSST (β = 0.192, 95% CI 0.078-0.305, p-value = 0.0010) and the composite z-scores (β = 0.027, 95% CI 0.010-0.044, p-value = 0.0024). The results also showed that the high-GNRI group was significantly associated with AFT (β = 0.922, 95% CI 0.166-1.677, p-value = 0.0169), DSST (β = 2.791, 95% CI 0.884-4.698, p-value = 0.0042) and composite z-scores (β = 0.405, 95% CI 0.115-0.695, p-value = 0.0062) likewise had significant positive correlations, using the low-GNRI group as a reference. In addition, inflection points with CERAD and composite z-scores were found at GNRI of 108.016, and 105.371, respectively. Specifically, on the left side of the inflection point GNRI levels were positively correlated with CERAD and composite z-scores (CERAD β = 0.087, 95% CI 0.024-0.150, p-value = 0.0070; composite z-scores β = 0.065, 95% CI 0.040-0.091, p-value <0.0001), while on the right side of the inflection point were significantly negatively associated (CERAD β = -0.295, 95% CI -0.529 to -0.062, p-value = 0.0133, composite z-scores β = -0.050, 95% CI -0.091 to -0.008, p-value = 0.0184).

Conclusion

Lower GNRI was associated with poorer performance in several cognitive domains. Additionally, there was a non-linear positive association between GNRI and cognitive function in normal nutritional states, for excessive GNRI may cause cognitive decline.

Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: Evaluating the Utility of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a Risk Stratification Tool

Background

This study investigates the association between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), a measure of malnutrition risk, and 30-day postoperative complications following revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA).

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients ≥65 who underwent aseptic rTHA between 2015 and 2021. The final study population (n = 7119) was divided into 3 groups based on preoperative GNRI: normal/reference (GNRI >98) (n = 4342), moderate malnutrition (92 ≤ GNRI ≤98) (n = 1367), and severe malnutrition (GNRI <92) (n = 1410). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between preoperative GNRI and 30-day postoperative complications.

Results

After controlling for significant covariates, the risk of experiencing any postoperative complications was significantly higher with both moderate (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, P < .001) and severe malnutrition (OR 8.79, P < .001). Specifically, moderate malnutrition was independently and significantly associated with deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.01, P = .044), blood transfusions (OR 1.78, P < .001), nonhome discharge (OR 1.83, P < .001), readmission (OR 1.27, P = .035), length of stay >2 days (OR 1.98, P < .001), and periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.54, P = .020). Severe malnutrition was independently and significantly associated with sepsis (OR 3.67, P < .001), septic shock (OR 3.75, P = .002), pneumonia (OR 2.73, P < .001), urinary tract infection (OR 2.04, P = .002), deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.01, P = .001), pulmonary embolism (OR 2.47, P = .019), acute renal failure (OR 8.44, P = .011), blood transfusions (OR 2.78, P < .001), surgical site infection (OR 2.59, P < .001), nonhome discharge (OR 3.36, P < .001), readmission (OR 1.69, P < .001), unplanned reoperation (OR 1.97, P < .001), length of stay >2 days (OR 5.41, P < .001), periprosthetic fractures (OR 1.61, P = .015), and mortality (OR 2.63, P < .001).

Conclusions

Malnutrition has strong predictive value for short-term postoperative complications and has potential as an adjunctive risk stratification tool for geriatric patients undergoing rTHA.

Association of lower urinary tract symptoms and geriatric nutritional risk index in men: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES

Background

Despite previous literature exploring the factors influencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), few studies have examined the relationship between nutritional status and LUTS.

Objectives

The objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between LUTS and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in middle-aged and older men.

Methods

We included 2,607 men in the NHANES 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 cycles for cross-sectional analysis. We screened for LUTS based on four specific questions on the relevant questionnaire. We calculated GNRI according to the relevant calculation formula and included other covariates. Multivariate logistic analysis using GNRI as the principal independent variable and adjusting for other covariates were used to determine the association with LUTS, nocturia, and daytime LUTS.

Results

According to the responses to the questionnaire, out of 2,607 eligible participants, 471 had LUTS, 906 had nocturia, and 819 had daytime LUTS. In the unadjusted regression model, LUTS (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.91-0.96, p < 0.001), nocturia (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.88-0.93, p < 0.001), and daytime LUTS (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94-0.99, p = 0.002) were significantly negatively associated with GNRI. After adjustment by adding covariates, LUTS (OR = 0.97,95% CI =0.94-0.99, p = 0.026) and nocturia (OR = 0.94, 95% CI =0.91-0.93, p < 0.001) were significantly negatively associated with GNRI.

Conclusion

Low GNRI was associated with the development of LUTS. In the prevention and treatment of LUTS, urologists should consider the impact of nutritional status on LUTS, and interventions for nutritional status may prevent and improve LUTS.

The Association of Malnutrition With Chronic Kidney Disease in the Older Chinese Population With Hypertension: Evidence From the China H-type Hypertension Registry Study

OBJECTIVE

Current evidence of the dose-response association between the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited. Hence, this study aimed to determine the association between GNRI and CKD in the elderly Chinese population with hypertension.

METHODS

Data were derived from the China H-type Hypertension Registry. A total of 9,897 elderly patients with hypertension were included in the cross-sectional analysis. GNRI was calculated using the serum albumin and weight loss and the specific formula was as follows: GNRI = [1.489 × serum albumin (g/L)] + [41.7 × (actual weight/ideal weight)]. The outcome of our study was CKD, which was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate value of <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2. The association between the GNRI and CKD was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The present study population was composed of 9,897 participants with an average age of 68.67 (6.10) years. In particular, it was consisted of 4,683 (47.32%) male and 5,214 (52.68%) female participants. Overall, there was a significantly negative association between GNRI and CKD prevalence (per 1 increment; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95-0.97). In a fully adjusted model, compared with the participants in the highest group tertiles 3 (GNRI ≥112), the participants in group tertiles 1 (GNRI <106) and group tertiles 2 (GNRI ≥106 ≤ 112) increased the prevalence of CKD by 57% (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.28-1.93) and 5% (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.86-1.28), respectively. Moreover, similar results were observed when the GNRI was assessed as a categorical variable based on the clinical cutoff values.

CONCLUSION

This cross-sectional analysis found a significant negative association between GNRI and CKD among the elderly Chinese adults with hypertension.

The ability of the geriatric nutritional risk index to predict the risk of heart diseases in Korean adults: a Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study cohort

Introduction

The predictive ability of nutritional risk index on cardiovascular outcomes in middle-aged and non-hospitalized adults has not yet been reported. This study investigated whether the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), an index for assessing the risk of developing malnutrition, could predict heart disease in middle-aged Korean adults.

Methods

The cohort used in this study consisted of 3,783 participants selected from 10,030 Korean adults who participated in the Ansan-Ansung cohort study as part of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. The GNRI was determined based on serum albumin level, proportion of current weight, and ideal body weight. Participants were then divided into two groups: GNRI ≤98 and > 98, which corresponded to the risk of malnutrition and normal, respectively. The major outcome of this study was coronary artery disease (CAD) or congestive heart failure (CHF) during a 15-year-follow period.

Results

During the follow-up period spanning 2004-2018, 136 events of heart disease occurred. Using a Kaplan-Meier analysis, event-free rates were found to be associated with 90.5% on a GNRI ≤98 and 96.6% on a GNRI >98 (p < 0.0009). GNRI ≤98 showed a 3.2-fold (hazard ratio, 3.22; 95% credit interval, 1.49-6.96; p = 0.0029) increase in the incidence of heart disease, including CAD or CHF, compared with GNRI >98, after controlling for potential confounders.

Conclusion

Malnutrition risk confers a significantly increased risk for heart disease in middle-aged Koreans. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to verify the efficacy of the GNRI in predicting disease risk in adults with pre-disease.

Prevalence of Malnutrition and Associated Factors in Older Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the frequency of malnutrition in older patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and investigate associated risk factors.

METHODS

This multicenter, cross-sectional study included participants aged ≥65 years who met the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for RA. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) and based on variables, such as albumin level, the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and vitamin D. Data were also collected on epidemiological variables, inflammatory disease activity, quality of life, physical function, and frailty. Multivariate models were used to study factors associated with nutritional status.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 76 RA patients aged ≥65 years, of whom 68.4% had a normal nutritional status, and 31.5% had an impaired nutritional status: 28.9% were at risk of malnutrition, and 2.6% were malnourished. Additionally, 10% had albumin levels <3.8 g/L. Patients with impaired nutritional status had poorer quality of life and physical function. The factors associated with compromised nutritional status (OR [95% CI]) were age (1.0 [1.0-1.1]; p = 0.035), DAS28-ESR (1.8 [1.0-3.2]; p = 0.024), and EuroQoL-5D-5L (0.9 [0.9-0.9]; p = 0.040). Furthermore, the GNRI was associated with the MNA score (0.06 [0.0-0.1]; p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one-third of older patients with RA have impaired nutritional status. Older age, higher inflammatory disease activity, and decreased quality of life are associated with impaired nutritional status. The MNA and GNRI are valuable tools for assessing the nutritional status of patients with RA.

Risk of malnutrition assessment in hospitalised adults: A scoping review of existing instruments

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to find tools for screening the risk of malnutrition in adult hospitalised patients, evaluate their key characteristics including selected psychometric properties and propose the most appropriate tools for nursing practice.

BACKGROUND

A large number of existing tools for nutritional screening make it difficult to be aware of all the possibilities and especially to select the optimal tool.

DESIGN

The research methodology was designed as secondary research using a scoping review search to map and compare existing tools for assessing the risk of malnutrition in hospitalised adults.

METHODS

The analysis focused on the selected psychometric properties of the instruments (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value) and key characteristics relevant to the selection of an appropriate instrument. This study follows the PRISMA-ScR Checklist.

RESULTS

The review included 27 publications containing 17 tools. The best sensitivity (57%-100%) and specificity (76%-96%) were achieved by the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002). Minimal Eating Observation and Nutrition Form-Version II (MEONF-II) has solid sensitivity (up to 73%), specificity (88%) and high positive predictive values (81%-82%).

CONCLUSIONS

The MUST, NRS 2002 and MEONF-II showed satisfactory psychometric properties. MEONF-II and MUST are able to assess risk without weighing the patient. The Hand Grip Strength (HGS) assessment can be recommended to detect reductions in muscle strength.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

We recommend the MUST, NRS 2002 and MEONF-II tools for use in clinical practice, as they have the best psychometric properties and are user-friendly. The HGS, which proved to be related to the length of hospital stay (LOS) and used as an indicator of protein-energy malnutrition in obese patients, may be a useful complementary tool. For nursing practice, we recommend selecting a tool with respect to the specifics of a particular workplace.

Evaluation of Selected Parameters of Oxidative Stress and Adipokine Levels in Hospitalized Older Patients with Diverse Nutritional Status

Malnutrition is classified as one of the Giant Geriatric Syndromes. It carries serious consequences, such as sarcopenia or depression, which lead to functional disability. The main objective of this study was to identify parameters of oxidative stress and adipokines, which may be potential biomarkers of malnutrition in hospitalized older patients. During the study, selected parameters were determined in 137 senile patients, taking into account their nutritional status determined according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), as well as an additional tool, namely the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). Leptin and resistin were determined as the parameters with statistically significant differences between the patients classified according to the MNA. This phenomenon was confirmed using the GNRI classification. However, additional parameters for which differences were observed include the oxidized low-density lipoprotein level and activity of glutathione peroxidase. In conclusion, the determination of the mentioned markers in hospitalized senile patients as an adjunct to the routine assessment of nutritional status might be suggested to identify the early risk of malnutrition so that a personalized nutritional therapy can be implemented as early as possible.

Two Distinct Nutritional Assessment Tools Have Dissimilar Outcomes in a Sample of Older Adult Patients With Cancer

Introduction

Malnutrition is strongly associated with negative outcomes in aged populations with cancer. Several studies have compared the outcomes of nutritional-screening tools, but knowledge specifically covering older adult patients with cancer remains limited. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of two tools, the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) versus the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) for this population.

Method

Cross-sectional study with 432 participants who consented to participate and were enrolled at admission to medical and surgical wards of a tertiary referral hospital. The participants’ nutritional statuses were simultaneously assessed using the PG-SGA and the MNA, and the outcomes compared using the kappa statistical test. The Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) was employed to calculate the MNA sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and was compared with PG-SGA.

Results

Prevalence of good nourishment was observed in 62.5% and 61.1% of the participants, as detected by PG-SGA and MNA, respectively. Both tools concurred moderately (kappa = 0.453). Importantly, there were significant differences in the diagnosis of malnutrition (7.6% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.000). The MNA showed sensitivity of 72.2% and specificity of 75.9% in detecting good nourishment for the population investigated.

Conclusion

The MNA may not present greater sensitivity, possibly due to a lack of coverage of gastrointestinal symptoms. It is a quick and efficient tool for nutritional assessment of older adult patients with cancer, but as it is more specific than sensitive, caution is recommended when identifying borderline or early malnourished individuals of this population.

Impact of nutrition and physical activity on outcomes of hospital-acquired pneumonia

Frailty is an important risk factor for adverse health-related outcomes. It is classified into several phenotypes according to nutritional state and physical activity. In this context, we investigated whether frailty phenotypes were related to clinical outcome of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). During the study period, a total of 526 patients were screened for HAP and 480 of whom were analyzed. The patients were divided into four groups according to physical inactivity and malnutrition: nutritional frailty (Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index [GNRI] < 82 and Clinical Frailty Scale [CFS] ≥ 4), malnutrition (GNRI < 82 and CFS < 4), physical frailty (GNRI ≥ 82 and CFS ≥ 4), and normal (GNRI ≥ 82 and CFS < 4). Among the phenotypes, physical frailty without malnutrition was the most common (39.4%), followed by nutritional frailty (30.2%), normal (20.6%), and malnutrition (9.8%). There was a significant difference in hospital survival and home discharge among the four phenotypes (p = 0.009), and the nutritional frailty group had the poorest in-hospital survival and home discharge (64.8% and 34.6%, respectively). In conclusion, there were differences in clinical outcomes according to the four phenotypes of HAP. Assessment of frailty phenotypes during hospitalization may improve outcomes through adequate nutrition and rehabilitation treatment of patients with HAP.

The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a predictor of complications in geriatric trauma patients

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality after trauma. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a validated scoring system used to predict the risk of complications related to malnutrition in nontrauma patients. We hypothesized that GNRI is predictive of worse outcomes in geriatric trauma patients.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study of trauma patients 65 years or older admitted in 2019. Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index was calculated based on admission albumin level and ratio of actual body weight to ideal body weight. Groups were defined as major risk (GNRI <82), moderate risk (GNRI 82-91), low risk (GNRI 92-98), and no risk (GNRI >98). The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included ventilator days, intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, discharge home, sepsis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between GNRI risk category and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 513 patients were identified for analysis. Median age was 78 years (71-86 years); 24 patients (4.7%) were identified as major risk, 66 (12.9%) as moderate risk, 72 (14%) as low risk, and 351 (68.4%) as no risk. Injury Severity Scores and Charlson Comorbidity Indexes were similar between all groups. Patients in the no risk group had decreased rates of death, and after adjusting for Injury Severity Score, age, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, the no risk group had decreased odds of death (odds ratio, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.41) compared with the major risk group. The no risk group also had fewer infectious complications including sepsis and pneumonia, and shorter hospital LOS and were more likely to be discharged home.

CONCLUSIONS

Major GNRI risk is associated with increased mortality and infectious complications in geriatric trauma patients. Further studies should target interventional strategies for those at highest risk based on GNRI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiologic; Level III.

Application of a perioperative nursing strategy in the surgical treatment of elderly patients: a narrative review†

With the steady increase of older people in society, a progressively greater number of patients belonging to the geriatric group need surgical treatment. Since elderly patients with reduced physiological reserve and organ failure often have chronic diseases, geriatric syndrome, and other clinical problems, the perioperative nursing of elderly patients is more complicated. Therefore, we need to comprehensively consider clinical issues, such as patients’ preoperative status, surgical risks, and postoperative quality of life and life expectancy, and conduct comprehensive evaluations and holistic, individualized, and continuous nursing and therapy through the participation of interdisciplinary teams to achieve better curative effects. Here, the perioperative nursing of elderly patients is reviewed, including preoperative evaluation and nursing, intraoperative management, and postoperative nursing.

The Relationship of Malnutrition With Cognitive Function in the Older Chinese Population: Evidence From the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey Study

Background and Objective: Few studies have explored the relationship between malnutrition measured by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and cognitive performance. This study aimed to investigate the association of malnutrition with cognitive function in the Chinese population.

Methods: It was a prospective longitudinal study and used three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) data in 2011–2012, 2014, and 2017–2018. Participants aged 60 years or older without mental illness and cerebrovascular diseases were eligible. The GNRI was used to assess nutritional status as follows: normal nutrition (a GNRI > 98), mild malnutrition (92 ≤ a GNRI ≤ 98), and moderate-to-severe malnutrition (a GNRI < 92). Cognitive performance was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. The relationship between the GNRI and cognitive function was analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model.

Results: A total of 1,632 subjects were analyzed, including 741 males and 891 females. Of these, 65.0, 19.4, and 15.6% of subjects were at normal nutritional status, mild, and moderate-to-severe malnutrition, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants under mild and moderate-to-severe malnutrition status have a lower MMSE score [β (95% CI): –0.95 (–1.60, –0.25) and –1.39 (–2.21, –0.57), respectively], compared with those having normal nutrition. Also, there was a linear trend in the association of malnutrition risk with cognitive function in the total population [β (95% CI): –0.74 (–1.13, –0.35)]. However, a significant association of malnutrition with cognitive function was observed only among illiterate females aged above 90 years.

Conclusion: This study suggested that there was a significant relationship between the GNRI and cognitive function in the Chinese elderly. Furthermore, subjects with more serious malnutrition have a worse cognitive function, especially in the oldest illiterate females. Clinicians should put more emphasis on assessing the nutritional and cognitive status of the elderly to timely intervene and prevent cognitive impairment.

Association between Improvement of Oral Health, Swallowing Function, and Nutritional Intake Method in Acute Stroke Patients

Stroke and poor oral health are common in older people, and the brain injuries associated with stroke are often accompanied by a decline in oral function. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of stroke patients who could not recover oral ingestion until discharge and the association between improved oral health, swallowing function, and nutritional intake methods in acute care. The subjects were 216 consecutive stroke patients who were admitted to Tokyo Medical and Dental University hospital and received oral health management. Nutritional intake, dysphagia, and oral health were evaluated using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS), and Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), respectively. Patients in the tube feeding group (FOIS level 1-2, N = 68) tended to have a worse general condition, fewer functional teeth, and a worse DSS level than those in the oral nutrition group (FOIS level 3-7, N = 148). Multiple analysis with improvement in FOIS score as the dependent variable showed that number of functional teeth (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, p = 0.04) and improved DSS (OR: 7.44, p < 0.001) and OHAT values (OR: 1.23, p = 0.048) were associated with improvement in nutritional intake methods in acute care. Therefore, recovery of swallowing function and oral health might be important for stroke patients to recover oral ingestion in acute care.

Association of Nutritional Risk Index With Postoperative Pain Outcomes in Elderly Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgeries: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Malnutrition is a major health problem, which is common in hospitalized elderly patients and is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. However, studies on malnutrition and its effect on postoperative pain outcomes in elderly patients have been largely neglected. Here we investigated the relationship between nutritional risk and postoperative pain outcomes in elderly patients.

Methods: Between April 1, 2012, and August 31, 2015, 734 elderly patients (≥65 years) who underwent gastrointestinal surgeries were recruited and assigned into two groups according to geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI). All patients received standard anesthesia procedures and postoperative patient-controlled analgesia for 48 h. The preoperative epidemiology data and postoperative outcome data including pain intensities at rest and movement, the cumulative consumption of analgesics and its common side effects were recorded.

Results: The total number of patients with high nutritional risk (GNRI < 92) was 533 out of 734 (72.62%). When compared with low nutritional risk individuals (GNRI ≥ 92), the incidence of inadequate analgesia was significantly higher in elderly patients with GNRI < 92 at different time points. In addition, the cumulative consumption of analgesics was also significantly higher in elderly patients with GNRI < 92 at 0–6 h postoperatively. Through logistic regression analysis, high nutritional risk (OR = 3.113, 95% CI: 1.661–5.834, P < 0.001) and female gender (OR = 0.606, 95% CI: 0.394–0.932, P = 0.023) were identified as significant predictors for postoperative inadequate analgesia. Further sensitivity analyses showed high nutritional risk as a predictor for postoperative inadequate analgesia was more prominent in female patients and early elderly patients. Moreover, 88 was determined as an optimal cut-off value of GNRI for postoperative inadequate analgesia using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Conclusion: High nutritional risk is associated with poor postoperative pain outcomes in gastrointestinal elderly patients. Preoperative nutritional evaluation using simple nutritional screening instruments (e.g., GNRI) with the new suggested cut-off value (GNRI = 88) might be included as a standard procedure in routine clinical practice among these patients for postoperative analgesia.

The relationship of the geriatric nutritional risk index to mortality and length of stay in elderly patients with acute respiratory failure: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Elderly people with acute respiratory failure (ARF) have prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) and high mortality rates. Malnutrition is negatively correlated with these LOS and mortality. However, no tools have been used to detect the risk of malnutrition and assist in designing nutritional support for these patients. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is reported as a novel tool for evaluating the risk of malnutrition. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship of the GNRI score with mortality and LOS in elderly patients with ARF.

METHODS

Data of elderly patients diagnosed with ARF were retrieved from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. A total of 1250 patients were divided into two groups based on their GNRI score: the malnutrition risk group (GNRI ≤ 98) and no risk group (GNRI > 98). The primary endpoints of this study were hospital mortality and hospital LOS.

RESULTS

The higher GNRI score was associated with lower hospital mortality and shorter hospital LOS. Odds ratio (OR) for hospital mortality of patients with nutritional risk (GNRI ≤ 98) was 1.264 (95% CI:1.067-1.497) in the adjusted model. Patients with GNRI ≤98 had longer hospital LOS (adjusted OR: 1.142, 95%CI: 1.044-1.250) compared with those with GNRI > 98. Subgroup analysis showed that higher GNRI was only significantly associated with lower hospital mortality in the patients that did not undergo mechanical ventilator (MV) treatment (adjusted OR: 0.985, 95% CI: 0.977-0.992, P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that the 90-day survival was significantly lower in the group with nutrition risk (GNRI≤98) compared with the no risk group (GNRI > 98, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings imply that GNRI is a useful prognostic tool in elderly patients with ARF.

Nutritional Assessment in Older Adults : MNA® 25 years of a Screening Tool and a Reference Standard for Care and Research; What Next?

A tool to assess nutritional status in older persons was really needed. It took 5 years to design the MNA® (Mini Nutrition Assessment) tool, complete the first validations studies both in Europe and in the U.S. and to publish it. After the full MNA®, the MNA® short form and the self-MNA® have been validated. As well as Chinese and other national MNA® forms. Now more than 2000 clinical research have used the MNA® all over the world from community care to hospital. At least 22 Expert groups included the MNA® in new clinical practice guidelines, national or international registries. The MNA® is presently included in almost all geriatric and nutrition textbook and part of the teaching program for medicine and other health care professional worldwide. The urgent need is to target the frail older adults more likely to have weight loss and poor appetite and to prevent frailty and weight loss in the robust. We present in this paper the review of 25 years of clinical research and practice using the MNA® worldwide.

The accuracy of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in detecting frailty and sarcopenia in hospitalized older adults

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty are prevalent conditions amongst hospitalized elderly. They are associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. The co-existence of these problems is common, with malnutrition playing a major role in the pathogenesis of the other two. Whether nutritional screening tools are useful for frailty and sarcopenia screening needs further evaluation.

AIM

To evaluate the accuracy of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in identifying frailty and sarcopenia in hospitalized older adults.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty hospitalized patients (≥ 60 years) were recruited. Skeletal Muscle Index was obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength and physical performance were measured by handgrip strength and timed up and go test, respectively. GNRI and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool were used for nutritional assessment.

RESULTS

GNRI had lower sensitivity but higher specificity compared to MNA in predicting frailty and dynapenia. GNRI discriminated the presence of sarcopenia but not pre-sarcopenia (AUC = 0.683, p = 0.02, and AUC = 0.586, p = 0.12), while MNA did not discriminate the presence of pre-sarcopenia nor sarcopenia in the studied sample (AUC = 0.56, p = 0.25 and AUC = 0.6, p = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia, frailty, and malnutrition coexisted in 26% of our sample. GNRI Score at ≤ 86.73 was 71.9% sensitive and 65.6% specific for detecting frailty and its score at ≤ 89.04 was 64.42% sensitive and 63.53% specific for detecting sarcopenia. GNRI is a simple method, which could be used for sarcopenia, and frailty screening in all elders attending primary care settings where other tools for assessing muscle mass are unavailable.

Nutritional status of human T-lymphotropic virus 1 patients: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The nutritional status of people with human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1) infection has been poorly described because it involves a neglected disease. The few studies that have been conducted mostly involve people with neurologic consequences and the possible clinical evolutions of the disease. The aim of this study was to describe the nutritional status of patients with HTLV-1, including those with associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, and to evaluate food security in these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted in people with HTLV-1 admitted to a referral hospital. We collected data from 17 medical records, including anthropometric data (i.e., body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and mid-arm muscle circumference), laboratory test results (i.e., haemoglobin, haematocrit, albumin, globulin, iron fixation capacity, and iron), the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) method, and food security (Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale) data. The data were analysed using the R-project software. To evaluate possible associations between the outcomes and predictors (age at hospitalisation, food security, presence of children <18 years of age living in the household, income, schooling, ANSG, BMI, difference between ideal weight and hospitalisation, TSF, MUAC ICU days, hospitalisation outcome, rehospitalisation in the first year after discharge, interval between readmissions, death, associated conditions, constipation upon admission), we used Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Fisher's exact, chi-square tests with continuity correction, and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Hypothesis tests were considered statistically significant when p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 57 (52-60) years. The patients were predominantly women (59%) and had an income lower than the local minimum wage with at least 6 years of schooling (52.3%). Only 18.2% of patients were eutrophic according to their BMI and 23.5% of patients were malnourished based on the SGA method. Patients predominantly had food security (64.7%) and good intestinal functions (64.7%) during their hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Despite having a limited number of patients in this study, HTLV-1 patients admitted to hospital are at high risk of malnutrition based on the scores from the SGA method.