Malnutrition as assessed by nutritional risk index is associated with worse outcome in patients admitted with acute decompensated heart failure: an ACAP-HF data analysis

Sex differences in the nutritional status and its association with long-term prognosis in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a prospective cohort study

AIMS

Many studies show the association between malnutrition and poor prognosis in heart failure (HF) patients. Our research aimed to analyse sex differences in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), emphasizing nutritional status and the influence of selected parameters on the prognosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled 276 consecutive patients diagnosed with HFrEF. Nutritional status was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and body mass index (BMI). The mean follow-up period was 564.4 ± 346.3 days. The analysed group included 81.2% of men. The median age was 58, interquartile range (IQR) 49-64 years. Among all patients, almost 60% were classified as NYHA III or IV. Half of the participants were at risk of malnutrition, and 2.9% were malnourished. During follow-up, 72 (26.1%) patients died. The female sex was not associated with a higher occurrence of malnutrition (P = 0.99) or nutritional risk (P = 0.85), according to MNA. Coherently, GNRI scores did not differ significantly between the sexes (P = 0.29). In contrast, BMI was significantly higher in males (29.4 ± 5.3 vs. 25.9 ± 4.7; P < 0.001). Impaired nutritional status assessed with any method (MNA, GNRI, BMI) was not significantly associated with a worse prognosis. In multivariable analysis, NYHA class, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), higher N-terminal fragment of proBNP, and higher uric acid were independent of sex and age predictors of all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSION

There were no sex differences in the nutritional status in the HFrEF patients, apart from lower BMI in females. Impaired nutritional status was not associated with mortality in both men and women.

Prognostic value of nutritional screening tools in hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Nutritional risk screening is fundamental to prevent undesirable outcomes in heart failure (HF). Current reviews of nutritional screening tools encompass both hospitalized and outpatient settings, which may not be suitable because of different clinical manifestations. We hypothesize that multidimensional tools would better identify prognosis of decompensated patients because the tools assess more than isolated aspects. This systematic review aims to explore the association of multidimensional nutritional risk screening tools and prognosis in patients hospitalized with decompensated HF. Five databases were searched for studies that assessed nutritional risk through multidimensional screening tools and its association with prognosis in adults hospitalized with decompensated HF. The 95% confidence interval and relative risk were computed using a random-effects model. Inverse variance method was used. Thirty-eight studies were included. Most studies demonstrated higher nutritional risk was significantly associated with worse prognosis. Quantitative analysis identified higher nutritional risk by using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), Controlling Nutritional Status, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, and Prognostic Nutritional Index to be associated with all-cause mortality. The MNA-SF demonstrated greater magnitude of association with all-cause mortality in older subjects (relative risk, 4.85; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-11.75). Higher nutritional risk was associated with poor prognosis and higher mortality in patients hospitalized with decompensated HF, especially when screened by MNA-SF. Tools were not directly compared. That might reinforce the importance of evaluating multiple aspects when screening hospitalized HF patients once symptoms associated with decompensation frequently mask the underlying nutritional status and risk. PROSPERO registration number (CRD42021256271).

Combination of low muscle strength and malnutrition is associated with longer length of hospital stay among older patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Muscle strength and nutritional status are associated with length of hospital stay (LOHS) in older patients with heart failure (HF).

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to examine the association of the combination of muscle strength and nutritional status on LOHS in older patients with HF.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 414 older inpatients with HF (men, 57.2%; median age, 81 years; interquartile range, 75-86 years). Patients were categorized into four groups according to their muscle strength and nutritional status: group 1, high muscle strength and normal nutritional status; group 2, low muscle strength and normal nutritional status; group 3, high muscle strength and malnutrition; and group 4, low muscle strength and malnutrition. The outcome variable was the LOHS, and an LOHS of >16 days was defined as long LOHS.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for baseline characteristics (reference, group 1) showed that group 4 was associated with a more significant risk of long LOHS (odds ratio [OR], 3.54 [95% confidence interval, 1.85-6.78]). In the subgroup analysis, this relationship was maintained for the first admission HF group (OR, 4.65 [2.07-10.45]) but not for the HF readmission group (OR, 2.80 [0.72-10.90]).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the long LOHS for older patients with HF at first admission was associated with a combination of low muscle strength and malnutrition but not by either factor individually.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

The Prognostic Value of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Evaluating Rehospitalization and One-Year Mortality in Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is frequently observed in patients with heart failure, and malnutrition causes poor prognosis in these patients. Various calculation tools are used to assess malnutrition, with the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) being one that is frequently used. In our study, we aimed to investigate the value of GNRI in assessing one-year mortality and rehospitalization in patients with heart failure.

METHOD

A total of 196 patients aged 60 years and older were included in this retrospective study. A GNRI ≤ 98 was defined as malnutrition. Patients were divided into two groups: GNRI ≤ 98 (malnutrition) and GNRI > 98 (non-malnutrition). Rehospitalization due to heart failure and mortality were compared between both groups in the one-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The duration of hospitalization was significantly lower in the malnourished group compared to the non-malnutrition group (11.5 ± 7.5 days vs. 20.9 ± 16.3 days). All-cause mortality was significantly higher in the malnutrition group (30.8% vs. 18.1, p = 0.045). Risk factors were evaluated to predict all-cause death by Cox regression analysis, and GNRI (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.968; 95%CI: 0.942-0.995; p = 0.018) was associated with all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

GNRI, which is used as an indicator of malnutrition, is associated with all-cause mortality at one-year follow-up. Higher mortality was observed in the group with low GNRI, but it was observed that this group was hospitalized for less time due to heart failure.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as readmission predictor in older adults with heart failure irrespective of ejection fraction

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition is associated with an increased risk of hospital readmission for heart failure in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Therefore, evaluation of the nutritional status in patients with ADHF may be important. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are widely used objective indexes for evaluation of the nutritional status. The present study was performed to determine the best nutritional index for predicting the prognosis in older adults with ADHF.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 167 older adults (>65 years of age) who were admitted with ADHF from January 2012 to December 2015 and discharged alive. The objective nutritional status was evaluated using the GNRI, CONUT score, and PNI at admission. The endpoint of this study was unplanned hospitalization for worsening heart failure (WHF) within 1 year after discharge.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 58 patients were readmitted for WHF. In the multivariate Cox analysis, only the GNRI (p<0.0001) was independently associated with readmission for WHF among the three nutritional indexes. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients in the low-GNRI group (<90 as determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) had a significantly greater risk of 1-year hospital readmission for WHF (p<0.0001; hazard ratio, 6.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.5-10.5).

CONCLUSION

Among the objective nutritional indexes, the GNRI is the best predictor of readmission for WHF within 1 year after discharge in older adults with ADHF.

Advances in the beneficial effects of nutrition on stroke-related Sarcopenia: A narrative review

Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability in adults. Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive systemic muscle loss and functional decline. The decrease in skeletal muscle mass and muscle function throughout the body after stroke cannot be explained by neurological motor disorders due to brain injury alone, it is considered to be a secondary sarcopenia known as stroke-related sarcopenia. Mounting evidences showed that stroke-related sarcopenia might promote the occurrence and development of sarcopenia through various pathogenesis such as muscle atrophy, dysphagia, inflammation, and malnutrition, etc. At present, the main indicators used to assess malnutrition in patients with stroke-related sarcopenia include temporalis muscle thickness, calf circumference, phase angle, geriatric nutritional risk index and mini-nutritional assessment short-form, etc. Currently, there is no particularly effective method to curb its progression, but supplementation with essential amino acids, whey protein combined with vitamin D, high energy diet, avoiding Polypharmacy, as well as increasing physical activity level and reducing sedentary lifestyle may improve the malnutrition status of stroke patients, and increase the muscle mass and skeletal muscle index, further delay or even prevent the development of stroke-related sarcopenia. This article reviews the latest research progress on the characteristics, epidemiology, pathogenesis and the role of nutrition in stroke-related sarcopenia, so as to provide reference for the clinical treatment and rehabilitation of stroke-related sarcopenia.

Association of Nutritional Risk Index With Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Complications

BACKGROUND

Studies revealing the relationship between major surgery outcomes and nutritional parameters are increasing daily. Publications demonstrating the relationship between early postoperative success and surgical complications in patients with chronic heart failure and continuous flow left ventricular assist device (cf-LVAD) are limited. The vast majority of patients with advanced chronic heart failure are cachexic, and the reason for this is multifactorial. The aim of this study is to investigate the link between the modified nutritional risk index (NRI) and 6-month survival and complication rates in patients with a cf-LVAD.

METHODS

This study included statistical analysis of NRI and postoperative parameters of 456 patients with advanced heart failure who had cf-LVAD implantation between 2010 and 2020.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed a statistically significant difference between mean NRI values and postoperative parameters such as 6-month survival (P = .001), right ventricular failure (P = .003), infection (P = .001), driveline infection (P = .000), and sepsis (P = .000).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that 6-month postoperative complications and mortality rates of patients with advanced heart failure in patients with cf-LVAD are closely related to malnutrition status. In these patients, nutrition specialist use would be beneficial both preoperatively and postoperatively to increase surveillance and reduce postoperative complications.

Impact of Malnutrition on Clinical Outcomes of Acutely Hospitalised Heart Failure Patients at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Australia: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is common in patients with heart failure (HF) but is often neglected, despite guidelines suggesting that all hospitalised patients should undergo nutritional screening within 24-hours of admission.

AIMS

This study investigated the nutritional screening rates and determined the immediate and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with HF admitted at two tertiary hospitals in Australia.

METHODS

Nutritional screening was assessed by the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) completion rates. Patients were classified into two categories based on their MUST scores (0=low malnutrition risk and ≥1=at risk of malnutrition). Propensity-score-matching (PSM) was used to match 20 variables depending upon the risk of malnutrition. Clinical outcomes included the days-alive-and-out-of-hospital at 90 days of discharge (DAOH90), length of hospital stay, in-hospital, 30-day and 180-day mortality and 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS

There were 5,734 HF admissions between 2013-2020, of whom, only 789 (13.8%) patients underwent MUST screening. The mean (SD) age was 76.2 (14.0) years and 51.9% were males. Five-hundred and fifty-four (554) (70.2%) patients were at low malnutrition risk and 235 (29.8%) at risk of malnutrition. In HF patients, who were at risk of malnutrition, the DAOH90 were lower by 5.9 days (95% CI -11.49 to -0.42, p=0.035) and 180-day mortality was significantly worse (coefficient 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.18, p=0.007) compared to those who were at low risk of malnutrition. However, other clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Nutrition screening is poor in hospitalised HF patients and long-term but not short-term clinical outcomes were worse in malnourished HF patients.

The association between nutritional risk index and ICU outcomes across hematologic malignancy patients with acute respiratory failure

Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) are at risk of acute respiratory failure (ARF). Malnutrition, a common association with HM, has the potential to influence ICU outcomes. Geriatric nutritional risk index (G-NRI) is a score derived from albumin and weight, which reflects risk of protein-energy malnutrition. We evaluated the association between G-NRI at ICU admission and ICU mortality in HM patients with ARF. We conducted a single center retrospective study of ventilated HM patients between 2014 and 2018. We calculated G-NRI for all patients using their ICU admission albumin and weight. Our primary outcome was ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes included duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. Two hundred eighty patients were admitted to the ICU requiring ventilation. Median age was 62 years (IQR 51-68), 42% (n = 118) were females, and median SOFA score was 11 (IQR 9-14). The most common type of HM was acute leukemia (54%) and 40% underwent hematopoietic cell transplant. Median G-NRI was 87 (IQR 79-99). ICU mortality was 51% (n = 143) with a median duration of ventilation of 4 days (IQR 2-7). Mortality across those at severe malnutrition (NRI < 83.5) was 59% (65/111) compared to 46% (76/164) across those with moderate-no risk (p = 0.047). On multivariable analysis, severe NRI (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.04-5.27, p = 0.04) was significantly associated with ICU mortality. In this single center, exploratory study, severe G-NRI was prognostic of ICU mortality in HM patients admitted with respiratory failure.

Cachexia Is Associated With Adverse Outcomes in Patients Admitted With Heart Failure

Cachexia is often seen in patients with heart failure (HF). This study aimed to examine the association between cachexia and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized for HF. We extracted all adult cases with a primary diagnosis of HF that were discharged between January and November, identified in the Nationwide Readmissions Database for 2016 through 2019. Exclusion criteria included cases with missing data or a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, advanced liver disease, end-stage renal disease, chronic lung disease, or malignancy. Appropriate weighting was used to obtain national estimates. Primary outcomes were inpatient mortality, length of stay, and 30-day readmission in patients with HF with cachexia compared with patients with no cachexia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between cachexia and clinical outcomes. Survey procedures were applied using Statistical Analysis Software 9.4. The final analysis included 2,360,307 HF-related hospitalizations. Cachexia was present in about 7% of the study population. A greater percentage of patients with cachexia were female and older than patients without cachexia (52% vs 47% female, the mean age of 77 vs 72 years, respectively). However, after adjusting for demographics and co-morbidities, including coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, patients with cardiac cachexia had higher inpatient mortality (odds ratio 3.01, 95% confidence interval 2.88 to 3.15, p <0.001), prolonged hospital stays (9 vs 5 days, p <0.0001), and greater all-cause 30-day readmissions (23% vs 21%, p <0.0001). HF-related cachexia is associated with increased inpatient mortality, greater resource use, and additional healthcare costs.

Modified BEST-J Score Model Predicts Bleeding after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection with Fewer Factors

This study constructed a simplified post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) prediction model with a prognostic nutritional index (PNI). A total of 449 patients who underwent gastric ESD was included, divided with a ratio of 2:1, and assigned to the model or validation cohort. A prediction model of post-ESD (modified BEST-J score) was constructed using the model cohort. The modified BEST-J score was evaluated by comparing its accuracy to the BEST-J score in the validation cohort. Within 4 weeks of ESD, melena, hematemesis, or a 2 g/dL or greater decrease in hemoglobin level that required esophagogastroduodenoscopy was defined as post-ESD bleeding. In the model cohort, 299 patients were enrolled and 25 (8.4%) had post-ESD bleeding. Independent risk factors for post-ESD bleeding were use of P2Y12RA, tumor size > 30 mm, location of lesion at lower one-third of the stomach, and PNI ≤ 47.9. Constructing the modified BEST-J score based on these variables, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio were 73.9%, 78.1%, and 3.37. When comparing the modified BEST-J score to the BEST-J score in the validation cohort, no significant difference was observed by ROC-AUC (0.77 vs. 0.75, p = 0.81). Modified BEST-J score can predict post-ESD bleeding more simply, with the same accuracy as the BEST-J score.

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

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

An Evaluation of Metabolic, Dietetic, and Nutritional Status Reveals Impaired Nutritional Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients

Nutritional status can change in breast cancer patients after treatment. However, the metabolic implications of those alterations are poorly understood. We used a cross-sectional study design to compare body composition, lipids, glucose levels, and adiposity indices in breast cancer patients with a matched control and a healthy group. We recruited women who completed their chemotherapy (BC group) and compared them with a group of women without cancer age and body mass index-paired (MC group) and a group of healthy women (HC group). We estimated body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis, physical function by handgrip strength, and food consumption by 24-hour food record. A blood sample was collected. We calculated visceral obesity indices (VAI and LAP) and insulin resistance-triglyceride glucose (TyG). Eighty-eight women were included (BC = 36, MC = 36, HC = 16). BC patients demonstrated worse phase angle values, nutritional risk index and lower handgrip strength. Additionally, according to the indices, BC had impairments in lipids, worse glucose levels, and elevated visceral fat adiposity and presented important unhealthy dietary patterns characterized by under-recommended protein consumption and higher caloric intake than the other groups. No differences were observed between both control groups. Further investigations are required to examine the underlying mechanisms and the potential longitudinal changes during surveillance.

Malnutrition-associated high bleeding risk with low thrombogenicity in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although antithrombotic treatments are established for coronary artery disease (CAD), they increase the bleeding risk, especially in malnourished patients. The total thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS) is useful for the assessment of thrombogenicity in CAD patients. Here, we examined the relationships among malnutrition, thrombogenicity and 1-year bleeding events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This was a retrospective analysis of 300 consecutive CAD patients undergoing PCI. Blood samples obtained on the day of PCI were used in the T-TAS to compute the thrombus formation area under the curve. We assigned patients to two groups based on the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI): 102 patients to the lower GNRI group (≤98), 198 patients to the higher GNRI group (98<). The primary endpoint was the incidence of 1-year bleeding events defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria types 2, 3, or 5. The T-TAS levels were lower in the lower GNRI group than in the higher GNRI group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed worse 1-year bleeding event-free survival in the lower GNRI group compared with the higher GNRI group. The combined model of the GNRI and the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) had good calibration and discrimination for bleeding risk prediction. In addition, having a lower GNRI and ARC-HBR positivity was associated with 1-year bleeding events.

CONCLUSION

A lower GNRI could reflect low thrombogenicity evaluated by the T-TAS and determine bleeding risk in combination with ARC-HBR positivity.

Impact of Melatonin and Branched-Chain Amino Acids Cosupplementation on Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Nutritional Status in Cachectic Heart Failure Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Cardiac cachexia (CC) adversely affects the lifestyle of heart failure (HF) patients. The current study examined the impact of melatonin cosupplementation and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on quality of life (QoL), fatigue, and nutritional status in cachectic HF patients. Methods: In this trial, 84 CC patients were randomized to melatonin, BCAAs, or coadministration (both) as intervention groups and a control group over 8 weeks. At baseline and postintervention, QoL, fatigue, and nutritional status were assessed. Results: After intervention, improvement in the overall and physical dimensions of QoL and appetite score were found to be statistically significant in the BCAAs (P < .001) and the melatonin+BCAAs (P < .001) groups compared with the placebo group. The emotional dimension score was significantly lower in the BCAAs group compared with the placebo group (P = .001). There was a statistically significant improvement in fatigue severity in all 3 intervention groups compared with the placebo group. The nutrition risk index (NRI) score increased significantly only in the melatonin group (P = .015), and there was no significant difference between the other groups (P = .804). Conclusions: Cosupplementation with BCAAs and melatonin improved QoL, fatigue status, and appetite in cachectic HF patients but did not affect NRI.

Malnutrition and Frailty Are Critical Determinants of 6-Month Outcome in Hospitalized Elderly Patients With Heart Failure Harboring Surgically Untreated Functional Mitral Regurgitation

Background: Hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) frequently exhibit aggravating mitral regurgitation (MR). Those patients do not always undergo surgical mitral valve repair, but particularly in the elderly, they are often treated by conservative medical therapy. This study was aimed to investigate factors affecting 6-month outcomes in hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF) harboring surgically untreated MR.

Methods: We screened the presence of MR in hospitalized patients with HF between September 2017 and May 2020 in the Yamaguchi Prefectural Grand Medical (YPGM) center. At the time of discharge of these patients, individuals with surgically unoperated MR, including primary and secondary origin, were consequently recruited to this single-center prospective cohort study. The patients with severe MR who undergo surgical mitral valve treatment were not included in this study. The primary endpoint was all-cause readmission or all-cause death and the secondary endpoint was HF-related endpoint at 6 months after discharge. The Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were employed to assess the predictors for the composite endpoint.

Results: Overall, 489 patients with ADHF were admitted to the YPGM center. Of those, 146 patients (30% of total patients with HF) (median age 83.5 years, 69 men) were identified as harboring grade II MR or greater. Consequently, all the recruited patients were diagnosed as functional MR. During a median follow-up of 186.0 days, a total of 55 patients (38%) reached the primary or secondary endpoints (HF death and readmission in 31 patients, other in 24 patients). As a result of multivariate analysis, geriatric nutritional risk index [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.932; 95% CI = 0.887–0.979, p = 0.005], age (HR = 1.058; 95% CI = 1.006–1.112, p = 0.027), and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR = 0.971; 95% CI = 0.945–0.997, p = 0.030) were independent predictors of all-cause death or all-cause admission. Body mass index (HR = 0.793; 95% CI = 0.614–0.890, p = 0.001) and ischemic heart disease etiology (HR = 2.732; 95% CI = 1.056–7.067, p = 0.038) were also independent predictors of the HF-related endpoints.

Conclusion: Malnutrition and underweight were substantial predictors of adverse outcomes in elderly patients with HF harboring surgically untreated moderate-to-severe functional MR.

Malnutrition in patients admitted to in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation: Clinical correlates and association with mortality

Malnutrition is highly prevalent among hospitalized patients; thus, an accurate identification of malnutrition could improve the outcome of these patients. The aim of the present paper was to apply multiple methods to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and clinical correlates in patients admitted to in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation.  We performed a prospective study of 426 patients admitted to in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation: 282 (66.2%) had undergone a major cardiac surgery and 144 (34.8%) had experienced heart failure. The albumin level and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores were applied to evaluate the nutritional status of these patients. Serum albumin levels were < 3.5 g/dl in 147 (34.5%) patients, and MNA scores were < 24 in 179 (42.0%) patients. Patients with malnutrition or a risk of malnutrition had lower haemoglobin values, lower EuroQol scores and poorer functional status. Female gender, age, functional status and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale severity were predictors of malnutrition. Over a median follow-up of 47 months, MNA scores <24 were associated with higher mortality, even after correction for confounding variables. In conclusion, in patients admitted to in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation, malnutrition and risk of malnutrition frequently occur and are associated with poor functional status, higher clinical complication rates and long-term mortality.

Chyme Reinfusion Restores the Regulatory Bile Salt-FGF19 Axis in Patients With Intestinal Failure

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Automated chyme reinfusion (CR) in patients with intestinal failure (IF) and a temporary double enterostomy (TDE) restores intestinal function and protects against liver injury, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. The aim was to investigate whether the beneficial effects of CR relate to functional recovery of enterohepatic signaling through the bile salt-FGF19 axis.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Blood samples were collected from 12 patients, 3 days before, at start, and 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks after CR initiation. Plasma FGF19, total bile salts (TBS), 7-α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4; a marker of bile salt synthesis), citrulline (CIT), bile salt composition, liver tests, and nutritional risk indices were determined. Paired small bowel biopsies prior to CR and after 21 days were taken, and genes related to bile salt homeostasis and enterocyte function were assessed. CR induced an increase in plasma FGF19 and decreased C4 levels, indicating restored regulation of bile salt synthesis through endocrine FGF19 action. TBS remained unaltered during CR. Intestinal farnesoid X receptor was up-regulated after 21 days of CR. Secondary and deconjugated bile salt fractions were increased after CR, reflecting restored microbial metabolism of host bile salts. Furthermore, CIT and albumin levels gradually rose after CR, while abnormal serum liver tests normalized after CR, indicating restored intestinal function, improved nutritional status, and amelioration of liver injury. CR increased gene transcripts related to enterocyte number, carbohydrate handling, and bile salt homeostasis. Finally, the reciprocal FGF19/C4 response after 7 days predicted the plasma CIT time course.

CONCLUSIONS

CR in patients with IF-TDE restored bile salt-FGF19 signaling and improved gut-liver function. Beneficial effects of CR are partly mediated by recovery of the bile salt-FGF19 axis and subsequent homeostatic regulation of bile salt synthesis.

The prevalence of malnutrition and its effects on the all-cause mortality among patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Malnutrition has a high occurrence in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The prevalence of malnutrition and its impact on all-cause mortality in patients with CHF were assessed using a meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, and VIP databases were searched to collect cross-sectional and cohort studies on malnutrition, and the prevalence and all-cause mortality of patients with CHF were determined. The time of retrieval was from the database establishment to May 2021. Two researchers independently performed screening of the literature, data extraction and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Then Stata 16.0 software was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 10 cross-sectional and 21 cohort studies were included, including 12537 patients with CHF. A meta-analysis demonstrated that the total prevalence of malnutrition in patients with heart failure was 46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43, 0.49). Compared to patients with non-malnutrition, malnutrition increased the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with CHF (hazard ratio = 2.15, 95% CI [1.89, 2.45], P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Current evidence suggests that the prevalence of malnutrition is high among patients with CHF. The risk of all-cause mortality in such patients can be increased by malnutrition. Therefore, the risk of malnutrition in patients with CHF should be considered to reduce the occurrence of adverse clinical outcomes.

Exploring the malnutrition status and impact of total parenteral nutrition on the outcome of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is a common cancer type in women and is often associated with onset of malnutrition. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a nutritional intervention method that has been reported to have controversial effect on cancer patients. In the present retrospective study, we sought to explore the prevalence of malnutrition assessed by the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) and its association with survival in advanced stage ovarian cancer patients. We also compared the post-operative outcome of the malnourished patients treated with either TPN or conservative management.

RESULTS

A total of 415 patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer were separated into 4 nutrition groups based on the NRI scores. We found that a number of factors were significantly different among the 4 nutrition groups, including age, serum albumin level, BMI and NRI; among which serum albumin level and NRI were identified to be independent predictors of progression-free and overall survival. In the moderately and severely malnourished patients, those who were treated with TPN had significantly shorter hospitalization period, lower serum albumin level and lower BMI after surgery. In addition, serum albumin level, use of TPN and number of patients with complications were closely related to the hospital stay duration.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition status is closely associated with survival of advanced stage ovarian cancer patients. These patients may benefit from TPN treatment for reduced hospitalization, especially with the onset of hypoalbuminemia.

Appetite and Nutritional Status as Potential Management Targets in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction-The Relationship between Echocardiographic and Biochemical Parameters and Appetite

This study aimed to investigate the role of appetite loss and malnutrition in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In this prospective, observational, single-center study, we enrolled 120 consecutive adults with HFrEF. We analyzed the selected clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical parameters. Appetite loss and malnutrition were assessed by CNAQ (Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire) and MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment)/GNRI (Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index) questionnaires, respectively.Most patients were men (81.7%), mean age was 55.1 ± 11.3 years, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 23.9 ± 8.0%. The mean CNAQ score was 28.8 ± 3.9, mean MNA-23.1 ± 2.6, and mean GNRI-113.0 ± 12.3. Based on ROC curves, we showed that a sodium concentration <138 mmol/L had the greatest discriminating power for diagnosing impaired nutritional status (MNA ≤ 23.5) with a sensitivity of 54.5% and specificity of 77.8%. The threshold of HDL <0.97 mmol/L characterized 40.7% sensitivity and 86% specificity, B-type natriuretic peptide >738.6 pg/dL had 48.5% sensitivity and 80.8% specificity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein >1.8 mg/L had 94.9% sensitivity and 42.9% specificity, and bilirubin >15 µmol/L had 78.2% sensitivity and 56.9% specificity. Nutritional status and appetite assessed by MNA/GNRI and CNAQ questionnaires showed poor correlations with other findings in HFrEF patients.

The Association between Nutritional Status and In-Hospital Mortality among Patients with Heart Failure-A Result of the Retrospective Nutritional Status Heart Study 2 (NSHS2)

BACKGROUND

A nutritional status is related to the prognosis and length of hospitalisation of patients with heart failure (HF). This study aims to assess the effect of nutritional status on in-hospital mortality in patients with heart failure.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study and analysis of medical records of 1056 patients admitted to the cardiology department of the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw (Poland).

RESULTS

A total of 1056 individuals were included in the analysis. A total of 5.5% of patients died during an in-hospital stay. It was found that in the sample group, 25% of patients who died had a BMI (body mass index) within the normal range, 6% were underweight, 47% were overweight, and 22% were obese. Our results show that non-survivors have a significantly higher nutrition risk screening (NRS) ≥3 (21% vs. 3%; p < 0.001); NYHA (New York Heart Association) grade 4 (70% vs. 24%; p < 0.001). The risk of death was lower in obese patients (HR = 0.51; p = 0.028) and those with LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels from 116 to <190 mg/dL (HR = 0.10; p = 0.009, compared to those with LDL <55 mg/dL). The risk of death was higher in those with NRS (nutritional risk score) score ≥3 (HR = 2.31; p = 0.014), HFmrEF fraction (HR = 4.69; p < 0.001), and LDL levels > 190 mg/dL (HR = 3.20; p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

The malnutrition status correlates with an increased risk of death during hospitalisation. Higher TC (total cholesterol) level were related to a lower risk of death, which may indicate the "lipid paradox". Higher BMI results were related to a lower risk of death, which may indicate the "obesity paradox".

Correlation between the immuno-virological response and the nutritional profile of treatment-experienced HIV-infected patients in the East region of Cameroon

BACKGROUND

HIV management remains concerning and even more challenging in the frame of comorbidities like malnutrition that favors disease progression and mortality in resource-limited settings (RLS).

OBJECTIVE

To describe the nutritional parameters of antiretroviral therapy (ART) recipients (without nutritional support) with respect to CD4 count and virological failure.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2018 among 146 consenting participants enrolled in two health facilities of the East-Region of Cameroon. Socio-demographic data, basic clinical information and treatment history were collected; blood samples were collected by venipuncture for laboratory analysis (HIV-1 viral load, CD4 Tcells measurement and biochemical analysis) performed at the "Chantal Biya" International Reference Center", Yaounde, Cameroon. The nutritional profile was assessed by using anthropometric and biochemical parameters. Data were analyzed using Excel 2016, Graph pad prism version 6; Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis test were used; with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Median [IQR] age was 42 [33-51] years, 76.0% (111/146) were female and median [IQR] duration on ART was 54 [28-86] months. Of these participants, 11.6% (17/146) were underweight based on the body mass index and 4.7% (7/146) were at the stage of advanced weight loss. According to immunovirological responses, 44.5% (65/146) were immunocompromised (CD4<500 cell/μl) and 75.3% (110/146) had an undetectable viremia (<40 copies/mL). CD4 count inversely correlated with total protein concentration (r = -0.18, p = 0.005**). Viremia was inversely correlated with albumin (r = -0.21; p = 0.047*), nutritional risk index (r = -0.28; p = 0.013*), total cholesterol (r = -0.27; p = 0.007**), and positively correlated with total protein (r = 0.27; p<0.001**) concentrations.

CONCLUSION

In this RLS, with patients having about five years of ART-experience, malnutrition appears to be driven mainly by a poor BMI, indicating that about one of ten patients falls within this severe condition. However, the largely normal nutritional profiles should be interpreted with caution, considering local realities and food support programs in place. The present outcomes highlight the need for monitoring nutritional status of people receiving ART in RLS, toward the design of optimal food interventions.

Association between Malnutrition and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive articular disease. In addition to damaging the joints, it may cause multiple organ complications, and considerably impair the patient’s functioning. Elderly patients with RA report pain, fatigue, mood disorders, sleep disorders and insomnia, accompanied by weakness, poor appetite, and weight loss. All these factors combined have an adverse effect on the patient’s perceived quality of life (QoL). Due to the chronic nature of RA and the high risk of malnutrition in this patient group, the present study investigated QoL, activities of daily living, and frailty syndrome severity in relation to MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) questionnaire scores among elderly RA patients. The study included 98 patients (aged over 60) diagnosed with RA per the ARA (American Rheumatism Association) criteria. The following standardized instruments were used: WHOQoL-BREF for QoL, the Edmonton Frail Scale for frailty syndrome severity, MNA for nutritional status assessment, and MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) to assess any cognitive impairment. Medical data were obtained from hospital records. Patients with a different nutritional status differed significantly in terms of limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Higher levels of malnutrition were associated with greater limitations in activity. An adverse impact of lower body weight on cognitive function was also observed (dementia was identified in 33.33% of malnourished patients vs. 1.79% in patients with a normal body weight). Likewise, frailty was more common in malnourished patients (mild frailty syndrome in 33.3%, moderate in 16.67%, and severe in 16.67%). Malnourished patients had significantly lower QoL scores in all WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire domains than those with a normal body weight, and multiple-factor analysis for the impact of selected variables on QoL in each domain demonstrated that frailty was a significant independent determinant of poorer QoL in all domains: perceived quality of life (β = −0.069), perceived health (β = −0.172), physical domain (β = −0.425), psychological domain (β = −0.432), social domain (β = −0.415), environmental domain (β = −0.317). Malnutrition was a significant independent determinant of QoL in the “perceived health” domain (β = −0.08). In addition, regression analysis demonstrated the positive impact of male sex on QoL scores in the psychological (β = 1.414) and environmental domains (β = 1.123). Malnourished patients have a lower QoL than those with a normal body weight. Malnutrition adversely affects daily functioning, cognitive function, and the severity of frailty syndrome. Frailty syndrome is a significant independent determinant of poorer QoL in all WHOQoL BREF domains.

Tools for the Assessment of the Malnutrition Status and Possible Interventions in Elderly with Cardiovascular Diseases

Malnutrition represents a common and important feature in elderly people affected by cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have investigated its prevalence and prognostic role in most clinical settings, including cardiovascular disease. However, in daily practice it usually remains unrecognized and consequently untreated. The present review was ideated to answer the main questions about nutritional status assessment in patients with cardiovascular disease: why, when, where, how to evaluate it, and what to do to improve it. The three main cardiovascular diseases, namely aortic stenosis, ischaemic heart disease, and heart failure were considered. First, the main evidence supporting the prognostic role of malnutrition are summarized and analyzed. Second, the main tools for the assessment of malnutrition in the hospital and outpatient setting are reported for each condition. Finally, the possible strategies and interventions to address malnutrition are discussed.

Malnutrition is independently associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events in adult patients with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Malnutrition is found frequently during chronic diseases, and its prevalence and relation to disease outcome in adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) remains unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cohort of 393 consecutive stable congenital heart disease (CHD) patients was followed up in a single dedicated clinical unit. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters, along with a nutritional risk index (NRI), were studied, as well as major acute cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as arterial thrombotic events, heart failure requiring hospitalization or cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality. The median age of the patients was 23 years (17-35) and 225 (57%) were males. Median plasma albumin concentration was 4.5 (4.2-4.7) g/dL, the body mass index was 23 (21-27) kg/m², the NRI was 112 (106-118), and 33 (8%) patients showed malnutrition (NIR<100). A worse NYHA functional class (II and III), total cholesterol and serum glucose levels were significant risk factors associated with malnutrition (NRI<100) in CHD patients. During a median follow-up of 8 (5-10) years, 39 (10%) CHD patients suffered a MACE. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that older patients (years) [HR 1.06 (1.04-1.09), p < 0.001], CHD patients with great anatomical complexity [HR 4.24 (2.17-8.27), p < 0.001] and those with a lower NRI [HR 0.95 (0.93-0.98), p = 0.001] had a significant worse MACE-free survival, being the NRI a better predictor of MACE than albumin concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

A low NRI is independently associated with a significant increased risk of MACE in CHD patients.

Survival and Nutritional Status of Male and Female Heart Transplant Patients Based on the Nutritional Risk Index

Malnutrition among heart-transplant patients may affect survival. The aim was to investigate the survival and nutrition status among male and female heart transplant patients who underwent transplantation, before and 1 year after surgery based on the nutritional risk index (NRI). The medical records of ninety heart-transplant patients (2009–2014) from the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, were reviewed. The assessment included demographic data, anthropometric measurements, and NRI calculation. Moreover, postoperative data included the length of stay and survival. Paired t-test and survival analysis by Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves were used. A total of 90 patients (males 77.78%) were included. The prevalence of malnutrition in the preoperative phase by NRI was 60% (7.78% as severe; 40% as moderate, and 12.22% mild NRI scores). After 1 year, body mass index (BMI) and NRI increased significantly (p < 0.001). Furthermore, NRI was significantly different between men and women (p < 0.01), while KM survival curves were insignificantly different (p = 0.67). Recipients with postoperative moderate or severe nutritional risk (NRI < 97.5) had significantly shorter survival in the first-year post-transplantation (HR = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.75–0.89; p < 0.001). Our findings indicate that the NRI after 1 year of transplant correlated significantly with mortality. Besides, there was no significant gender difference regarding survival; however, malnutrition and low survival were more prominent among women.

Relationship between markers of malnutrition and clinical outcomes in older adults with cancer: systematic review, narrative synthesis and meta-analysis

Malnutrition predicts poorer clinical outcomes for people with cancer. Older adults with cancer are a complex, growing population at high risk of weight-losing conditions. A number of malnutrition screening tools exist, however the best screening tool for this group is unknown. The aim was to systematically review the published evidence regarding markers and measures of nutritional status in older adults with cancer (age ≥ 70). A systematic search was performed in Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, British Nursing Database and Cochrane CENTRAL; search terms related to malnutrition, cancer, older adults. Titles, abstracts and papers were screened and quality-appraised. Data evaluating ability of markers of nutritional status to predict patient outcomes were subjected to meta-analysis or narrative synthesis. Forty-two studies, describing 15 markers were included. Meta-analysis found decreased food intake was associated with mortality (OR 2.15 [2.03-4.20] p = < 0.00001) in univariate analysis. Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) was associated with overall survival (HR 1.89 [1.03-3.48] p = 0.04). PNI markers (albumin, total lymphocyte count) could be seen as markers of inflammation rather than nutrition. There a suggested relationship between very low body mass index (BMI) (<18 kg/m2) and clinical outcomes. No tool was identified as appropriate to screen for malnutrition, as distinct from inflammatory causes of weight-loss. Risk of cancer-cachexia and sarcopenia in older adults with cancer limits the tools analysed. Measures of food intake predicted mortality and should be included in clinical enquiry. A screening tool that distinguishes between malnutrition, cachexia and sarcopenia in older adults with cancer is needed.

Predictors of activities of daily living at discharge in elderly patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

The purpose of this study was to clarify the predictive factors of activities of daily living (ADL) at discharge in elderly patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Participants were selected from among 598 consecutive hospitalized HF patients based on certain criteria. We investigated patient characteristics, and ADL with the motor and cognitive items of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). We analyzed the data with the unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ² test, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. We included 154 patients for further analyses who were divided into the low ADL group (n = 75) and high ADL group (n = 79). There were significant differences between the two groups in age, long-term care insurance (LTCI) level, New York Heart Association class, creatinine level, albumin level, β-blocker, sitting, standing and walking exercise start days, length of hospital stay, and motor- and cognitive-FIM scores at admission and discharge (p < 0.05). The cutoff values of the ROC curves predicting ADL at discharge were LTCL: support level 2 (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.672, p < 0.001, sensitivity: 0.573, false-positive rate: 0.278); walking exercise start day: 4.5 days (AUC 0.694, p < 0.001, sensitivity: 0.609, false-positive rate: 0.299); motor FIM score: 34.5 points (AUC 0.710, p < 0.001, sensitivity: 0.633, false-positive rate: 0.280); and cognitive FIM score: 28.5 points (AUC 0.806, p < 0.001, sensitivity: 0.759, false-positive rate: 0.227). This study revealed several predictors of ADL at discharge and their associated cutoff values in elderly patients with HFpEF.

Relationship between Nutritional Status and Clinical and Biochemical Parameters in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction, with 1-year Follow-Up

Heart Failure (HF) is a cardiovascular disease with continually increasing morbidity and high mortality. The purpose of this study was to analyze nutritional status in patients diagnosed with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and evaluate the impact of malnutrition on their prognosis. The Polish version of MNA form (Mini Nutritional Assessment) was used to assess the patients’ nutritional status. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, exacerbation of HF, chosen echocardiographic and biochemical parameters, e.g., natriuretic peptides or serum albumin, were also analyzed. Among the 120 consecutive patients, 47 (39%) had a normal nutritional status, 62 (52%) were at risk of malnutrition and 11 (9%) were malnourished. The patients with malnutrition more frequently presented with HF exacerbation in comparison to those with normal nutritional status (82% vs. 30% respectively, p = 0.004). There were no significant differences between the investigated groups as to natriuretic peptides; however, both the malnourished patients and those at risk of malnutrition tend to show higher B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NT-proBNP concentrations. During the average 344 days of follow-up 19 patients died and 25 were hospitalized due to decompensated HF. Malnutrition or being at risk of malnutrition seems to be associated with both worse outcomes and clinical status in HFrEF patients.

Association between Serum Uric Acid Level and ESRD or Death in a Korean Population

BACKGROUND

Serum uric acid (SUA) is recognized as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and mortality. However, there is controversy as to whether a high or low level of SUA is related to the risk of CKD progression or death, and whether it differs between males and females.

METHODS

We included 143,762 adults who underwent voluntary health screening between 1995 and 2009 in Korea. For each sex, we divided participants into sex-specific quintiles according to SUA levels and compared end-stage renal disease (ESRD) incidence and mortality between the groups with low and high SUA levels and those with middle SUA levels. Sex-specific Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed for ESRD and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Among the 143,762 participants, 0.2% (n = 272) developed ESRD. The hazard ratio (HR) of ESRD was higher in the highest (adjusted HR, 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-3.84) and lowest (adjusted HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.02-3.51) SUA quintiles than in the middle SUA quintile in males and the highest SUA quintile in females (adjusted HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.10-4.84). Four-point three percent (n = 6,215) of participants died during a mean follow-up period of 157 months. The hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality was higher in the highest SUA quintile than in the middle SUA quintile in males (adjusted HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03-1.28) and females (adjusted HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01-1.35).

CONCLUSION

Elevated levels of SUA are associated with increased risk for ESRD and all-cause mortality in both sexes. Low levels of SUA might be related to ESRD and death only in males, showing U-shaped associations. Our findings suggest sex-specific associations between SUA levels and ESRD development and mortality.

Insufficient Calorie Intake Worsens Post-Discharge Quality of Life and Increases Readmission Burden in Heart Failure

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between calorie intake and post-discharge outcomes in hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF).

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition increases adverse outcomes in HF, and dietary sodium restriction may inadvertently worsen nutritional intake.

METHODS

In a dietary intervention trial, baseline nutritional intake in HF inpatients was estimated using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) was calculated. Insufficient calorie intake was defined as <90% of metabolic needs, and a 15-point micronutrient deficiency score was created. Adjusted linear, logistic, and negative binomial regression were used to evaluate associations between insufficient calorie intake and quality of life (using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary [KCCQ-CS]), readmission risk, and days rehospitalized over 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Among 57 participants (70 ± 8 years of age; 31% female; mean body mass index 32 ± 8 kg/m²); median sodium and calorie intake amounts were 2,987 mg/day (interquartile range [IQR]: 2,160 to 3,540 mg/day) and 1,602 kcal/day (IQR: 1,201 to 2,142 kcal/day), respectively; 11% of these patients were screened as malnourished by the NRI. All patients consuming <2,000 mg/day sodium had insufficient calorie intake; this group also more frequently had dietary micronutrient and protein deficiencies. At 12 weeks, patients with insufficient calorie intake had less improvement in the KCCQ-CS score (β = -14.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -27.3 to -1.9), higher odds of readmission (odds ratio: 14.5; 95% CI: 2.2 to 94.4), and more days rehospitalized (incident rate ratio: 31.3; 95% CI: 4.3 to 229.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a high prevalence for obesity and rare overt malnutrition, insufficient calorie intake was associated with poorer post-discharge quality of life and increased burden of readmission in patients with HF. Inpatient dietary assessment could improve readmission risk stratification and identify patients for nutritional intervention. (Geriatric Out of Hospital Randomized Meal Trial in Heart Failure [GOURMET-HF] NCT02148679).

Association between nutritional risk index and outcomes for head and neck cancer patients receiving concurrent chemo-radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Patients receiving chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) are often malnourished. We assessed the utility of nutritional risk index (NRI) in HNC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

A population-based retrospective review of HNC patients treated with curative chemoradiation was performed. Demographics, anthropometrics, overall survival (OS), and the composite treatment complication rate (G-tube dependence, radiation incompletion, 90-day mortality, and unplanned hospitalization) were collected.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety-two patients were identified. Average pretreatment and posttreatment NRI were 110 (SD 3) and 99 (SD 12), respectively (P < .01). Pretreatment NRI risk category, age, ECOG status, and tumor subsites were associated with OS on multivariate analysis. Pretreatment NRI risk category was associated with risk of treatment related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant decrease between pretreatment and posttreatment NRI in HNC patients receiving chemoradiation. Pretreatment NRI risk category may predict OS and composite treatment complications. Investigation of NRI as a prognostic factor is warranted.

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Is Associated With Prognosis in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Background: The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a simple tool for assessing nutritional risk that predicts prognosis in patients with heart failure. This study evaluated associations between the GNRI at first hospitalization and prognosis in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and those with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods and Results: This retrospective investigation included 104 patients with either PAH or CTEPH who were treated at Kagoshima University Hospital in Japan. Patients were divided into a high (≥92) and low (<92) GNRI groups. Body mass index and serum albumin levels were significantly lower in the low GNRI group (P<0.001). Over a median follow-up period of 24 months, the incidence of pulmonary hypertension rehospitalization was higher in the low GNRI group (P=0.04). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative event-free rate was significantly lower in the low GNRI group (P=0.002). Low GNRI was significantly associated with a poorer outcome after adjusting for different sets of confounding factors, including: age and sex (P=0.004); age, sex, and PAH (P=0.043); and age, sex, and mean pulmonary artery pressure (P=0.003). Conclusions: The GNRI at first hospitalization is useful for predicting prognosis in PAH and CTEPH patients.

Impact of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index on In-Hospital Mortality and Length of Hospitalization in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Preserved or Reduced Ejection Fraction

In patients with heart failure (HF), the impact of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) on in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay remains unclear. We aimed to identify the factors associated with increased in-hospital mortality and longer length of hospital stay considering the GNRI in acute decompensated HF with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF and HFpEF, respectively). Patients with acute decompensated HF who were admitted to our institution between 2007 and 2011 were investigated. A total of 451 (201, HFrEF; 250, HFpEF) patients were divided into the following: patients with GNRI < 92 and ≥92. In HFrEF, there were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay between patients with GNRI < 92 and ≥92 (median (interquartile range), 24.0 (23.8) days and 20.0 (15.0) days, respectively, p = 0.32). In HFpEF, despite no differences in in-hospital mortality, patients with GNRI < 92 had significantly longer length of hospital stay than those with GNRI ≥ 92 (median (interquartile range), 20.0 (22.3) days and 17.0 (16.0) days, respectively, p = 0.04). In HFpEF, GNRI < 92, along with lower hemoglobin, higher B-type natriuretic peptide, and elevated C-reactive protein levels, were the independent factors for longer length of hospital stay. Among patients with acute decompensated HF, assessment of nutritional status with GNRI is useful for stratifying patients at high risk for longer length of hospital stay in HFpEF but not in HFrEF. These observations are particularly important when considering the increasing elderly population and prevalence of HFpEF.

Determining Malnutrition Assessment Criteria to Predict One-Year Mortality for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

Study on the impact of pretreatment malnutrition on treatment outcomes in locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) patients is still lacking. We prospectively collected various malnutrition assessment methods including nutrition indexes, inflammatory biomarkers, and lean body mass index (LBMI) data before treatments. The one year mortality rate was assessed, and the factors associated with this outcome were investigated. Furthermore, the association between malnutrition assessment methods was examined. A total of 113 patients were enrolled. By prognostic stratification based on the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) combination, the low PNI/high PLR group had highest and the high PNI/low PLR group had the lowest mortality rate. Furthermore, the PNI was positively correlated with the LBMI, and the PLR was inversely correlated with the LBMI. PNI and PLR were found to be independent prognostic factors of one year mortality and also associated with the loss of muscle.

Geriatric nutritional risk index predicts poor outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke - Automated undernutrition screen tool

BACKGROUND

Premorbid undernutrition has been proven to have an adverse effect on the prognosis of stroke patients. The evaluation of nutritional status is important, but there is no universally accepted screen methodology.

PURPOSE

We aimed to use the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) for evaluating the effect of premorbid undernutrition on short-term outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A total of 1,906 patients were included for analysis. Baseline characteristics were collected. We evaluated the nutritional status of the patients using the GNRI and body mass index(BMI). The GNRI was calculated as {1.519×serum albumin(g/dL) + 41.7×present weight (kg)/ideal body weight (kg)}. All patients were categorized into four groups on the basis of the GNRI score.

RESULTS

Among the included patients, 546 patients had an unfavorable outcomes. The proportion of patients with moderate and severe risk, assessed in GNRI, was significantly higher in the unfavorable outcome group compared to the favorable outcome group (33.3% vs 15.0%). The increased risk of premorbid undernutrition was associated with an increased risk of unfavorable outcome in a dose-response manner after adjusting for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that GNRI was associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. GNRI may be used to screen patients at high risk for unfavorable outcome.

Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score is a novel predictor of clinical outcome in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Objectives. Although the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) has been reported to have prognostic value in patients with various cancers, the association between mGPS and prognosis in patients with heart diseases have not been well studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of mGPS in outcomes of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Design. We prospectively followed consecutive adult patients with HFpEF admitted to the cardiology outpatient unit. Echocardiographic and laboratory data were recorded at enrolment. mGPS was scored as 0, 1, or 2 based on C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels. Patients with both elevated CRP (>1 mg/dL) and hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) are given mGPS of 2, patients with serum CRP ≤ 1 g/dL with or without hypoalbuminemia received scores of 0. Patients with only elevated CRP levels received mGPS of 1. The primary composite endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization through one year. Results. A total of 315 HFpEF outpatients were included, and 42 (13.3%) reached the primary endpoint at one year of follow-up. Compared to patients without mortality or heart failure-related hospitalization, patients who reached the primary endpoint during follow-up were older, were more likely be symptomatic, had higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and mGPS levels at study entry. Multivariate analysis showed that both NT-proBNP and mGPS were independent predictors of primary composite endpoint. Combining NT-proBNP with mGPS improved its prognostic value with an increase of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve from 0.759 to 0.822 (p = .001). Conclusion. This is the first study which demonstrates that mGPS is a predictor of outcomes in patients with HFpEF.

Relationship among Activities of Daily Living, Nutritional Status, and 90 Day Readmission in Elderly Patients with Heart Failure

Purpose: This investigation aimed to examine the relationship among activities of daily living (ADL), nutritional status and 90-day hospital readmission in elderly heart failure (HF) patients. Methods: Participants were selected from 634 HF patients consecutively hospitalized at one institution. We investigated patient characteristics, ADL (motor and cognitive items of Functional Independence Measure (FIM)) and nutritional status (Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI)). Data were analyzed using unpaired t-test, χ² test, Cox proportional hazard model, and Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The 169 participants that met inclusion criteria were divided into two groups based on hospital readmission within 90 days of discharge. Body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.03), hemoglobin (p = 0.047), GNRI (p = 0.02) and motor-FIM (p = 0.007) were significantly different between the readmission (n = 31) and non-readmission (n = 138) groups. After Cox proportional hazard model analysis, GNRI (HR: 0.96; p = 0.048) and motor-FIM (HR: 0.97; p = 0.03) scores remained statistically significant. Participants were then classified into four groups based on a previous study’s cut-off values of prognosis for GNRI and motor-FIM. Readmission avoidance rate was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in the group with GNRI <92 and motor FIM <75. Conclusions: This study showed that motor-FIM and GNRI scores for hospitalized elderly HF patients were predictors of readmission within 90 days of discharge.

Determinants of prolonged hospitalization in patients who underwent trans-femoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has grown to be an alternative treatment for severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis (AS) in elderly patients. Although TAVI is a less invasive surgery than surgical aortic valve replacement, some patients may require prolonged hospitalization.

Aim

To find the determinants of prolonged hospitalization in patients who underwent trans-femoral TAVI.

Material and methods

A total of 94 AS patients who underwent trans-femoral TAVI were included as the final study population, and divided into the conventional hospitalization group (≤ 21 days) (n = 74) and prolonged hospitalization group (> 21 days) (n = 20). We compared clinical characteristics between the two groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to find the determinants of prolonged hospitalization.

Results

In multivariate logistic regression analysis, moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (OR = 4.49, 95% CI: 1.16-17.47, p = 0.03), taking statins or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) on admission (statins: OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02-0.71, p = 0.02, ACE inhibitors/ARB: OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.06-0.96, p = 0.04), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (per 15 ml/min/1.73 m² incremental) (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26-0.90, p = 0.02) and current chopsticks user (OR = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01-0.41, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization.

Conclusions

Moderate or severe mitral regurgitation was significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization, while current chopsticks user, eGFR (per 15 ml/min/1.73 m² incremental), taking ACE inhibitors/ARB or statins before the procedure were inversely associated with prolonged hospitalization in patients who underwent trans-femoral TAVI.

Predictors and outcomes of heart failure after transcatheter aortic valve implantation using a self-expanding prosthesis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this analysis was to assess the incidence, predictors and prognostic impact of acute heart failure (AHF) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using a self-expanding prosthesis.

METHODS

From November 2008 to June 2017, all consecutive patients undergoing TAVI in our center were prospectively included in our TAVI registry. The predictive effect of AHF on all-cause mortality following the TAVI procedure was analyzed using Cox regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 399 patients underwent TAVI with a mean age of 82.4 ± 5.8 years, of which 213 (53.4%) were women. During follow-up (27.0 ± 24.1 months), 29.8% (n = 119) were admitted due to AHF, which represents a cumulative incidence function of 13.2% (95%CI, 11.1%-15.8%). At the end of follow-up, 150 patients (37.59%) had died. Those who developed AHF showed a significantly higher mortality rate (52.1% vs 31.4%; HR, 1.84; 95%; CI, 1.14-2.97; P = .012). Independent predictors of AHF after TAVI were a past history of heart failure (P = .019) and high Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (P = .004). We found that nutritional risk index and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were strongly correlated with outcomes in the AHF group.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVI was associated with a high incidence of clinical AHF. Those who developed AHF had higher mortality. Pre-TAVI AHF and high Society of Thoracic Surgeons score were the only independent predictors of AHF in our cohort. A low nutritional risk index and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independent markers of mortality in the AHF group.

Clinical and Socioeconomic Predictors of Heart Failure Readmissions: A Review of Contemporary Literature

Heart failure represents a clinical syndrome that results from a constellation of disease processes affecting myocardial function. Although recent studies have suggested a declining or stable incidence of heart failure, patients with heart failure continue to have high hospitalization and readmission rates, resulting in a substantial economic and public health burden. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar to identify published literature from 1998 through 2018 using the following keywords: heart failure, readmissions, predictors, prediction models, and interventions. Cited references were also used to identify relevant literature. Developments in the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure have improved hospitalization and readmission rates in the past few decades. However, heart failure remains the most common cause of hospitalization in persons older than 65 years. As a result, given the enormous clinical and financial burden associated with heart failure readmissions on health care, there has been growing interest in the investigation of mechanisms aimed at improving outcomes and curtailing associated costs of care. Herein, we review the current literature on clinical and socioeconomic predictors of heart failure readmissions, briefly discussing limitations of existing strategies and providing an overview of current technology aimed at reducing hospitalizations.

Effect of risk of malnutrition on 30-day mortality among older patients with acute heart failure in Emergency Departments

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the prevalence and impact of risk of malnutrition on short-term mortality among seniors presenting with acute heart failure (AHF) in emergency setting. The objective was to determine the impact of risk of malnutrition on 30-day mortality risk among older patients who attended in Emergency Departments (EDs) for AHF.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of the OAK-3 Registry including all consecutive patients ≥65 years attending in 16 Spanish EDs for AHF. Risk of malnutrition was defined by the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) < 12 points. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the association between risk of malnutrition and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

We included 749 patients (mean age: 85 (SD 6); 55.8% females). Risk of malnutrition was observed in 594 (79.3%) patients. The rate of 30-day mortality was 8.8%. After adjusting for MEESSI-AHF risk score clinical categories (model 1) and after adding all variables showing a significantly different distribution among groups (model 2), the risk of malnutrition was an independent factor associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted OR by model 1 = 3.4; 95%CI 1.2-9.7; p = .020 and adjusted OR by model 2 = 3.1; 95%CI 1.1-9.0; p = .033) compared to normal nutritional status.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of malnutrition assessed by the MNA-SF is associated with 30-day mortality in older patients with AHF who were attended in EDs. Routine screening of risk of malnutrition may help emergency physicians in decision-making and establishing a care plan.

Correlation of Nutrition with Immune Status in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Outpatients

Malnutrition has been proven to cause poor outcomes in many chronic diseases. We examined the association between malnutrition and immune status in HIV patients. We used the Nutritional Risk Index to evaluate the nutrition in 812 HIV patients, and correlated this variable with viral loads and CD4 counts. We found a significant correlation between nutritional status and immune status.