Assessing the nutritional status of hospitalized elderly

Nutritional Status and Post-Cardiac Surgery Outcomes: An Updated Review with Emphasis on Cognitive Function

Background/Objectives: Nutritional status significantly influences cardiac surgery outcomes, with malnutrition contributing to poorer results and increased complications. This study addresses the critical gap in understanding by exploring the relationship between pre-operative nutritional status and post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in adult cardiac patients. Methods: A comprehensive search across key databases investigates the prevalence of malnutrition in pre-operative cardiac surgery patients, its effects, and its association with POCD. Factors exacerbating malnutrition, such as chronic illnesses and reduced functionality, are considered. The study also examines the incidence of POCD, its primary association with CABG procedures, and the impact of malnutrition on complications like inflammation, pulmonary and cardiac failure, and renal injury. Discussions: Findings reveal that 46.4% of pre-operative cardiac surgery patients experience malnutrition, linked to chronic illnesses and reduced functionality. Malnutrition significantly contributes to inflammation and complications, including POCD, with an incidence ranging from 15 to 50%. CABG procedures are particularly associated with POCD, and malnutrition prolongs intensive care stays while increasing vulnerability to surgical stress. Conclusions: The review underscores the crucial role of nutrition in recovery and advocates for a universally recognized nutrition assessment tool tailored to diverse cardiac surgery patients. Emphasizing pre-operative enhanced nutrition as a potential strategy to mitigate inflammation and improve cognitive function, the review highlights the need for integrating nutrition screening into clinical practice to optimize outcomes for high-risk cardiac surgery patients. However, to date, most data came from observational studies; hence, there is a need for future interventional studies to test the hypothesis that pre-operative enhanced nutrition can mitigate inflammation and improve cognitive function in this patient population.

The effect of the nutritional status and dietary inflammatory index on frailty and activities of daily living in geriatric outpatients

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that the inflammatory process plays a role in the pathophysiology of frailty in elderly individuals and that diet is effective in regulating chronic inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the effects of nutritional status and dietary inflammatory index on frailty and activities of daily living in the elderly.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study in a hospital in Turkey has been carried out with 187 over the age of 65 who presented to the geriatric outpatient clinic participants. Anthropometric measurements of the patients were recorded, and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) was calculated using the 24-h dietary recall method. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to determine the malnutrition risk, the FRAIL scale was used for frailty assessment, and Katz and Lawton & Brody scales were used for daily living activities.

RESULTS

The mean age of the elderly is 70.83 ± 4.98 years. The frailty rate was determined to be 28.3%. The DII score was determined as 4.41 ± 5.16 in frail patients and 1.62 ± 4.39 in non-frail patients (p < 0.05). While DII showed a negative correlation with the Lawton & Brody scale score (r =  - 0.353), MNA was positively correlated to the Katz score (r = 0.386, p = 0.000) and the Lawton & Brody score (r = 0.475). In addition, one-unit increase in the MNA score was associated with a 29% decrease in the risk of frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

The dietary inflammatory index was found to be high in frail and malnourished individuals. It was determined that the quality of life of individuals with malnutrition decreased.

Diagnostic Value of Nutritional Risk Index and Other Indices for Predicting Sarcopenia in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Population of China Without Cancer: A ROC Curve Analysis

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that systemic inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers, along with derived indices, could serve as predictors for sarcopenia in cancer population. This study aimed to compare these predictors, focusing on the nutritional risk index (NRI) and evaluate its diagnostic value, for sarcopenic patients without cancer.

Methods

This cross-sectional retrospective study included 1674 participants. Sarcopenia is defined by skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). Laboratory data reflected the values of systemic inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers, from which the derived indices were calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis, ROC curve analysis, and the Youden index were utilized to assess the association between these markers and sarcopenia and determine the cutoff value for predicting sarcopenia.

Results

Among all participants (1110 men and 564 women, mean age 61.97 ± 9.83 years), 398 individuals were diagnosed with sarcopenia, indicating a prevalence of 23.78% in China's middle-aged and elderly population without cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between all biomarkers and derived indices with sarcopenia. Following adjustment for potential confounders, lower NRI values were significantly associated with a higher incidence of sarcopenia. For sarcopenia diagnosis, the area under the curve (AUC) for NRI was 0.769 ([95% CI, 0.742, 0.796], P < 0.001), with a cutoff value of 106.016, sensitivity of 75.6% and specificity of 66.1%. NRI demonstrated greater predictive advantage for sarcopenia incidence in men compared to women.

Conclusion

A lower NRI value was associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia. NRI shows promise for early, rapid, and effective sarcopenia screening, particularly in China's middle-aged and elderly male population without cancer.

Assessing the reproducibility and validity of a food frequency questionnaire for pregnant women from the Chinese Miao ethnic group

Background

Currently, no food frequency questionnaire is available to be administered exclusively to ethnic minorities in China. This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility and validity of a culturally tailored semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed for pregnant women belonging to the Miao ethnic group in China.

Methods

A total of 74 questions in the FFQ were administered to collect dietary information from Miao women in China during their pregnancy. This study included 153 and 127 pregnant women, respectively, for testing the validity and reproducibility of the results. Baseline FFQ data (FFQ1) were collected initially, followed by the administration of a repeated FFQ 4-6 weeks later (FFQ2). Two 24-h recalls (24HR) were used as references to compare food groups and nutrient intake. Pearson/Spearman's coefficients were used to measure the validity and reproducibility of the FFQ. Quartile cross-classification, weighted kappa coefficients, and Bland-Altman plots were employed to assess the agreement.

Results

Most food groups and nutrient intake estimated by the FFQ were higher than those estimated by the 24HR. Food groups and nutrients' correlations for FFQ vs. 24HR after being energy-adjusted and de-attenuated, respectively, were 0.10 (vegetables) to 0.45 (grains/tubers) and 0.15 (iron) to 0.52 (riboflavin). Comparatively, correlation coefficients for FFQ1 vs. FFQ2 ranged from 0.41 (fruit) to 0.71 (vegetables) and from 0.45 (energy) to 0.64 (calcium). The percentage of pregnant women classified in the same or adjacent quartiles ranged from 64.08% (vegetables) to 95.29% (sour soup) and from 68.88% (vitamin E) to 78.81% (energy). Weighted kappa coefficients exceeded 0.2 for food groups and most nutrients, and Bland-Altman plots demonstrated acceptable agreement between the two tools.

Conclusions

This study provides novel information on the validation of FFQ. It demonstrates that the FFQ exhibits ideal reproducibility and acceptable validity in estimating and ranking the intake of food groups and most nutrients among pregnant women belonging to the Chinese Miao ethnic group.

Prospective validation of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria for identifying malnutrition in hospitals: A protocol and feasibility pilot study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to pilot a protocol for prospective validation of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in hospital patients and evaluate its feasibility and patient acceptability.

METHODS

The validation protocol follows the GLIM consortium's rigorous methodological guidance. Protocol feasibility was assessed against criteria on recruitment (≥50%) and data collection completion (≥80%); protocol acceptability was assessed via patient satisfaction surveys and interviews. Adult inpatients in a tertiary hospital underwent four nutrition assessments (each by a different assessor); two Subjective Global Assessments (SGAs) and two GLIM assessments. All five GLIM criteria were assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis used for muscle mass. Interrater reliability, criterion validity, and predictive validity were reported to detect trends.

RESULTS

All primary feasibility criteria were met (consent rate 76%; data for GLIM criterion validity collected on 83% participants). Of predictive outcome data, 100% of hospital-related data, 82% of 6-month mortality data, and 39% of 6-month health-related quality of life data were collected. The mean (SD) age of participants was 61.0 ± 16.2 years, and 51.5% were male. The median (interquartile range) length of stay and body mass index were 7 (4-15) days and 25.6 (24.2-33.0) kg/m2, respectively. GLIM criteria diagnosed 70% of the patients as malnourished vs 55% with SGA. Most patients found the data collection acceptable with minimal burden.

CONCLUSION

The methods outlined in this rigorous GLIM validation protocol are feasible to undertake in hospitals and acceptable to patients. This paper provides practical methodological guidance for future prospective GLIM validation studies.

Geriatric nutritional risk index predicts the prognosis of gastric cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

The nutritional status is closely linked to the immune function of patients. Previous studies have demonstrated the utility of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in assessing nutritional status. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic significance of GNRI in patients with gastric cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. The study enrolled 89 gastric cancer patients who received different types of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) between August 2016 and December 2020, along with 57 patients who underwent chemotherapy during the same period as a control group. The GNRI cutoff point was established based on prior research. Differences in clinical and pathological features were analyzed using the Chi-square test or independent samples t-test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify prognostic factors for both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Furthermore, nomograms were created to predict the likelihood of patient survival. There were 31 cases (21.2%) with GNRI < 92.00 and 115 cases (78.8%) with GNRI ≥ 92.00. Patients with low GNRI had significantly shorter PFS (21.33 months vs 28.37 months, P = .001) and OS (33.06 months vs 41.63 months, P = .001) than those with high GNRI, among all patients. Similar results were also found in patients treated with ICIs. Additionally, GNRI was identified as an independent prognostic factor. The C-index and 95% CI of the nomograms for predicting survival probabilities were 0.667 (0.600-0.735) and 0.685 (0.622-0.749), respectively. GNRI was significantly associated with survival time in patients with gastric cancer who received ICIs, patients with low GNRI had shorter PFS and OS. GNRI might be able to identify patients who might benefit from ICIs.

Malnutrition Prevalence and Nutrient Intakes of Indonesian Older Adults in Institutionalized Care Setting: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

INTRODUCTION

Data on the prevalence of malnutrition and nutrient intakes among Indonesian older adults in institutionalized care setting are scattered and scarce. Thus, we conducted a systematic review of published and gray literature to estimate (1) the prevalence of malnutrition, (2) the level and distribution of habitual energy and nutrient intakes, and (3) the prevalence of inadequacy of energy and nutrient intakes among hospitalized and institutionalized older adults in Indonesia.

METHODS

This systematic review was written following the PRISMA 2020 checklist. The population of this review was Indonesian older adults in institutionalized care settings, including hospital wards, orphanages, nursing homes, residential facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Malnutrition was assessed using body mass index, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score, or the subjective global assessment (SGA) score. The dietary intakes (from food recalls, food records, or food frequency questionnaire) were compared with the Indonesian Recommended Dietary Allowances for people aged 65-80. The prevalence of inadequacy was calculated using two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowance as a proxy for the estimated average requirement.

RESULTS

The search yielded 330 studies from electronic databases, resulting in fifteen eligible studies. One report was obtained from an unpublished study. Based on the JBI criteria, most studies had low risk of bias and represented the target population. The prevalence of malnutrition in hospital, nursing home, and other institutionalized care ranged from 6.5% to 48.3% in hospitals and 3.2% to 61.0% in other institutionalized care units. In the hospital setting, there was a high prevalence of inadequacies for all nutrients, particularly protein (20%), calcium (more than 90%), and vitamin D intakes (more than 50%). In nursing homes, these proportions were exceptionally high for protein (66%) and calcium and vitamin D intakes (almost 100%).

CONCLUSION

The high risk of malnutrition in Indonesian older adults in institutionalized care setting is pronounced, along with poor intakes of macronutrients and micronutrients in both settings.

Prognostic value of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and systemic immune-inflammatory index in elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) combined with the Systemic Immunoinflammatory Index (SII) for the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following percutaneous coronary intervention in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1202 elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes divided into MACE and non-MACE groups according to whether they had a MACE. The sensitivity analysis utilized advanced machine learning algorithms to preliminarily identify the critical role of GNRI versus SII in predicting MACE risk. We conducted a detailed analysis using a restricted cubic spline approach to investigate the nonlinear relationship between GNRI, SII, and MACE risk further. We constructed a clinical prediction model based on three key factors: GNRI, SII, and Age. To validate the accuracy and usefulness of this model, we compared it to the widely used GRACE score using subject work and recall curves. Additionally, we compared the predictive value of models and GRACE scores in assessing the risk of MACE using the Integrated Discriminant Improvement Index (IDI) and the Net Reclassification Index (NRI). This study included 827 patients. The GNRI scores were lower in the MACE group than in the non-MACE group, while the SII scores were higher in the MACE group (P < 0.001). The multifactorial analysis revealed a low GNRI (OR = 2.863, 95% CI: 2.026-4.047, P = 0.001), High SII (OR = 3.102, 95% CI: 2.213-4.348, P = 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for the predictive model was 0.778 (95% CI: 0.744-0.813, P = 0.001), while the AUC for the GRACE score was 0.744 (95% CI: 0.708-0.779, P = 0.001). NRI was calculated to be 0.5569, with NRI + at 0.1860 and NRI- at 0.3708. The IDI was found to be 0.0571, with a P-value of less than 0.001. These results suggest that the newly developed prediction model is more suitable for use with the population in this study than the GRACE score. The model constructed using GNRI and SII demonstrated good standardization and clinical impact, as evidenced by the standard, DCA, and clinical impact curves. The study shows that combining GNRI and SII can be a simple, cost-effective, and valuable way to predict the risk of MACE within one year in elderly acute coronary syndromes.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as a predictor for postoperative complications in patients with solid cancers: a meta-analysis

Background

The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) has been wildly used to predict the prognosis of patients with solid cancer, but it's value in postoperative complications remains unclear. The aim of our study was to systematically explore the value of the GNRI in postoperative complications in patients with solid cancer.

Method

The study conducted a systematic literature search using electronic databases to investigate the influence of the GNRI on postoperative complications in patients with solid cancer. The search covered articles published up until May 2023. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was employed to assess the effect of GNRI on postoperative complications.

Result

A total of 11 studies with 11,002 patients were enrolled in our meta-analysis. The results suggested that patients with a low GNRI have a higher risk of experiencing postoperative complications (OR=2.51, 95%CI 2.05-3.02, z=9.86, p<0.001), a higher risk of suffering Clavien-Dindo (CD) grades≥2 complications(OR=2.24, 95%CI 1.84-2.73, z=8.01, p<0.001), a higher risk of suffering infection (OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.18-2.88, z=2.70, p=0.007) and a higher risk of suffering respiratory complications(OR = 2.94, 95%CI: 1.56-5.55, z=3.31, p=0.001).

Conclusion

Based on existing evidence, the GNRI was a valuable predictor of postoperative complications in patients with solid cancer.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=434299, identifier CRD42023434299.

Bayesian diagnostic test evaluation and true prevalence estimation of malnutrition in gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Malnutrition is prevalent among gastric cancer (GC) patients, necessitating early assessment of nutritional status to guide monitoring and interventions for improved outcomes. We aim to evaluate the accuracy and prognostic capability of three nutritional tools in GC patients, providing insights for clinical implementation.

METHODS

The present study is an analysis of data from 1308 adult GC patients recruited in a multicenter from July 2013 to July 2018. Nutritional status was assessed using Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Bayesian latent class model (LCM) estimated the malnutrition prevalence of GC patients, sensitivity and specificity of nutritional tools. Cox regression model analyzed the relationship between nutritional status and overall survival (OS) in GC patients.

RESULTS

Among 1308 GC patients, NRS-2002, PG-SGA, and GLIM identified 50.46%, 76.76%, and 68.81% as positive, respectively. Bayesian LCM analysis revealed that PG-SGA had the highest sensitivity (0.96) for malnutrition assessment, followed by GLIM criteria (0.78) and NRS-2002 (0.65). Malnutrition or being at risk of malnutrition were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS. Use any of these tools improved survival prediction in TNM staging system.

CONCLUSION

PG-SGA is the most reliable tool for diagnosing malnutrition in GC patients, whereas NRS-2002 is suitable for nutritional screening in busy clinical practice. Given the lower sensitivity of NRS-2002, direct utilization of GLIM for nutritional assessment may be necessary. Each nutritional tool should be associated with a specific course of action, although further research is needed.

Geriatric nutritional risk index and adverse medical outcomes among Egyptian patients admitted to a geriatric hospital: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Elderly are one of the most heterogeneous and vulnerable groups who have a higher risk of nutritional problems. Malnutrition is prevalent among hospitalized elderly but underdiagnosed and almost undistinguishable from the changes in the aging process. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a tool created to predict nutrition-related complications in hospitalized patients. This study aims to measure the prevalence of nutritional risk using the GNRI among hospitalized elderly Egyptian inpatients and to determine the association between the GNRI and selected adverse clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted among 334 elderly patients admitted to a tertiary specialized geriatric university hospital in Cairo, Egypt from August 2021 to June 2022. Within 48 hours after hospital admission, socio-demographic characteristics, blood biomarkers, anthropometric measurements, and nutritional risk assessment by the GNRI score were obtained. Patients were divided into three groups based on their GNRI: high, low, and no nutritional risk (GNRI<92, 92-98, and >98) respectively. Patients were followed up for the occurrence of adverse outcomes during hospital stay (bed sores, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), hospital Length of Stay (LOS), and hospital mortality) and three months after discharge (non-improvement medical status, appearance of new medical conditions, hospital readmission and 90-day mortality). Multivariable regression and survival analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

The prevalence of high-nutritional risk was 45.5% (95% CI, 40%-51%). Patients with high risk had significantly longer LOS than those with no risk. The high-nutritional risk was significantly associated with the development of bed sores (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 4.89; 95% CI, 1.37-17.45), HAIs (AOR: 3.18; 95% CI, 1.48-6.83), and hospital mortality (AOR: 4.41; 95% CI, 1.04-18.59). The overall survival rate was significantly lower among patients with high-nutritional risk compared to those with no risk.

CONCLUSION

GNRI is a simple and easily applicable objective nutritional screening tool with high prognostic value in this Egyptian sample of patients. The findings of this study signal the initiation of the application of this tool to all geriatric hospitals in Egypt.

Comparison of dalbavancin with standard of care in the management of infective endocarditis: efficacy, safety, and cost analysis

OBJECTIVES

Due to its long half-life, dalbavancin offers benefits for long-duration treatments, especially osteoarticular and infective endocarditis (IE). We evaluated the efficacy and costs of IE treatment, comparing dalbavancin with standard of care (SOC).

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter cohort study of adult patients with Gram-positive cocci definite IE. Dalbavancin was used as a sequential therapy before discharge. Efficacy was a combined variable of clinical cure and absence of recurrence in 12-month follow-up. Length of hospital stay and the associated costs were analyzed in both groups of treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients received dalbavancin and 47 SOC. The efficacy was similar between the groups (dalbavancin 18 [72%] vs SOC 44 [94%], P = 0.198). Hospital stay was shorter in the dalbavancin group (dalbavancin 22 days [16-34] vs SOC 37 days [23-49], P = 0.001), especially in those with E. faecalis IE (dalbavancin 30 days [20-36] vs SOC 65 days [46-74], P <0.001). A reduction of cost was observed between both groups (dalbavancin, 12,206 € [8998-17,283] vs SOC 16,249 € [11,496-22,367], P = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

Dalbavancin could be a safe and effective option in the sequential treatment of patients with IE. Also, a cost reduction was detected, due to a significant shortness of hospital stay.

Comparative analysis of four nutritional scores predicting the incidence of MACE in older adults with acute coronary syndromes after PCI

To determine the most appropriate nutritional assessment tool for predicting the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 1 year in elderly ACS patients undergoing PCI from four nutritional assessment tools including PNI, GNRI, CONUT, and BMI. Consecutive cases diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of the Air force characteristic medical center from 1 January 2020 to 1 April 2022 were retrospectively collected. The basic clinical characteristics and relevant test and examination indexes were collected uniformly, and the cases were divided into the MACE group (174 cases) and the non-MACE group (372 cases) according to whether a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) had occurred within 1 year. Predictive models were constructed to assess the nutritional status of patients with the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Controlling nutritional status (CONUT) scores, and Body Mass Index (BMI), respectively, and to analyze their relationship with prognosis. The incremental value of the four nutritional assessment tools in predicting risk was compared using the Integrated Discriminant Improvement (IDI) and the net reclassification improvement (NRI). The predictive effect of each model on the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 1 year in elderly ACS patients undergoing PCI was assessed using area under the ROC curve (AUC), calibration curves, decision analysis curves, and clinical impact curves; comparative analyses were performed. Among the four nutritional assessment tools, the area under the curve (AUC) was significantly higher for the PNI (AUC: 0.798, 95%CI 0.755-0.840 P < 0.001) and GNRI (AUC: 0.760, 95%CI 0.715-0.804 P < 0.001) than for the CONUT (AUC: 0.719,95%CI 0.673-0.765 P < 0.001) and BMI (AUC: 0.576, 95%CI 0.522-0.630 P < 0.001). The positive predictive value (PPV) of PNI: 67.67% was better than GNRI, CONUT, and BMI, and the negative predictive value (NPV): of 83.90% was better than CONUT and BMI and similar to the NPV of GNRI. The PNI, GNRI, and CONUT were compared with BMI, respectively. The PNI had the most significant improvement in the Integrated Discriminant Improvement Index (IDI) (IDI: 0.1732, P < 0.001); the PNI also had the most significant improvement in the Net Reclassification Index (NRI) (NRI: 0.8185, P < 0.001). In addition, of the four nutritional assessment tools used in this study, the PNI was more appropriate for predicting the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 1 year in elderly ACS patients undergoing PCI.

IS CALF CIRCUMFERENCE ASSOCIATED WITH CLINICAL AND NUTRITIONAL OUTCOME IN OLDER PATIENTS?

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown a relationship between calf circumference (CC) and outcomes in hospitalized patients.

AIMS

To investigate the relationship between CC and clinical and nutritional outcomes in older in-patients (OiP) in a surgery ward.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study with 417 OiP in a surgery ward. Clinical variables, anthropometry, and nutritional screening instruments such as subjective global assessment (SGA), mini nutritional assessment (MNA), and nutritional risk screening (NRS) were used in the investigation. The tests Pearson's chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's coefficient, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to review the factors associated with CC.

RESULTS

Lower CC values were found in the age group 80 years and over (p<0.0001), presence of complications (p=0.0269), NRS (p<0.0001), SGA (p<0.0001), and MNA (p<0.0001). Gender (p=0.0011; partial R2=0.01151), age (p=0.0002; partial R2=0.06032), body mass index (p≤0.0001; partial R2=0.40820), and arm circumference (p≤0.0001; partial R2=0.11890) are variables that together were associated with CC. There was also a relationship between SGA (p=0.0166; partial R2=0.00605) and absence of complications during hospitalization (p=0.0047; R2=0.01154) with CC.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender, age, body mass index, and arm circumference were jointly associated with CC, in addition to SGA and absence of complications. The CC is a relevant indicator for OiP in the clinical practice.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as a predictor of prognosis in hematologic malignancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Recent studies have reported inconsistent results regarding the association between geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and clinical outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs). We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of low GNRI on the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with HMs.

Research Methods and Procedures

We conducted the research via PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify trials. Exploring the association between GNRI and prognosis in patients with HMs. A meta-analysis of OS and PFS was performed. Quality In Prognostic Studies instrument and Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment Scale were used to assess the quality of included trials.

Results

Fourteen studies enrolling 3,524 patients with HMs were included. Low GNRI was associated with shorter OS (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.44-2.18, p < 0.01) and PFS (HR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.17-2.27, p < 0.01) in patients with HMs. In the subgroup analysis, GNRI was not significantly associated with prognosis in Chinese patients with HMs (OS, HR =1.33; 95% CI = 0.89-1.98, p = 0.16; PFS, HR = 1.70; 95% CI = 0.72-4.01, p = 0.23). For the subgroup with a GNRI cutoff value less than 98, there was no significant difference in PFS (HR = 1.34; 95% CI = 0.98-1.83, p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Low GNRI negatively impacted on the prognosis in patients with HMs. Prospective studies to identify the best cut-off value for GNRI are required.

Nutritional indicators' performance in malnutrition diagnosis of hospitalized elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Several nutritional diagnosis methods and their relationship with clinical outcomes have been described. This study investigated malnutrition in hospitalized elderly patients (HEP) using different nutritional indicators and determined criteria to identify malnutrition and explore the variables that discriminate the risk of malnutrition.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study with 500 HEP; different methods of nutritional diagnosis, their relationship with clinical outcomes and criteria for defining malnutrition were investigated. The GLIM criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition was applied in this study. In the statistical analysis, the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test, univariate and multiple logistic regression and the ROC curve were used.

RESULTS

Patients aged 65-79 years, at nutritional risk or with malnutrition, had longer hospital stays (p = 0.0099; OR = 1.047; 95% CI = 1.011; 1.084) and lower body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.0001; OR = 0.867 (1153)); 95% CI = 0.813; 0.924 (1085; 1225). Patients aged ≥80 years had a lower BMI (p = 0.0053; OR = 0.779 (1284); 95% CI = 0.653; 0.928 (1078; 1531)). Accuracy was significant in both age groups for BMI (p < 0.0001; 65-79 years and p = 0.001; ≥80 years); for the lymphocyte count (p = 0.0167; 65-79 years and p = 0.0028; ≥80 years), and for the calf circumference (CC) (p < 0.0001; 65-79 years and p = 0.001; ≥80 years). Using the GLIM criteria, 27.78% of patients were considered malnourished. CC showed good accuracy, good specificity, but low sensitivity while BMI was more accurate to detect malnutrition in both age groups.

CONCLUSION

CC showed good accuracy, good specificity, but low sensitivity to detect malnutrition. BMI was more accurate in both age groups to detect malnutrition.

The nutritional risk in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

The effect of nutrition on chronic autoimmune diseases is well known. This study is the first to assess the nutritional status of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) by administering the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), to explore the impacts of nutrition on patients' quality of life and to identify the factors associated with the nutritional status of NMOSD patients.

METHODS

Our study enrolled 70 NMOSD patients and 66 healthy controls. The following data were assessed: demographic information, disease features, and composite evaluations of life status, including nutrition, sleep, anxiety/depression, fatigue, and quality of life. Then, statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The MNA score of NMOSD patients was 20.4 ± 3.3, which was significantly lower than that of HCs (23.3 ± 2.5, P = 0.002), especially for the dimensions of global evaluation and anthropometric assessment. Nearly 85% of patients were at risk of malnutrition or had definite malnutrition. The total MNA score was positively correlated with the patient's quality of life (P<0.01). Lower MNA scores were correlated with gender (P = 0.02), longer disease duration (P<0.001), more severe anxiety (P = 0.004), more severe depression (P = 0.003), more severe sleep disturbances (P<0.001), and more severe fatigue (P = 0.01). Sleep disturbance was revealed to be a significant independent factor for the NMOSD patients' malnutritional risk (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the risk of malnutrition is very high in NMOSD patients and that malnutrition is closely related to their quality of life. Malnutrition among NMOSD patients is caused by a combination of various physiological and psychological factors. A multifaceted and personalized intervention is required to improve the prognosis of NMOSD.

The association between albumin and C-reactive protein in older adults

Albumin had been found to be a marker of inflammation. The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) in 3579 participants aged 60 to 80 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In order to evaluate the association between albumin and CRP, We downloaded the analyzed data (2015-2018) from the NHANES in the United States, and the age of study population was limited to 60 to 80 years (n = 4051). After exclusion of subjects with missing albumin (n = 456) and CRP (n = 16) data, 3579 subjects aged 60 to 80 years were reserved for a cross-sectional study. All measures were calculated accounting for NHANES sample weights. We used the weighted χ2 test for categorical variables and the weighted linear regression model for continuous variables to calculate the difference among each group. The subgroup analysis was evaluated through stratified multivariable linear regression models. Fitting smooth curves and generalized additive models were also carried out. We found albumin negatively correlated with CRP after adjusting for other confounders in model 3 (β = -0.37, 95% CI: -0.45, -0.28, P < .0001). After converting albumin from a continuous variable to a categorical variable (quartiles), albumin level was also negatively associated with serum CRP in all groups (P for trend < .001 for each). In the subgroup analysis stratified by gender, race/ethnicity, smoking, high blood pressure, the negative correlation of albumin with CRP was remained. We also found that the level of CRP further decreased in other race (OR: -0.72, 95% CI: -0.96, -0.47 P < .0001) and participants with smoking (OR: -0.61, 95% CI: -0.86, -0.36 P < .0001). Our findings revealed that albumin levels was negatively associated with CRP levels among in USA elderly. Besides, CRP level decreased faster with increasing albumin level in other race and participants with smoking. Considering this association, hypoalbuminemia could provide a potential predictive biomarker for inflammation. Therefore, studying the relationship between albumin and CRP can provide a screening tool for inflammation to guide therapeutic intervention and avoid excessive correction of patients with inflammation.

Decreasing Pressure Injuries on an Adult Inpatient Unit through Implementation of a Nutrition Assessment and Management Process

OBJECTIVE

To lower the rate of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) by identifying at-risk patients based on the Braden Scale score, evaluating nutrition using a Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA) tool, and implementing nutrition improvement measures.

METHODS

There were three steps in this intervention. First, patients with a Braden Scale score of 18 or lower were identified as being at risk for HAPI. Next, the MNA screening tool was implemented to identify nutrition deficiencies. The MNA screening tool can predict malnutrition, HAPI development, and/or additional complications. It is validated, cost-effective, and easy to administer to patients who are hospitalized with HAPI complications. In the final step, the author implemented a multicomponent nutrition intervention to improve the nutrition status of patients at risk for developing HAPI.

RESULTS

Included patients (N = 205) were hospitalized in the intermediate ICU, had a Braden Scale score of 18 or lower, and had poor nutrition status. There was a 74% decrease in HAPI rate following the MNA nutrition screening and management, with HAPI incidence decreasing from 1.9% preintervention to 0.5% postintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Categorizing patients who are at risk for developing HAPI, assessing for nutrition deficiency, and then implementing a multicomponent nutrition intervention considerably reduced the rate of HAPIs per number of patients admitted to the unit.

Geriatric nutrition risk index in the prediction of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly hypertensive population: NHANES 1999-2016

Background

Hypertension is a major risk factor for the global burden of disease, and nutrition is associated with an increased risk of mortality from multiple diseases. Few studies have explored the association of nutritional risk with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in hypertension, and our study aims to fill this knowledge gap.

Method

We included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2016 on a total of 10,037 elderly patients with hypertension. The nutritional status was evaluated using the Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to analyze the survival rates of different nutritional risk groups. COX proportional risk regression models were used to analyze the predictive effect of GNRI on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive patients. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to explore the nonlinear relationship between GNRI and mortality.

Result

The mean age of the hypertensive patients was 70.7 years. A total of 4255 (42.3%) all-cause mortality and 1207 (17.2%) cardiovascular mortality occurred during a median follow-up period of 106 months. Kaplan-Meier showed a more significant reduction in survival for the moderate to severe malnutrition risk of GNRI. The adjusted COX proportional hazards model showed that the hazard ratios for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in the moderate to severe malnutrition risk group for GNRI were 2.112 (95% CI, 1.377,3.240) and 2.604 (95% CI, 1.603,4.229), respectively. The RCS showed that increased GNRI was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality risk reduction.

Conclusion

Malnutrition exposure assessed by GNRI effectively predicts the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in the elderly with hypertension.

Use of Mindex and Demiquet for assessing nutritional status in older adults

BACKGROUND

The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is a validated questionnaire that estimates nutritional status. Given that this questionnaire uses stature measurement, which are unreliable in older adults, Mindex and Demiquet are alternatives to BMI for assessing malnutrition risk. However, the correlation of Mindex and Demiquet values with MNA scores has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study examined the correlation of Mindex and Demiquet with nutritional status and blood parameters in older adults in Thailand.

METHODS

The correlation of Mindex and Demiquet with MNA scores and body mass index (BMI), as well as blood parameters, was evaluated. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and blood test results were collected from 347 participants aged 60 years and older (mean ± SD, 66.4 ± 5.3 years). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and multiple logistic regression analyses were used in statistical analyses.

RESULTS

MNA scores were significantly correlated with Mindex (P < 0.001) and Demiquet (P = 0.001), and BMI was related to Mindex and Demiquet (P < 0.001). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) predicted MNA scores (P = 0.048) in males but not females.

CONCLUSIONS

Mindex and Demiquet values were positively correlated with MNA scores and BMI. In addition, LDL-C predicted MNA scores in male older adults.

The prognostic effects of the geriatric nutritional risk index on elderly acute kidney injury patients in intensive care units

Introduction

The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), a nutritional screening tool specifically for the aging population, has been proven to be associated with worse outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients, especially in the hemodialysis population. However, the predictive validity of GNRI in critically ill elderly patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is yet to be determined. This analysis sought to examine the prognostic effects of GNRI on elderly AKI patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

We collected elderly AKI patient-relevant data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. AKI was diagnosed and staged according to the "Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes" criteria. In the study, 1-year mortality was considered the primary outcome, whereas in-hospital, ICU, 28-day and 90-day mortality, and prolonged length of stay in ICU and hospital were selected as the secondary outcomes.

Results

In all, 3,501 elderly patients with AKI were selected for this study, with a 1-year mortality rate of 36.4%. We classified the study population into low (≤98) and high (>98) GNRI groups based on the best cutoff value. The incidence of endpoints was remarkably lower in patients with elevated GNRI (p < 0.001). When stratified by the AKI stage, patients with high GNRI at AKI stages 1, 2, and 3 had markedly lower 1-year mortality than those with low GNRI (all p < 0.05). The multivariable regression analysis identified the independent prognostic ability of GNRI on the research outcomes (all p < 0.05). Restricted cubic spline exhibited a linear correlation between GNRI and 1-year death (p for non-linearity = 0.434). The prognostic implication of GNRI on 1-year mortality was still significant in patients with the most subgroups.

Conclusion

In critically ill elderly patients with AKI, elevated GNRI upon admission was strongly correlated with a lower risk of unfavorable outcomes.

Prognostic Power of Nutrition-Inflammation Indicators in Patients With Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Inflammation and nutritional statuses are closely related to the survival of patients with cancer. Breast cancer is the one with low level of inflammation and low risk of malnutrition. Does inflammation burden and nutrition status affect the prognosis of patients with breast cancer?

METHODS

Totally 1158 patients with breast cancer from Nutrition Status and its Clinical Outcome of Common Cancers study were included, 15 nutrition-inflammation indicators (NIIs) from literatures were adopted in this study. Area under the curve and C-index were used to compare the predictive value of 15 NIIs in overall patients and subgroup in different menstrual statuses.

RESULTS

Nutrition status indicators prognostic nutritional index, controlling nutritional status score, glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio among 15 NIIs were found to be significantly associated with prognosis of breast cancer, and remained stable in patients in different menstrual statuses. The C-index of inflammation indicators lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio, lymphocyte-C-reactive protein ratio score, and C-reaction protein (CRP) increased with age, but the predictive value of 3 inflammation indicators did not exceed the value of nutritional indicators throughout the whole life of patients with breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostic nutritional index, controlling nutritional status score, glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio had better predictive value for the survival of patients with breast cancer. Nutritional indicators surpassed inflammation indicators in prognostic ability for patients in different menstrual statuses. These results provide an important insight for the care of patients with breast cancer.

Handgrip Strength Test and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in SARS-CoV-2 Patients Admitted to Sub-Intensive Unit

Hospitalized patients with respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia are at increased risk of malnutrition and related mortality. The predictive value of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA-sf^®), hand-grip strength (HGS), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was determined with respect to in-hospital mortality or endotracheal intubation. The study included 101 patients admitted to a sub-intensive care unit from November 2021 to April 2022. The discriminative capacity of MNA-sf, HGS, and body composition parameters (skeletal mass index and phase angle) was assessed computing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). Analyses were stratified by age groups (<70/70+ years). The MNA-sf alone or in combination with HGS or BIA was not able to reliably predict our outcome. In younger participants, HGS showed a sensitivity of 0.87 and a specificity of 0.54 (AUC: 0.77). In older participants, phase angle (AUC: 0.72) was the best predictor and MNA-sf in combination with HGS had an AUC of 0.66. In our sample, MNA- sf alone, or in combination with HGS and BIA was not useful to predict our outcome in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Phase angle and HGS may be useful tools to predict worse outcomes in older and younger patients, respectively.

A Logical Framework (MYGERYFS) for Hospital Foodservice to Prevent Malnutrition Among Geriatric Patients in Hospitals, Malaysia: Protocol for a Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Geriatric malnutrition in hospitals is common and can be affected by many things, including poor satisfaction toward hospital foodservice. Hospital foodservice plays an important role in a patient's recovery process by providing adequate nutrients. On top of that, patients' foodservice satisfaction can easily be afflicted by the quality of food served and the overall foodservice experience. Furthermore, malnutrition can occur from poor foodservice quality, especially among geriatric patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Malaysian Geriatric Patients' Hospital Foodservice Protocol (MYGERYFS).

METHODS

The protocol comprises 3 phases. Phase One is a cross-sectional study that took place at public hospitals with geriatric wards in the Klang Valley. Univariate data from Phase One were analyzed descriptively. Pearson correlation and chi-square were conducted to find factors associated with foodservice satisfaction. Phase Two involves the collaboration of health care professionals in the geriatric field. In Phase Three, a feasibility study will be conducted to determine the feasibility of the MYGERYFS protocol in a hospital among 60 geriatric patients. These patients will be randomized into control and intervention groups, respectively. Intervention care will be done to ensure the safety of the protocol.

RESULTS

Data collection for Phase One of the study has been completed. A total of 233 geriatric respondents with the mean age of 71.39 (SD 7.99) years were gathered. Approximately 51.5% (n=120) of the respondents were female, while 48.5% (n=113) were male, with a mean BMI of 24.84 (SD 6.05) kg/m2. Their mean energy and protein intakes were 1006.20 kcal (SD 462.03 kcal) and 42.60 (SD 22.20) grams, respectively. Based on the Mini Nutritional Assessment, older patients who scored 12-14 (normal) were 27.9% (n=65), those who scored 8-11 (at risk) were 54.9% (n=128), and those who scored 0-7, which is the lowest (malnutrition), were 17.2% (n=40) of the study population. Hence, most patients were at risk of malnutrition. Although a majority of the patients claimed to have good foodservice satisfaction 26.2% (n=61), they also experienced at least 3 barriers during mealtimes. It was found that dietary intake and mealtime barriers were significantly associated with the respondent's foodservice satisfaction. Data for Phase Two and Phase Three are yet to be collected and analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study protocol could potentially benefit the hospital foodservice system and aid in improving geriatric nutritional status.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04858165; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04858165.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR1-10.2196/42496.

The interaction between aging and protein malnutrition modulates peritoneal macrophage function: An experimental study in male mice

Malnutrition is considered one of the most common problems in the elderly population worldwide and can significantly interfere in health evolution in these individuals, predisposing them to increased infection susceptibility. The immune response triggered by infections comprises several mechanisms, and macrophages play important roles in this response. This study aimed to evaluate mechanisms related to macrophage function in a model of protein malnutrition in the elderly. Two age groups (young: 3-5 months and elderly: 18-19 months) male C57BL/6NTac mice were subjected to protein malnutrition with a low-protein diet (2 %). The nutritional status, hemogram and number of peritoneal cells were affected by both age and nutritional status. Additionally, the spreading capacity as well as the phagocytic and fungicidal activity of peritoneal macrophages were affected by the nutritional status and age of the animal. Interestingly, the percentages of F4/80⁺/CD11b⁺ and CD86⁺ cells were reduced mostly in elderly animals, while the TLR-4⁺ population was more affected by nutritional status than by age. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-6 was also influenced by nutritional status and/or by age, and malnourished animals of advanced age produced higher amounts of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Furthermore, the phosphorylation ratio of the transcription factor NFκB (pNFκB/NFκB) was directly affected by the nutritional status, independently of age. Thus, these results allow us to conclude that aging and protein malnutrition compromise macrophage function, likely affecting their immune function, and in aged protein-malnourished animals, this impairment tends to be more pronounced.

Geriatric nutritional risk index predicts all-cause mortality in the oldest-old patients with acute coronary syndrome: A 10-year cohort study

Background and objective

Nutritional status assessment in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients has been neglected for a long time. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a sensitive indicator for assessing the nutritional status of the elderly. This study aims to explore the association between GNRI and all-cause mortality in the oldest-old patients with ACS.

Methods

The patients who met the inclusion criteria were consecutively enrolled from January 2006 to December 2012. Clinical data were collected on admission, and all subjects were followed after being discharged. The nutritional status was evaluated using GNRI. The relationship between GNRI and all-cause mortality was assessed by using different analyses.

Results

A total of 662 patients with a mean age of 81.87 ± 2.14 years old were included in our study, and followed (median: 63 months, IQR 51-71). Patients whose GNRI ≤ 98 were reported as at risk of malnutrition (31.11%, n = 206). In multivariable analysis, we found that for each SD increase in GNRI, the risk of all-cause mortality lowered by 23%, and the HR for GNRI ≤ 98 was 1.39 (95% CI 1.04-1.86). After stratifying patients into three groups by tertiles of GNRI, we found that the HRs for tertile 2 and tertile 3 were 1.49 (95% CI 1.02-2.19) and 1.74 (95% CI 1.22-2.50), respectively. The trend test revealed a dose-response relationship between GNRI and all-cause mortality in the oldest-old with ACS. Lastly, in subgroup analyses, we found a reliable association between GNRI and all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

Malnutrition is common in the oldest-old patients with ACS, and GNRI could predict their long-term all-cause mortality in a dose-dependent manner. GNRI may be a prospective index for risk-stratification and secondary-prevention in the oldest-old patients with ACS.

Association of geriatric nutritional risk index with all-cause hospital mortality among elderly patients in intensive care unit

Background

Malnutrition is associated with poor outcomes for geriatric patients in intensive care unit (ICU). It is important to identify patients at risk of malnutrition and provide individual nutrition support. The assessment of malnutrition risk is not easy for these patients due to their cognitive impairment. Geriatric nutrition risk index (GNRI) is a simple and objective scoring tool to evaluate the risk of malnutrition in elderly patients. In this study, we aimed to see whether GNRI score was appropriate to predict clinical outcomes among geriatric patients in the setting of ICU.

Materials and methods

Elderly patients with age ≥ 65 years were extracted from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Categories based on GNRI were classified as major risk (GNRI <82), moderate risk (GNRI 82 to <92), low risk (GNRI 92 to ≤98), and no risk (GNRI >98). The primary outcome was all-cause hospital mortality. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models and restricted cubic spline were used to investigate associations of GNRI with hospital mortality, respectively. A two-piecewise linear regression model was applied to examine the inflection point of GNRI on hospital mortality. To reduce selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was used in a 1:1 ratio.

Results

A total of 3,696 geriatric patients were finally included with median age 75 (69, 81) years. The prevalence of major risk was 28.6%. In the fully adjusted model, GNRI categories featured a negative trend with hospital mortality (p for trend = 0.037). Restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated an L-shaped relationship between GNRI and hospital mortality before and after matching. The inflection point was 78.7. At the left side of inflection point, GNRI levels were significantly negatively associated with hospital mortality (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.98; p < 0.001) and featured no significant relations at the right side. Multiple linear regression also showed that GNRI was negatively associated with length of stay in hospital.

Conclusion

The major risk of malnutrition defined by GNRI was able to predict poor prognosis for geriatric patients admitted to ICU.

Assessing Nutritional Status and Functionality in Geriatric Population of Bangladesh: The Hidden Epidemic of Geriatric Malnutrition

The average life expectancy of the Bangladeshi population has risen over the last decade due to economic growth and improved medical care. Although the increased number of older adults and their health is a significant concern, there is scarce of data regarding that. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the association between nutritional status and functional ability among selected Bangladeshi geriatric populations living in their homes. Of 400 participants, the prevalence of malnutrition, and people at risk of malnutrition was 25.4% and 58.8%, respectively. Furthermore, almost 80% of participants are dependent in terms of activities of daily living. High risk of falling (OR = 10.82; 95% CI: 5.85-20.37; p ≤ .001), limited activities of daily living (IADL) (OR = 6.21; 95% CI: 4.02-9.58; p ≤ .001), along with dependency in performing IADL (OR = 4.48; 95% CI: 2.83-7.06; p ≤ .001) are significantly associated with malnutrition. Geriatric malnutrition can accelerate disability conditions, leading to early functional aging.

The Role of Standardized Phase Angle in the Assessment of Nutritional Status and Clinical Outcomes in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Compared with the phase angle (PA), the predictive ability of the standardized phase angle (SPA) in assessing nutritional status and clinical outcomes in cancer patients remains uncertain. This review aimed to assess (1) the relationship between SPA and nutritional status and clinical outcomes (including complications and survival) in cancer patients; (2) the predictive ability of SPA alone and in comparison with the predictive ability of PA; and (3) the cut-off value of SPA in cancer patients. Studies that addressed the relationship of SPA use to nutritional status, complications, and survival in cancer patients were searched and identified from six electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library). The included studies were considered to meet the following criteria: English studies with original data that reflected the effects of SPA on nutritional status and clinical outcomes (including complications and survival) and reported a cut-off value of SPA in cancer patients aged ≥18. Thirteen studies that included a total of 2787 participants were evaluated. Five studies assessed the relationship between SPA and nutritional status, and four of them reported a positive relationship between SPA and nutritional status in cancer patients, even considering SPA as a predictor. Twelve studies assessed the relationship between SPA and clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Two-thirds of the studies that evaluated complications reported the predictive ability of SPA; 30% of survival studies reported a positive relationship, 40% reported SPA as a predictor, and 30% reported no relationship. The standard cut-off value for SPA has not yet been determined. Data from the selected studies suggest that SPA might be a predictor of nutritional status. Further studies are needed to determine the value of SPA in predicting nutritional status and clinical outcomes in cancer patients.

Association between malnutrition and contrast-associated acute kidney injury in congestive heart failure patients following coronary angiography

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that malnutrition is very common in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and is closely related to the occurrence of acute kidney injury. However, the relationship between malnutrition and contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is unclear.

METHOD AND RESULTS

We obtained data from 842 patients who were diagnosed with CHF following coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary angiography (PCI) and had follow-up information from January 2013 to February 2016. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the Controlling Nutritional Status Score before CAG or PCI procedure (Group 1: Normal; Group 2: Mild Malnutrition; Group 3: Moderate to Severe Malnutrition). The main endpoint was CA-AKI. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. 556 (60.0%) patients suffered from malnutrition before CAG or PCI. During a median follow-up of 2.1 years, A total of 49 (5.82%) patients developed CA-AKI. Additionally, 5 (1.75%), 26 (6.27%) and 18 (12.77%) events were documented in patients with normal, mild and moderate or severe malnutrition, respectively (p < 0.01). In multivariable-adjusted models, patients with malnutrition showed a significantly higher incidence of CA-AKI than those in the normal group.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition is an independent risk factor for CA-AKI in CHF patients following CAG.

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.

The Role of Diet and Dietary Patterns in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with diminished nutrition status and decreased quality of life. While the prevalence of PD is expected to increase, no preventative or curative therapy for PD exists at this time. Although nutrition and diet represent modifiable risk factors for reducing chronic disease risk, research on the impact of single nutrients on PD has yielded mixed results. As a result, this single-nutrient approach may be the driving force behind the inconsistency, and a holistic dietary approach may overcome this inconsistency by accounting for the interactions between nutrients. The following review aims to examine the impact of a generally healthy dietary pattern, the protein-restricted diet (PRD), the ketogenic diet (KD), the Mediterranean diet (MD), and the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet on PD risk, progression, and severity. While most of the included studies support the role of diet and dietary patterns in reducing the risk of PD or alleviating PD severity, the inconsistent results and need for further evidence necessitate more research being conducted before making dietary recommendations. Research on the potential beneficial effects of dietary patterns on PD should also investigate potential risks.

The change in nutritional status is related to cardiovascular events in patients with pacemaker implantation: A 4-year follow-up study

Background

The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in nutritional status as measured by the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) scores, and their abilities to predict clinical prognosis in patients with pacemaker implantation (PMI).

Methods

A total of 595 patients who underwent permanent PMI from January 2011 to December 2020 were included. PNI and GNRI scores were separately calculated at the beginning day of PMI operation and at the end of 12-month follow-up, and their net changes (Δ) were calculated by PNI or GNRI scores at follow-up minus the corresponding scores on admission. The cohort patients were divided into low risk of malnutritional status (ΔPNI or ΔGNRI scores ≥ 0) and high risk of malnutritional status (ΔPNI or ΔGNRI scores < 0) groups. Primary outcome measure was a composite major adverse cardiovascular event (MCE), defined as heart failure hospitalization (HFH), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or death from any cause, presented as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated by MCE in the crude or multivariate-adjusted Cox Proportional Hazards models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compare the differential ability to predict incident MCEs betweenΔPNI andΔGNRI scores.

Results

In total, 16% of patients developed the MCE during the follow-up. The cumulative event rates determined by Kaplan–Meier analysis were significantly higher in the high risk of malnutritional patients compared to the low risk of malnutritional patients (P < 0.05). Adjusted multivariate analysis showed that decreased PNI scores (HR: 2.228, 95% CI: 1.482–3.350) and decreased GNRI scores (HR: 2.178, 95% CI: 1.439–3.295) were independently associated with favorable outcomes. ROC curve analysis revealed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.586 forΔPNI scores and AUC of 0.592 for ΔGNRI scores, but their predictive abilities were not statistically different.

Conclusion

Either positive change of PNI or GNRI scores were associated with reduced risk of MCEs in patients with PMI, and they have similar ability to predict clinical cardiometabolic risk. Additional enhancing nutritional status during follow-up may help to prevent unfavorable prognosis in clinical practices.

Relationship between Mini Nutritional Assessment Score and Infection in Critical Care Patients

Background: Nutrition and infectious diseases are 2 influential factors. Mini nutritional assessment (MNA) score is one of the indicators for assessing the nutritional status of the patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between MNA- short form (SF) and the infectious status of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Hazrat-e-Rasoul hospital in Tehran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed at Hazrat-e-Rasoul hospital in Tehran from 2019 to 2020. Each patient completed the MNA-SF questionnaire. The questionnaire has 6 factors with a score range of 0 to 14, with 12 to 14 indicating "normal nutrition," 8 to 11 indicating "at risk of malnutrition," and 0 to 7 indicating "malnutrition." The patients were monitored for clinical and paraclinical signs and symptoms of infectious disease for the first 14 days after being admitted to the ICU. Then, the relationship between infection level and MNA-SF scores were recorded and the chi-square, independent samples t test, and Pearson correlation test were used. Results: In this study, 119 patients (60 men and 59 women), with a mean age of 53.82 ± 19.76 years were selected, and 71 (59.67%) of the patients had an infection. Women without infection were significantly more than men (p=0.021). In the assessment of the MNA-SF questionnaire, we found that 62 (52.1%) patients had "normal nutrition" status, 30 (25.2%), and 27 (22.7%) had "at risk for malnutrition" and "malnutrition" status, respectively. MNA-SF scores were significantly different in different age groups (p=0.040). There was a significant relationship between weight loss, mobility, and neuropsychological problems with age (p<0.001). Also, there was a meaningful relationship between nutritional status and infection (p=0.032). The results determined that noninfected cases among the patients with "normal nutrition" status were more than those "at risk for malnutrition" (p=0.007). The results of this study showed that clinical outcomes had a significant relationship with nutritional status (p=0.043). Conclusion: Based on the present study, good nutritional status can reduce infection and mortality in patients who are admitted to ICU, and the nutritional status assessed with MNA-SF can play an essential role in patients' susceptibility to infection.

The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Is an Independent Predictor of Adverse Outcomes for Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition affects patient outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Although hypoalbuminemia has been used as a surrogate, there is no unanimous method for screening and assessing malnutrition. This study aimed to determine if malnutrition, as defined by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), is independently correlated with short-term (<30 days) postoperative complications and prognosis in patients undergoing TJA.

METHODS

The 2016-2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for all patients aged >65 years who underwent TJA. Based on GNRI value, patients were divided into 3 groups: normal nutrition (GNRI >98), moderate malnutrition (GNRI 92-98), and severe malnutrition (GNRI <92). After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariable regression models were used to analyze the association between GNRI and patient outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 191,087 patients were included in the study. Prevalence of malnutrition based on body mass index (<18.5 kg/m²), albumin (<3.5 mg/dL), and GNRI (≤98) was 0.41% (784), 4.17% (7975), and 15.83% (30,258). Adjusted analysis showed that compared with normal nutrition, moderate and severe malnutrition status were associated with a higher rate of transfusion, readmission, and postoperative length of stay over 8 days (P < .05). Severe malnutrition was also associated with pneumonia, surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, sepsis, and revision surgery (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition, as defined by GNRI, is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes after TJA, including 30-day readmission, revision surgery, and increased length of stay. GNRI can be used to routinely screen and assess patient nutritional status before TJA and counsel patients and families appropriately.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Malnutrition Screening and Assessment

Malnutrition is a serious problem with a negative impact on the quality of life and the evolution of patients, contributing to an increase in morbidity, length of hospital stay, mortality, and health spending. Early identification is fundamental to implement the necessary therapeutic actions, involving adequate nutritional support to prevent or reverse malnutrition. This review presents two complementary methods of fighting malnutrition: nutritional screening and nutritional assessment. Nutritional risk screening is conducted using simple, quick-to-perform tools, and is the first line of action in detecting at-risk patients. It should be implemented systematically and periodically on admission to hospital or residential care, as well as on an outpatient basis for patients with chronic conditions. Once patients with a nutritional risk are detected, they should undergo a more detailed nutritional assessment to identify and quantify the type and degree of malnutrition. This should include health history and clinical examination, dietary history, anthropometric measurements, evaluation of the degree of aggression determined by the disease, functional assessment, and, whenever possible, some method of measuring body composition.

Transferrin and Prealbumin Identify Esophageal Cancer Patients with Malnutrition and Poor Prognosis in Patients with Normal Albuminemia: A Cohort Study

In this study, we aimed to analyze whether serum prealbumin and transferrin have a higher sensitivity than albumin for detecting malnutrition and predicting survival in esophageal cancer patients. A total of 212 patients were prospectively enrolled. Serum albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The association of nutritional markers with survival was analyzed. We found that malnutrition was presented in 44.5% of the patients, while 56.6% were unaware of their body weight change. The area under the curve for diagnosing malnutrition was largest for prealbumin, followed by transferrin and albumin, with optimal breakpoints of 21 mg/dL, 206 mg/dL, and 4.3 g/dL, respectively, for diagnosing malnutrition. The diagnostic sensitivity for malnutrition was 34.1-63.4% with a single marker and this increased to 80.5% with all 3 markers. In patients with normal albuminemia (≥ 4.3 g/dL), a low level of prealbumin and/or transferrin predicted malnutrition and poor prognosis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that a low level of the nutritional marker was an independent poor prognostic factor. In conclusion, serum prealbumin and transferrin outperformed albumin in identifying esophageal cancer patients with malnutrition and poor prognosis. Checking all three markers will help with the early diagnosis of malnutrition and enable timely intervention.

The burden of malnutrition & frailty in patients with coronary artery disease: An under-recognized problem

Elderly patients with coronary artery disease have a high prevalence of frailty and malnutrition. Frailty syndrome is associated with poor outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction. There is a known overlap between frailty and malnutrition, yet these are two different entities. Fried Frailty Phenotype, Frail Scale, timed up and go test, and gait speed are rapid screening tests that may identify patients with frailty in everyday clinical setting. Short Form MNA is a sensitive tool to screen for malnutrition. Despite the availability of several tools for screening for both these conditions, the screening rates remain low. We aim to create awareness about the impacts of frailty and malnutrition, provide a brief overview of tools available and highlight the importance of screening in this high-risk population.

Physical Condition and Risk of Hospitalization and Polypharmacy in Older Adults

Hospitalization in older population leads to a decline in physical function, physical condition and independency. However, a scarce number of studies has addressed the effect of being in good physical condition on the risk of hospitalization and polypharmacy in older people. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between physical condition and other health factors, and the incidence of hospitalization and polypharmacy in Spanish older persons. For this cross-sectional study 102 community-dwelling persons aged 80 years or older who were being treated at three primary care centers. The data collected were number of hospitalizations and medications, dietary habits, nutrition status, quality of life, independence in activities of daily life, physical performance and associated genotype data. Scoring higher in the tests Chair stand and 8-Foot Up-and-go was found associated with reduced risks of hospitalization [OR = .45 (95% CI = .2, .99); OR .32 (95% CI = .12, .86)] and polypharmacy [OR = .36 (95% CI = .16, .8); OR= .28 (95% CI = .1, .78)]. The number of medications was also lower in individuals with a greater aerobic capacity and activities of daily life independence [OR = .28 (95% CI = .1, .78); OR = .37 (95% CI = .16, .82)]. No associations were found with the remaining physical performance tests or other factors assessed. Our findings point to benefits of greater strength, balance and aerobic capacity in terms of reducing the risk of hospitalization and polypharmacy.

Can the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002) predict unfavorable clinical outcome in hospitalized elderly patients?

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized elderly patients (HEP) is high.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the behavior of several nutritional indicators and predictors of unfavorable clinical outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective study with hospitalized elderly patients (N = 322). Nutritional instruments, indicators and outcome were investigated. Chi-square, Fisher and Mann-Whitney tests and univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were used.

RESULTS

The variables that, jointly, were associated with hospital stay longer than 7 days, include: the presence of complications (p = 0.0328; OR 1.946; IC95% 1.056; 3.585) and nutritional risk according to the NRS-2002 (p = 0.0016; OR 2.080; IC95% 1.322; 3.275). The variable that remained associated with complications in the multiple model was the nutritional risk according to the NRS-2002 (p = 0.0018; OR 2.587; IC95% 1.423; 4.703).

CONCLUSION

Nutritional risk using the NRS-2002 is a predictor of clinical outcome in hospitalized elderly patients.

Defining Normal Ranges of Skeletal Muscle Area and Skeletal Muscle Index in Children on CT Using an Automated Deep Learning Pipeline: Implications for Sarcopenia Diagnosis

Background: Skeletal muscle area (SMA), representing skeletal muscle cross-sectional area at the L3 vertebral level, and skeletal muscle index (SMI), representing height-normalized SMA, can serve as markers of sarcopenia. Normal SMA and SMI values have been reported primarily in adults. Objective: To use an automated deep-learning (DL) pipeline for muscle segmentation on abdominal CT to define normative age- and sex-based values for pediatric muscle cross-sectional area, as a guide for diagnosis of sarcopenia in children. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed records of patients who underwent abdominal CT at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center from January 1, 2009 to January 3, 2019. Patients were excluded on the basis of age outside of the eligible range (2.00-18.99 years), body mass index (BMI) outside of 5% to 95% age-based percentiles using CDC and WHO growth charts), known medical condition, medication use, support devices, surgery, or missing axial images at L3 level. A previously validated automated DL pipeline (https://github.com/cchmc-dll/pediatric_sarcopenia_pipeline.git) was used to identify an axial slice at L3 and segment skeletal muscle, to generate SMA and SMI. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed. Quantile regression analysis was used to plot SMA and SMI as functions of age and sex and to determine age- and sex-based percentile values. Results: Of 8817 patients who underwent abdominal CT during the study period, 2168 (mean age, 11.5±45 years; 1125 females, 1043 males) met inclusion criteria. Mean BMI-for-age percentile based on CDC and WHO growth charts was 64.8±25.3% for females and 61.4±25.8% for males. SMA showed strong correlation with weight, height, age, and BMI for males (0.79-0.94) and females (0.75-0.90); SMI showed weak-to-moderate correlation with weight, height, age and BMI for males (0.25-0.57) and females (0.00-0.43). Normal SMA and SMI ranges for age and sex were expressed as curves and as a lookup table, identifying 54 males and 59 females with muscle measurements below the 5-percentile regression curve. Conclusion: By using an automated DL pipeline in a large sample of carefully selected children, normal ranges for SMA and SMI were calculated as functions of age and sex. Clinical Impact: The normative values should aid the diagnosis of sarcopenia in children.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN NUTRITIONAL SCREENING INSTRUMENTS IN HOSPITALIZED OLDER PATIENTS

ABSTRACT Background The prevalence of hospitalized elderly patients has grown substantially and has impacted the hospital health services. Thus, it is believed that an investigation of the nutritional status associated with different clinical situations in elderly patients could contribute to multidisciplinary hospital intervention and nutritional care actions suitable for this population. Objective To investigate the relationship between two nutritional screening instruments in hospitalized older patients and to compare clinical variables between these two instruments. Methods Retrospective study with hospitalized older patients (n=277), investigating the agreement between two nutritional screening instruments. The data were analyzed using the McNemar, chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney tests and the kappa coefficient for the agreement assessment. Results There was a significant difference (P=0.0002) between the nutritional risk classifications of the two nutritional screening instruments and moderate agreement (k=0.5430) between them. The association between nutritional risk screening and age (P=0.0255), length of hospital stay (P<0.0001), gender (P=0.0365) and illness (P=0.0001) were assessed. There was an association between Mini Nutritional Assessment and length of stay (P<0.0001), illness (P=0.0001) and body weight evolution (P=0.0479). Conclusion The nutritional risk screening and Mini Nutritional Assessment showed moderate agreement in the assessment of elderly patients.

Clinical Impact of Nutritional Status and Sarcopenia in Pediatric Patients with Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A Pilot Retrospective Study (SarcoPed)

BACKGROUND

We evaluated nutritional and sarcopenia status and their clinical impact in pediatric patients affected by bone and soft tissue sarcomas.

METHODS

Body mass index (BMI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and total psoas muscle area (tPMA) at diagnosis and after 12 months were analyzed. tPMA was measured from single cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) images at L4-L5. Age-specific and sex-specific tPMA Z-scores were retrieved from an online calculator.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients were identified between February 2013 and December 2018. Twelve patients (57.1%) experienced sarcopenia at diagnosis, although not statistically associated with overall survival (OS) (p = 0.09). BMI Z-score, PNI, and tPMA Z-score significantly decreased between diagnosis and after 12 months of treatment (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed significant associations between poor OS and the presence of metastasis (p = 0.008), the absence of surgery (p = 0.005), PNI decrease (p = 0.027), and the reduction in tPMA > 25% (p = 0.042) over the 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia affects more than half of the patients at diagnosis. Decreased PNI during 12 months of treatment has significant predictive value for OS. The role of tPMA derived from CT scan among pediatric patients with sarcoma should be investigated in further prospective and larger studies.

Impact of high energy oral nutritional supplements consumed in the late afternoon on appetite, energy intake and cardio-metabolic risk factors in females with lower BMI

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Morning consumption of a single dose of high-energy oral nutritional supplement (ONS) in females with a lower BMI displaces some of the food eaten at breakfast but increases overall daily energy intake. This study investigated the effectiveness of ONS intake in the late afternoon and for longer duration.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Twenty-one healthy females (mean ± SD, age 25 ± 5 years; BMI 18.7 ± 1.2 kg/m²) participated in a randomised, crossover study with two experimental trials. In the afternoon of days 1-5, participants consumed either ONS (2.510 MJ) or low-energy PLACEBO drink (0.377 MJ) and recorded food eaten at home. On day six, energy intake was measured during buffet meals, and energy expenditure, appetite measurements and blood samples were collected throughout the day.

RESULT

Over the 5-day period, in the ONS trial energy intake from evening meals was lower (ONS, 2.7 ± 0.25 MJ; Placebo, 3.6 ± 0.25 MJ, P = 0.01) but averaged total daily energy intake was higher (ONS, 9.2 ± 0.3 MJ; PLACEBO, 8.2 ± 0.4 MJ, P = 0.03). On day six, energy intake, appetite scores, plasma GLP-1 and PYY, and energy expenditure were not significantly different between the two trials but fasting insulin concentration and HOMA_IR, were higher (P < 0.05) and insulin sensitivity score based on fasting insulin and TAG lower (P < 0.05) in ONS trial.

CONCLUSION

Late afternoon consumption of ONS for five consecutive days by females with a lower BMI has only a partial and short-lived energy intake suppression and thus increases daily energy intake but reduces insulin sensitivity.

Prevalence of undernutrition in surgical patients and the effect on length of hospital stay

BACKGROUND

Low nutritional status is common among surgical patients. A low nutrition profile is related to muscle weakness and immune suppression, which may be associated with negative outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of low nutrition and assessed the relationship between nutritional status and length of hospital stay in surgical patients.

METHODS

The study participants were patients who underwent abdominal surgery between 2016 and 2018 at our hospital. The Mini Nutritional Status Short-Form score and patient demographics, including current medical status, were extracted from the medical records. Data on anesthesia time, blood loss, and use of epidural anesthesia were also recorded. The primary study outcome was the difference in length of hospitalization from the standard duration (hospitalization = actual length of hospitalization-standard length of hospitalization).

RESULTS

Eight hundred and thirty five patients met the inclusion criteria. Their nutritional status was classified as normal (59.0%), at risk (29.6%), or malnutrition (11.4%). Linear regression analysis revealed that nutritional status, serum albumin level, and anesthesia time were associated with the length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that a low nutrition profile before surgery is associated with a prolonged hospital stay.

Prognostic values of geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in elderly patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Background: Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are associated with prognosis of various malignancies. Although GNRI and PNI indicates prognosis in some clinical settings, the values of GNRI and PNI on the prognosis of geriatric patients with Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is unclear. This retrospective analysis aimed to explore the prognostic values of GNRI and PNI in elderly DLBCL patients.

Methods: A total of 133 geriatric patients with DLBCL were recruited from Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, and clinicopathological variables were analyzed. X-Tile program, restricted cubic spline (RCS) and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to determine optimal cut-off points of GNRI, PNI and other continuous variables; univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were used for variables selection; Kaplan‐Meier curve was utilized to analyze the influence of variables on prognosis; log-rank test was performed for difference evaluation between groups.

Results: The optimal cut-off points for GNRI and PNI were 106.26 and 47 by using RCS. Multivariate analysis showed that PNI, age, hemoglobin, liver invasion and central nervous system invasion were independent prognostic factors for elderly patients with DLBCL, and PNI was (P = 0.001, HR = 0.413, 95% CI (0.240-0.710) a stronger predictor. Low PNI could predict worse prognosis independently of elderly patients of DLBCL and could re-stratify patients in GCB group, CD5 positive group BCL-2 positive group, and BCL-6 positive group.

Conclusions: PNI was an independent adverse factor for elderly DLBCL and patients with low PNI in GCB group, CD5 positive group and BCL-6 positive group were with poor survival.