Comparison of Preoperative Nutritional Indexes for Outcomes after Primary Esophageal Surgery for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte index as a feasible nutrition-immunity-inflammation marker of the outcome of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The imbalance of nutrition-immunity-inflammation status might be associated with the mortality risk in the elderly. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the C-reactive protein (CRP)-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the elderly.

METHODS

The data from records of older adults (≥ 60 years) were derived from 1999 to 2010 and 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weighted Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze the relationship between CALLY and all-cause mortality and CVD mortality in three different models, and the linear trend was analyzed. A restricted cubic spline model was used to evaluate the nonlinear dose-response relationship and determine the critical threshold of CALLY to divide the population into two groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test were used to evaluate the cumulative survival rates of different groups. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure robustness.

RESULTS

Compared to the first quartile of natural log-transformation (ln) CALLY, the highest quartile of ln CALLY was negatively correlated with the risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56-0.79. P < 0.05) and CVD mortality (HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47-0.89. P < 0.05) in model 3. Ln CALLY was linear dose-response correlated with mortality. We determined that the critical threshold for ln CALLY in elderly was 1.00. Elderly with higher ln CALLY (≥ 1.00) had significantly increased survival rates (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CALLY showed a significant negative linear association with the risk of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality, and higher CALLY was beneficial to the survival outcomes of the elderly.

Nomogram based on pretreatment hepatic and renal function indicators for survival prediction of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with treatment of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus surgery

The parameters for survival prediction of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) combined with surgery are unclear. Here, we aimed to construct a nomogram for survival prediction of ESCC patients treated with NCRT combined with surgery based on pretreatment serological hepatic and renal function tests. A total of 174 patients diagnosed as ESCC were enrolled as a training cohort from July 2007 to June 2019, and approximately 50% of the cases (n = 88) were randomly selected as an internal validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox survival analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors to establish a nomogram. Predictive accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated by Harrell's concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve. ALT, ALP, TBA, TP, AST, TBIL and CREA were identified as independent prognostic factors and incorporated into the construction of the hepatic and renal function test nomogram (HRFTNomogram). The C-index of the HRFTNomogram for overall survival (OS) was 0.764 (95% CI 0.701-0.827) in the training cohort, which was higher than that of the TNM staging system (0.507 (95% CI 0.429-0.585), P < 0.001). The 5-year OS calibration curve of the training cohort demonstrated that the predictive accuracy of the HRFTNomogram was satisfactory. Moreover, patients in the high-risk group stratified by the HRFTNomogram had poorer 5-year OS than those in the low-risk group in the training cohort (27.4% vs. 80.3%, P < 0.001). Similar results were observed in the internal validation cohort. A novel HRFTNomogram might help predict the survival of locally advanced ESCC patients treated with NCRT followed by esophagectomy.

Development and validation of a nomogram based on geriatric nutritional risk index for predicting prognosis and postoperative complications in surgical patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in predicting oncological outcomes and postoperative complications in UTUC patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and to develop a nomogram incorporating GNRI to predict outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 458 consecutive patients who underwent RNU in our center. According to nutritional scores, patients were divided into the following groups: low GNRI (GNRI ≤ 98) and high GNRI (GNRI > 98). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to investigate the role of GNRI in predicting the perioperative complications. The survival was compared with Kaplan - Meier curve, and test by log-rank tests. Risk factors associated with cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression model and were integrated into a nomogram for individualized risk prediction. The calibration and discrimination ability of the model were evaluated by concordance index (C-index) and risk group stratification.

RESULTS

When compared with high GNRI, low GNRI had significantly lower survival (CSS, p < 0.001; OS, p < 0.001). Across all patients, multivariable analyses revealed that low GNRI was an independent prognostic factor (CSS, p = 0.007; OS, p = 0.005). Nomograms for 1-, 3-, and 5 years of CSS and OS had good performance. Patients can be stratified into different groups based on the nomogram, with significant differences in OS and CSS. Further, GNRI was also found to be an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. The complication - prediction nomogram based on GNRI was also internally validated and showed good performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The GNRI score is an independent predictor for the prognosis and postoperative complications of UTUC following RNU. This study presented a nomogram incorporating preoperative GNRI that might be used as a convenient tool to facilitate the preoperative individualized prediction of short- and long-term outcomes for patients with UTUC.

Prognostic Value of Controlling Nutritional Status Score in Advanced Hypopharyngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the preoperative controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score in patients with resectable advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 113 advanced hypopharyngeal cancer patients who underwent curative resection in our hospital from 2013 to 2017. The association between the CONUT score and clinicopathological variables was evaluated. The association between CONUT score and survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression. The efficacy of the CONUT score and other immune-nutritional markers to predict prognosis was compared using a time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC).

RESULTS

Patients were divided into the high-CONUT score group (≥3) and the low-CONUT score group (≤2) according to ROC analysis. The CONUT score was associated with body mass index (p = 0.047), monocyte (p = 0.021), pharyngocutaneous fistula (p = 0.045), flap repairment (p = 0.034), tumor (T) classification (p = 0.034), node (N) classification (p = 0.036), subsite of tumor (p = 0.035), and negative pathologic factors (p < 0.001). Tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, negative pathologic factors, adjuvant radiotherapy, postoperative chemoradiotherapy, and CONUT score were independent prognostic factors for survival. Patients with a higher CONUT score had worse overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio: 2.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-5.29, p = 0.002) and disease-free survival (hazard ratio: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.28-4.91, p = 0.007). The area under the curve of the CONUT score (0.799) to predict 5-year OS was greater than those of Preoperative Nutritional Index (0.769), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (0.643), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (0.565), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (0.577).

CONCLUSION

The CONUT score is a prognostic marker for patients with resectable advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2613-2620, 2023.

Nutritional Status Indices and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance Risk in the Elderly Population: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVE

Although several studies have found dietary intake is related to multiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor status risks, the role of one's nutritional status has been ignored and its role in plasma cell neoplasm development is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between various clinical indices of nutritional status and the risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in the population.

METHODS

We selected 9520 participants from the NHANES III and NHANES 1999-2004 studies. Controlling nutritional status index (CONUT), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated as indices of nutritional status of the participants. Associations between nutritional indices and MGUS were investigated using multiple logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and an RCS model.

RESULTS

In our study, 266 participants had MGUS, with a prevalence of 2.79%. This study found that CONUT and PNI identified populations with poor nutritional status and had a significant positive correlation with the risk of MGUS. In multivariate logistic regression, compared with the lower CONUT score (<3) group, the OR for the group with higher scores (≥3) was 1.805 (95%CI: 1.271, 2.564). Compared with the lowest quartile group, the highest quartile PNI score group had an OR of 0.509 (95%CI: 0.290, 0.896). GNRI had no significant correlation with the risk of MGUS, with an OR of 0.737 (95%CI: 0.443, 1.227).

CONCLUSION

This study found that older adults with CONUT and PNI scores indicating poorer nutrition had a higher risk of MGUS.

Development of nomogram for predicting major complications in patients with esophageal cancer in the early postoperative period

PURPOSE

To investigate the predictive value of the Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI) in major complications after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and to develop a Nomogram risk prediction model.

METHOD

The clinical data of 386 patients who underwent radical esophageal cancer surgery from May 2019 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to screen independent risk factors associated with major postoperative complications. A nomogram risk prediction model for major postoperative complications was developed based on the predictors, and the clinical utility of the model was assessed by decision curve analysis(DCA).

RESULT

In this study logistic univariate regression analysis found that age, preoperative radiotherapy, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA score), length of surgery, and PNI may be associated with the development of major postoperative complications. logistic multifactorial analysis showed that the above risk factors were independent risk factors for the development of major postoperative complications in esophageal cancer. Nomogram was developed by incorporating the above risk factors with ASA classification. The calibration curves showed that the model had a good agreement. The decision curves showed that the model has good clinical application.

CONCLUSION

Individualized nomograms based on PNI combined with clinical indicators can be used to predict major complications in the early postoperative period and help to enhance perioperative management.

Prognostic value of pretreatment Controlling Nutritional Status score in esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis

Background and purpose: The association between the pretreatment Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients remains unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to further elucidate the prognostic role of the pretreatment CONUT score in esophageal cancer based on current evidence. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CNKI databases were searched up to 27 September 2022. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS)/cancer-specific survival (CSS), and the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled for analysis. Results: A total of 11 retrospective studies involving 3,783 participants were included. The pooled results demonstrated that a higher pretreatment CONUT score was significantly related to poor OS (HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.31-2.54, p < 0.001), and subgroup analysis stratified by pathological type showed similar results. In addition, the pretreatment CONUT score was associated with poor PFS (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10-1.28, p < 0.001) and CSS (HR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.77-4.02, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The pretreatment CONUT score was predictive of worse prognosis in esophageal cancer, and patients with a higher CONUT score showed worse survival.

Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index as a predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in older Americans with diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Few studies have examined the relationship between malnutrition, as defined by the Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI), and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality events, particularly in persons with diabetes. The study aimed at the association between GNRI and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in older Americans with diabetes.

METHODS

Data from this retrospective study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) 1999-2016. Using data from The NHANES Public-Use Linked Mortality Files to assess all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiovascular mortality (CVM). After excluding participants younger than 60 years and without diabetes, and with missing follow-up data, 4400 cases were left in this study. Persons with diabetes were divided by GNRI into 3 groups: GNRI ≥ 98; 92 ≤ GNRI < 98; and GNRI < 92; (No; Low; Moderate/Severe (M/S) group). We used Cox proportional hazard regression model to explore the predictive role of GNRI on ACM and CVM in elderly persons with diabetes. Restricted cubic splines to investigate the existence of a dose-response linear relationship between them.

RESULT

During a median follow-up period of 89 months, a total of 538 (12.23%) cardiovascular deaths occurred and 1890 (42.95%) all-cause deaths occurred. Multifactorial COX regression analysis showed all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.672-3.994, p < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.063-4.936, p = 0.034) associated with M/S group risk of malnutrition in GNRI compared to no group. A negative association between GNRI and all-cause mortality was observed across gender and ethnicity. However, the same negative association between GNRI and cardiovascular mortality was observed only for males (HR:0.94, 95% CI:0.905-0.974, p < 0.001) and other races (HR:0.92, 95% CI:0.861-0.976, p = 0.007). And there was no significant correlation between low malnutrition and cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.076). Restricted cubic splines showed a nonlinear relationship between GNRI and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality (non-linear p < 0.001, non-linear p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower GNRI levels are associated with mortality in older patients with diabetes. GNRI may be a predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality risk in older patients with diabetes.

The prognostic significance of preoperative nutritional/inflammatory markers and clinicopathological features in resectable esophagectomy patients: possibility of nutritional intervention

BACKGROUND

Preoperative inflammatory or nutritional biomarkers and clinicopathological features may be survival predictors in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

We included 118 patients with resectable squamous esophageal carcinoma (stages I-IV), assessing preoperative CRP- and albumin-based modified Glasgow prognostic score, the modified controlling nutritional status score, C-reactive protein, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, pathologic stage, and tumor location(s), looking for correlation with overall survival and relapse-free survival. Using univariate and Cox analysis, we selected the most reliable prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Five-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 54.9% and 48.5%, respectively. C-reactive protein values correlated negatively with hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.0036). On univariate analysis, tumor stage, invasion depth, location, nodal involvement, albumin, and modified Glasgow prognostic score were significant prognostic factors for overall and recurrence-free survival. Preoperative C-reactive protein was prognostic factor for overall survival, but not for relapse-free survival (P = 0.017, 0.063, respectively). The Cox proportional hazards model showed the modified Glasgow prognostic score to be an independent prognostic factor for relapse-free survival and overall survival after using the stepwise variable selection procedure. Cox analysis including clinicopathological factors and modified Glasgow prognostic scores showed that only tumor location(s) and pathologic stage were independent prognostic factors for overall survival and recurrence-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Although the modified Glasgow prognostic score is not superior to pathologic stage and tumor location as a biomarker of preoperative nutrition/inflammation and clinicopathological factors, it remains an important prognostic marker in resectable esophageal cancers. Preoperative decreased inflammatory response and improved nutritional status may contribute to prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer.

Prognostic Utility of Nutritional Risk Index in Patients with Head and Neck Soft Tissue Sarcoma

BACKGROUND

The nutritional risk index (NRI) is an excellent indicator of nutritional status and a significant prognostic factor in several malignancies, but the relationship between NRI and the prognosis of head and neck soft tissue sarcoma (HNSTS) patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of NRI in patients with HNSTS.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with HNSTS between 1990 and 2021. In order to determine the optimal cut-off value of NRI, the Maximally selected log-rank statistic was performed. We evaluated the effect of NRI on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) by using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. Then, OS and PFS nomograms based on NRI were constructed.

RESULTS

In total, 436 HNSTS patients were included in this study. The optimal cut-off value of NRI was 99.34. Patients with low-NRI showed significantly worse OS and PFS than patients with high-NRI, respectively (5-year OS rate of 43.0 vs. 70.8%, 5-year PFS rate of 29.0 vs. 45.0%, all p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, distant metastasis, deep tumor depth, tumor grade, and NRI were prognostic factors for both PFS and OS, and treatment modality was associated with OS but not PFS. The concordance indexes (C-indexes) of OS and PFS nomograms were 0.794 (95% CI, 0.759-0.829) and 0.663 (95% CI, 0.626-0.700), respectively, which also performed well in the validation set.

CONCLUSIONS

NRI is an independent predictor of OS and PFS in HNSTS patients. The validated nomograms based on NRI provide useful predictions of OS and PFS for patients with HNSTS.

Usefulness of Nutrition and Inflammation Assessment Tools in Esophageal Cancer Treatment

Multidisciplinary treatment for esophageal cancer leads to nutritional and inflammatory changes. Recent studies showed that nutritional and inflammatory changes during multidisciplinary treatment affect both short and long-term oncological outcomes in esophageal cancer treatment. Therefore, evaluation of the nutritional and inflammatory status during treatment is necessary in order to optimize and utilize multidisciplinary therapy for esophageal cancer. If patients with esophageal cancer are able to determine their nutritional and inflammatory status, they will be able to select the optimal esophageal cancer, anti-inflammation, and nutritional treatments. Various types of nutrition and inflammation assessment tools have been developed and reported for esophageal cancer, with each tool having its own clinical characteristics, which must be understood before being applied in clinical practice. This review summarizes the background, current status, and future perspectives on the application of nutrition and inflammation assessment tools in esophageal cancer treatment.

Controlling Nutritional Status Score Serves as a Prognosticator in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Optimal Timing of Evaluation of Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Treatment

BACKGROUND

Usefulness of various nutritional indices for management of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been reported. Although Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is among promising indices to predict outcome, the optimal timing for its measurement during the perioperative period remains unknown. Here the prognostic value of the CONUT score was assessed among patients with ESCC.

METHODS

We analyzed 464 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy of ESCC, of which 276 patients were treated with neoadjuvant treatment (NAT). The significance of the associations between candidate parameters including the CONUT score and postoperative prognosis were evaluated.

RESULT

Among the 25 candidate predictors, the preoperative CONUT score had the highest correlation with overall survival (OS) after surgery. Patients were categorized as follows: normal, mild, and moderate or severe, on the basis of the preoperative CONUT score. OS was significantly shortened as the CONUT score worsened. Multivariable analysis revealed that the CONUT scores of the subgroups mild (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.69) and moderate or severe (HR 2.18) were independent predictors of poor prognosis for OS. Furthermore, in an analysis limited to patients who underwent NAT, OS was significantly shortened as the preoperative CONUT score worsened. On the contrary, there was no significant difference in RFS among patient groups stratified by the CONUT score determined before NAT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that the preoperative CONUT score serves as a prognosticator in resectable ESCC. The preoperative CONUT value was more useful than that before NAT in patients administered NAT.

Low prognostic nutritional index is associated with poor outcome in middle-aged and elderly patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and age are effective prognostic factors for patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and an interaction between them may exist. However, the age cutoff value is generally set at 45 years in current studies. The clinical implications of PNI in middle-aged and elderly patients are unclear. Therefore, we aimed to uncover this issue.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively collected data from 132 middle-aged and elderly (≥ 45 years old) patients with non-metastatic NPC. The association between covariates and the PNI was analyzed using ² or t-test. The effect of PNI on the prognosis was evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Unadjusted and multivariate-adjusted models were applied. Stratified and interactive analyses were performed to investigate the potential source of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Median age (61.0 years versus 59.5 years) and the proportion of patients aged ≥ 60 years (57.6% versus 50.0%) in the low-PNI group were higher than those in the high-PNI group (P > 0.05). The patients with a low PNI had shorter overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.80-0.93; P < 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.87-0.99; P = 0.034). The results remained stable after three adjusted models of covariates, including age (P < 0.05). No significant interactions were observed in middle-aged (45-59 years) and elderly (≥ 60 years) subgroups for OS and PFS (P for interaction > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although there is an interaction between PNI and age, PNI is an independent prognostic factor in middle-aged and elderly patients with non-metastatic NPC.

Preoperative Malnutrition-Associated Spinal Malalignment with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study

Introduction

Malnutrition could lead to additional medical complications, and the prognostic nutrition index (PNI) is evaluated to assess the nutritional status of patients. However, the midterm postoperative outcomes of malnutrition in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) are unclear. This study aims to investigate postoperative midterm spinal alignment and patients' reported outcome measures (PROMs) in malnourished patients with ASD.

Methods

This study recruited 303 ASD patients who underwent surgery. Adult patients ≥50 years old were categorized into the PNI <50 (L group) and the PNI ≥50 (H group) groups. Demographic data, medical complications, mechanical complications, radiographic parameters, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) were analyzed.

Results

In this study, 303 patients participated, with 132 and 171 patients in the L and H groups, respectively. Significant differences were noted between the L and H groups in body mass index (22.5 vs. 23.6 kg/m², p=0.011), autoimmune disease (9.8% vs. 2.3%, p=0.005), and total number of medical complications (47.7% vs. 33.3%, p=0.011). The T1 slope was significantly higher in the L group than in the H group preoperatively (36.5 vs. 32.8°, p=0.042). However, no significant differences were noted in mechanical complications, ODI, SRS-22 scores, or radiographic parameters 2 years postoperatively between the L and H groups, except for the sagittal vertical axis (73.1 vs. 55.7 mm, p=0.014).

Conclusions

No significant difference was noted in the incidence of mechanical complications and PROMs 2 years postoperatively. Malnourished status was related to medical complications and global malalignment. However, good surgical outcomes can be expected even for malnourished patients.

The Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Esophageal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose: To explore the prognostic role of the pretreatment geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: Several electronic databases were searched from inception to January 27, 2022, for relevant studies. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to assess the association between pretreatment GNRI and the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software (version 12.0). Results: Fourteen retrospective studies involving 3981 patients were enrolled. The pooled results demonstrated that lower pretreatment GNRI was an independent prognostic risk factor for poorer OS (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.33-1.63, P < 0.001) and PFS (HR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.24-2.31, P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis based on pathological type (squamous cell carcinoma vs. esophageal cancer) and treatment (non-surgery vs. surgery) showed similar results. Conclusion: Pretreatment GNRI was significantly associated with prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer, and lower pretreatment GNRI predicted worse survival. However, more prospective high-quality studies are needed to verify these findings.

Three Nutritional Indices Are Effective Predictors of Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Foot Ulcers

Introduction

Malnutrition has been associated with mortality in various diseases. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the relationship between three nutritional indices and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Materials and Methods

A total of 771 patients diagnosed with DFUs in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from 2015 to 2019 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were classified as high nutritional risk groups or low nutritional risk groups according to the optimal cut-off values of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and controlling nutritional status (CONUT), respectively. The associations of three nutritional indices with all-cause mortality were evaluated by multivariable Cox regression analyses.

Results

Log-rank tests indicated that patients with high nutritional risk had lower overall survival rates (all p < 0.001). The multivariable Cox regression revealed that low GNRI (adjusted HR 2.01, 95% CI: 1.37–2.96, P < 0.001), low PNI (adjusted HR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.29–3.23, P = 0.002) and high CONUT (adjusted HRs 1.54, 95% CI: 1.07–2.23, P = 0.021) were independently associated with high all-cause mortality. In subgroup analyses, only GNRI predicted higher all-cause mortality in patients with severe DFUs, while all of the three indices persisted as independent prognostic factors in patients with no severe DFUs.

Discussion

The present study demonstrated that three nutritional indices were effective predictors of all-cause mortality in patients with DFUs. Routine screening for malnutrition using any of the three nutritional indices might be a simple and effective way to identify high-risk patients with DFUs. GNRI can be used as an independent prognostic indicator in patients with severe DFUs.