Malnutrition Screening and Assessment in Hospitalised Older People: a Review

Association of malnutrition with cognitive frailty in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

With an aging population, China faces a growing burden of age-related health conditions, including cognitive frailty and malnutrition. This study aimed to investigate the current status of malnutrition in individuals with cognitive frailty in China and to assess the association between the two conditions.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu up to April 26, 2024. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata/MP 16, with sensitivity and subgroup analyses to explore heterogeneity, and Begg's and Egger's tests to assess publication bias, applying the trim-and-fill method for correction.

Results

Of 2,077 records, 19 were included. The pooled prevalence of cognitive frailty was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.36, p < 0.01), and the prevalence of malnutrition was 45% (95% CI, 0.30-0.58, p < 0.01). A significant association was identified between cognitive frailty and malnutrition (odds ratio [OR] = 4.23, 95% CI: 2.56-6.99, p < 0.001), adjusted to OR = 3.00 (95% CI, 1.87-4.80) post-correction.

Conclusion

Malnutrition is prevalent among individuals with cognitive frailty in China. Given its higher prevalence in community settings than in hospitals, early screening and specific interventions are crucial to address this issue.

Association between comprehensive geriatric assessment and Days Alive and Out of Hospital at 30 Days After Cardiac Surgery in Older Patients

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of comprehensive geriatric assessment (related to diverse aspects of frailty) with postoperative recovery as measured by days alive and out of the hospital at 30 days (DAOH30) in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study using data retrieved from a prospective registry.

SETTING

Single tertiary hospital in South Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 437 patients aged ≥65 years who underwent cardiac surgery between March 2021 and October 2022 were included.

MEASUREMENTS

Comprehensive geriatric assessment included subjective evaluations of functional frailty (cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects) and objective measurements of malnutrition and anaemia. DAOH30 was analysed using multivariable quantile regression to evaluate its association with these three domains.

RESULTS

In the entire cohort (median age 72 years; median DAOH30, 19 days), 85.1% of participants had functional frailty, 9.8% had malnutrition, and 45.8% had anaemia. Older age, cognitive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, physical decline, malnutrition, and anaemia were associated with shorter DAOH30 (all p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, malnutrition had the strongest impact, reducing DAOH30 by 6.0 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.103 to -0.263), followed by anaemia (1.2 days, 95% CI: -2.199 to -0.148) and functional frailty (1.0 days, 95% CI: -1.677 to -0.171). Individual components of functional frailty did not retain an independently significant relationship with DAOH30 after adjustment for confounders.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive geriatric assessment, incorporating functional frailty, malnutrition, and anaemia, demonstrated a significant association with DAOH30 in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Among the assessed aspects, malnutrition showed the strongest association, which may underscore the importance of targeted nutritional interventions to improve outcomes in this patient population.

Predictive Value of Preoperative Nutritional Risk Index for Screw Loosening After Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Elderly Patients With Lumbar Spine Diseases

OBJECTIVE

Pedicle screw loosening is one of the common complications in elderly patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for lumbar spine disease. Malnutrition, prevalent among elderly patients, has been shown to be associated with increased complications. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) serves as a simple indicator of nutritional status. However, the relationship between malnutrition, particularly GNRI, and pedicle screw loosening has not been adequately investigated. This study aims to investigate the relationship between GNRI and pedicle screw loosening following TLIF to guide the perioperative nutritional management of patients and prevent postoperative complications.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on clinical data from patients who underwent single-level TLIF between 2014 and 2022. Data collection encompassed patient demographics, preoperative laboratory parameters, surgery-related data, perioperative radiographic data, and patient-reported outcomes were comprehensively documented. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The relationship between GNRI and pedicle screw loosening was evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 426 patients were included in the study. The rate of pedicle screw loosening rate was 16.4% at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Patients with pedicle screw loosening exhibited significantly lower GNRI (89.0 ± 8.0 vs. 99.2 ± 9.3, p < 0.001) and volumetric bone mineral density measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT-vBMD) (84.2 [interquartile range (IQR) 79.6-92.2] vs. 104.0 [IQR 88.2-126.0] mg/cm3, p < 0.001) compared with those in the non-loosening group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified sex (hazard ratio [HR] 1.433, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.714-2.876, p = 0.027), age (HR 1.062, 95% CI 1.014-1.113, p = 0.012), GNRI (HR 0.841, 95% CI 0.711-0.994, p = 0.043), and QCT-vBMD (HR 0.982, 95% CI 0.967-0.997, p = 0.019) as independent risk factors for screw loosening. RCS analysis showed that GNRI was negatively correlated with screw loosening (p < 0.0001). The area under the curve (AUC) for the GNRI in predicting pedicle screw loosening was 0.794, with a cut-off value of 95.590 (sensitivity, 85.7%; specificity 65.2%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis identified that the lower-level GNRI group exhibited a higher cumulative incidence of screw loosening (log-rank test, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The GNRI was an independent risk factor for postoperative screw loosening in elderly patients undergoing TLIF for lumbar spine disease. Preoperative GNRI may potentially serve as a valuable tool in predicting postoperative screw loosening in elderly patients undergoing TLIF.

Which screening tool performs best in identifying malnutrition risk among hospitalized older adults with cardiovascular disease? A diagnostic accuracy study comparing six different screening tools with GLIM criteria

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the performance of six different screening tools with the GLIM criteria in identifying malnutrition risk among older adults with cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

In this diagnostic accuracy study, data from 669 patients aged 65 and older, hospitalized at Bandırma Training and Research Hospital diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, were evaluated. The data were obtained using a questionnaire that included a Demographic Information Form, Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) Criteria, Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ), Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002), and Graz Malnutrition Screening (GMS) tool. GLIM criteria were used as gold standard and six screening tools were used as index tests. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to calculate the Area Under the Curve (AUC), and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Cohen's Kappa (κ) coefficient of the index tests were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 75.5 ± 7.7 years, 55.2% were female. According to the GLIM criteria, the prevalence of malnutrition was calculated as 22.0%. The AUC calculated by ROC indicated that MST (AUC: 0.905) had excellent predictive value, while MUST (AUC: 0.874), SNAQ (AUC: 0.851), MNA-SF (AUC: 0.842), and GMS (AUC: 0.820) demonstrated good predictive value. Among the screening tools, GMS had the highest sensitivity (92.5%), whereas MNA-SF exhibited the highest specificity (91.6%). MNA-SF also demonstrated the highest agreement with the GLIM criteria (Cohen's κ: 66.8) and the highest accuracy (88.3%).

CONCLUSION

This study found that the MNA-SF tool outperformed other comprehensive screening tools when evaluating malnutrition risk in light of the GLIM criteria.

Energy and protein intake threshold modelling using nutrition dashboard technology and sensitivity of hospital malnutrition identification

AIMS

Hospital food provision/intake dashboards may improve malnutrition screening. The aim of this study was to use Nutrition Dashboard data to determine the optimal threshold for screening for malnutrition risk, and compare the accuracy of this method with estimated dietary requirements.

METHODS

Observational data were extracted from medical files and food service records of 267 patients for a 4-month period in a 99-bed hospital. Energy (2500-8000 kJ) and protein (30-90 g) thresholds were applied for Nutrition Dashboard categorisation by supply and intake of food. Deficits in estimated requirements (105 kJ/kg/day and 0.75 g/kg/day) were also applied as a comparative method. The association between Nutrition Dashboard categories and the Malnutrition Screening Tool was explored using generalised estimating equations.

RESULTS

A total of 267 patients and 1908 days of data were analysed. The use of estimated requirements for Nutrition Dashboard categorisation was not a statistically significant predictor of malnutrition risk. Application of energy (≤6000 kJ) and protein (≤65 g) thresholds for categorisation was significant (χ2 = 9.50, df = 3, p = 0.023). When 5000 kJ and 55 g of protein were used for categorisation, patients were more likely to be at malnutrition risk when within low supply (odds ratio = 2.11, p = 0.002) and low intake (odds ratio 2.23, p < 0.001) categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutrition Dashboard categories are associated with an increased risk of malnutrition when categorised using thresholds of up to 6000 kJ and 65 g protein. Technologies like the Nutrition Dashboard present innovative opportunities for dietitians to utilise nutrition informatics to enhance and optimise nutrition care.

Current Medical Nutrition Therapy Recommendations for the Person with Diabetes

This article will discuss the current medical nutrition therapy (MNT) recommendations for non-hospitalized people with diabetes based on published standards, general principles for healthy meal planning, common dietary methods used with people with diabetes, and matching the prandial insulin dose to food(s) consumed. This article will also discuss MNT for hospitalized patients with diabetes including assessing for malnutrition and identifying contributing factors for the development of malnutrition. Common dietary methods used in the hospital setting will be discussed, as well as the current recommendations for managing diabetes in patients on clear liquid diets, enteral nutrition, and parenteral nutrition.

Association of malnutrition risk evaluated by the geriatric nutritional risk index with post-stroke myocardial injury among older patients with first‑ever ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke myocardial injury is a potentially preventable complication after acute ischemic stroke. Therefore, identifying modifiable variables, such as nutritional status, is crucial for reducing the risk of post-stroke myocardial injury. This study aimed to investigate the association between malnutrition risk on admission, as evaluated by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and post-stroke myocardial injury in elderly patients with first‑ever ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We conducted this study using the GNRI score to evaluate the nutritional status of older patients with first‑ever ischemic stroke. The primary outcome of interest was post-stroke myocardial injury. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was executed to assess the dose-effect relationship between the GNRI score and post-stroke myocardial injury. The correlation of malnutrition risk identified by GNRI score for post-stroke myocardial injury was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. To balance the potential confounders and verify the robustness of the results, propensity score matching (PSM) was further conducted.

RESULTS

Based on the GNRI score, 30.8% of patients were at moderate to severe risk of malnutrition. The overall incidence of post-stroke myocardial injury was 33.2%. The adjusted RCS analysis revealed a negative dose-response relationship between the GNRI score and post-stroke myocardial injury (P for non-linearity = 0.536). After adjusting for confounders, moderate to severe malnutrition risk, as evaluated by the GNRI score, was substantially associated with an increased risk of post-stroke myocardial injury (OR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.93-5.48; P < 0.001). Following PSM adjustment, the association between the GNRI score and post-stroke myocardial injury remained significantly robust (OR: 4.28; 95% CI: 2.34-7.83; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition risk on admission is associated with higher risk of post-stroke myocardial injury among elderly patients with first‑ever ischemic stroke. Early screening for malnutrition risk is crucial in the management of patients with first‑ever ischemic stroke.

Machine learning based on nutritional assessment to predict adverse events in older inpatients with possible sarcopenia

BACKGROUND

The accuracy of current tools for predicting adverse events in older inpatients with possible sarcopenia is still insufficient to develop individualized nutrition-related management strategies. The objectives were to develop a machine learning model based on nutritional assessment for the prediction of all-cause death and infectious complications.

METHODS

A cohort of older patients with possible sarcopenia (divided into training group [70%] and validation group [30%]) from 30 hospitals in 14 major cities in China was retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics, laboratory examination, Nutritional risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002) and mini-nutritional Assessment-Short form (MNA-SF) were used to construct machine learning models to predict in-hospital adverse events, including all-cause mortality and infectious complications. The applied algorithms included decision tree, random forest, gradient boosting machine (GBM), LightGBM, extreme gradient boosting and neural network. Model performance was assessed according to learning a series of learning metrics including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and accuracy.

RESULTS

Among 3 999 participants (mean age 75.89 years [SD 7.14]; 1 805 [45.1%] were female), 373 (9.7%) had adverse events, including 62 (1.6%) of in-hospital death and 330 (8.5%) of infectious complications. The decision tree model showed a better AUC of 0.7072 (95% CI 0.6558-0.7586) in the validation cohort, using the five most important variables (i.e., mobility, reduced food intake, white blood cell count, upper arm circumference, and hypoalbuminemia).

CONCLUSIONS

Machine learning prediction models are feasible and effective for identifying adverse events, and may be helpful to guide clinical nutrition decision-making in older inpatients with possible sarcopenia.

Mini nutritional assessment short-form as a risk factor for mortality in patients with respiratory disease undergoing urgent hospitalization

BACKGROUND

Studies of nutritional status in geriatric patients with respiratory diseases are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the mortality risk of older patients undergoing urgent hospitalization for various respiratory diseases.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients aged ≥ 65 years with respiratory diseases who were urgently hospitalized between April 2022 and November 2024. The Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) was evaluated at the time of urgent admission, and the malnutrition risk was defined by the MNA-SF score < 11. Comorbidities and frailty were assessed using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and Clinical frailty scale (CFS), respectively. Biomarkers of inflammation and acute respiratory failure such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), Respiratory rate-oxygenation (ROX) index, and the pulse oximetric saturation (SpO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) [S/F] ratio were calculated and analyzed as risk factors of in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 168 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study with median age of 77 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 72-84). Thirty-nine patients (23.2%) died during hospitalization, and the median time to death was 17 days (IQR: 10-25). Univariate analysis demonstrated that older age (> 77 years), low S/F ratio (< 315), low ROX (< 8.3), high NLR (> 6), high CFS (> 5), and low MNA-SF (< 11) were associated with in-hospital mortality, multivariate analysis revealed that low MNA-SF was an independent predictor.

CONCLUSIONS

The MNA-SF is a risk factor for mortality in older patients undergoing urgent hospitalization due to various respiratory diseases.

Malnutrition risk and associated factors in hospitalized older adult patients with neurological diseases: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Malnutrition risk (MR) in older adults with neurological disorders is high, but there is little evidence for validated screening tools in this group, as well as for the clinical and socioeconomic factors associated with a high MR.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association of MR using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) with mortality and length of stay (LOS) in older adults with neurological diseases. Secondarily, the association of clinical, and socioeconomic factors with MR and clinical outcomes was sought.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was carried out at a third-level neurological disease referral center in Mexico. All patients older than 60 years admitted from January 2017 to December 2018 were considered. MUST, clinical and socioeconomic factors were assessed at hospital admission. Outcomes were followed up to hospital discharge or a maximum of 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 765 patients were included, of whom 24.7% (n = 189) were at high risk. A high MR was independently associated with mortality (OR 3.09; 95% CI 1.60-5.98, p = .001) and LOS >14 days (OR 4.38; 95% CI 2.79-6.89, p = <.001). The only factors independently associated with high MR was economic dependence and unemployment. Patients with high MR and economic dependence (OR 4.0; 95% CI 1.34-11.99, p = .013) or unemployment (OR 3.43; 95% CI 1.17-10.06, p = .025) had the highest mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In hospitalized older adults with neurological diseases, high MR is independently associated with increased mortality and LOS. Economic dependence or unemployment are associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with high MR.

Increased risk of rehospitalisation and death in older hospital patients at risk of malnutrition: A cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate associations between risk of malnutrition and risk of rehospitalisation and death in older hospital patients, and whether the possible associations were modified by age, gender, comorbidity or Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (ACSCs).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Somatic hospital in Western Norway.

PARTICIPANTS

9,768 hospital admissions for patients aged ≥65 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Information on the risk of malnutrition was based on nutritional risk screening data from 34 point prevalence surveys conducted between 2008 and 2018. Risk of malnutrition was assessed using Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) during the initial hospital admission. Outcomes and possible effect modifiers were obtained from the hospital's patient administration systems. The short-term outcome was the length of initial hospital stay. Long-term outcomes included total number of days in hospital, number of hospital stays and risk of death within one year following nutritional risk screening. Statistical analysis involved negative binomial and Cox regression models with adjustment for age, sex and number of diagnoses at time of nutritional risk screening.

RESULTS

Overall, 34% of the patients were classified as being at risk of malnutrition. A higher proportion of the initial admissions were related to ACSCs for patients at risk of malnutrition than for those not at risk. Risk of malnutrition was associated with longer initial hospital stay (adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals) 1.31 (1.25, 1.37)), more days in hospital (adjusted risk ratio 1.25 (1.18, 1.32)) and a higher risk of having more than two hospital admissions the year following nutritional risk screening (adjusted risk ratio 1.16 (1.07, 1.26)). Patients at risk of malnutrition also had an increased risk of death within one year (adjusted hazard ratio 2.45 (2.25, 2.67)). All associations were more pronounced in the '65-69' and '70-79' age groups compared to the 80+ years age group, and in patients with fewer than four diagnoses compared to patients with four or more diagnoses. No significant interaction was detected between sex and risk of malnutrition with regard to patient outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Older patients at risk of malnutrition have a higher risk of rehospitalisation and death during the first year after nutritional risk screening compared with those not at risk. Among patients at risk of malnutrition, the initial hospital admissions were more often due to ACSCs. The impact of the risk of malnutrition on outcomes appears stronger in patients aged 65-79 years and in patients with less comorbidity. These findings underline the importance of nutritional risk screening and subsequent nutritional support in all groups of older patients.

Impact of geriatric nutritional risk index on clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients: a comprehensive meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), derived from serum albumin levels and body weight relative to ideal body weight, is a novel tool for assessing nutritional status. This meta-analysis explored the association between GNRI and the clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies evaluating the GNRI in patients with ACS. Inclusion criteria were observational studies reporting all-cause mortality or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) among ACS patients categorized by low versus normal GNRI. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two authors, utilizing a random-effects model to account for potential heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Eleven cohort studies, encompassing 18 616 patients with ACS, were included. A low GNRI was associated with significantly increased risks of all-cause mortality (RR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.63-2.34; P < 0.001; I² = 32%) and MACEs (RR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.62-2.29; P < 0.001; I² = 25%). Subgroup analyses for the all-cause mortality outcome showed consistent findings across varied study designs, patient demographics, and follow-up periods (P for subgroup differences all >0.05). Sensitivity analyses conducted by sequentially excluding individual studies confirmed the stability of these results.

CONCLUSION

A low GNRI at the time of admission is a significant predictor of increased all-cause mortality and MACEs in patients with ACS.

Nutritional risk and HbA1c as critical risk factors and predictors of opportunistic infections in HIV-DM comorbid patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Background

The clinical characteristics and risk factors for opportunistic infections in HIV patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus are unclear and worth studying. Explore the risk factors and construct a predictive model for opportunistic infections in HIV-DM patients.

Methods

Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 1,669 HIV-DM admitted to the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu from December 2018 to November 2023.Based on the occurrence of opportunistic infections, the patients were divided into two groups. Comparative analyses were conducted to assess nutritional status, plasma glucose levels, comorbidities of chronic noncommunicable diseases, and immune status. We applied univariate logistic regression and LASSO regression to screen independent variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors and establish a prediction model for opportunistic infections.

Results

In our study population of 1,669 patients (median age was 59 years, 83.22% male), 868 developed opportunistic infections, while the remaining 801 patients did not develop opportunistic infections. Additionally, 1,598 patients survived, and 71 patients died. The opportunistic infection group had a greater median age, lower median BMI, longer median length of hospital stay and greater number of deaths. Logistic regression analysis identified nutritional risk, duration of HIV infection, HbA1c, albumin, and CD4+ T cell counts as significant risk factors and predictors of opportunistic infections. Nutritional risk (OR=2.888) and HbA1c showed positive associations (P<0.001), while duration of HIV infection, albumin, and CD4+ T cell counts demonstrated negative associations with infection risk (P<0.05). The comprehensive model evaluation, based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA), validated the acceptable predictive performance of our model.

Conclusion

This study identified nutritional risk, duration of HIV infection, HbA1c and albumin as significant risk factors and predictors of opportunistic infections in HIV-DM patients, further highlighting the importance of nutritional screening and good glucose control.

The simplified GLIM criteria for assessment of malnutrition and its correlation with clinical outcomes in Crohn's disease patients

Objective

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) commonly experience malnutrition. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, a novel approach to assessing malnutrition, has been validated in some diseases. However, there are limited studies in CD patients. This study aimed to investigate the applicability and effectiveness of the simplified GLIM criteria for evaluating the nutritional status of patients with Crohn's disease. Additionally, it sought to evaluate the correlation between malnutrition defined by simplified GLIM and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 386 patients with CD. Data were extracted from the medical records, including demographic and clinical characteristics. All patients were evaluated using the simplified GLIM criteria. The prevalence of malnutrition was reported and the relationship between malnutrition and clinical outcome was analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of malnutrition among patients with CD was 73.6%, with 36.5% classified as moderate malnutrition and 37.0% classified as severe malnutrition. The malnourished group had significantly higher Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores compared to the non-malnourished group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the malnutrition group exhibited significantly lower levels of specific nutritional indicators, including hemoglobin (p = 0.040), albumin (p = 0.015), and prealbumin (p = 0.021). The median duration of follow-up in the cohort was 15.2 weeks. The results indicated that malnutrition, as assessed by simplified GLIM, independently influenced endoscopic remission (p = 0.033). Additionally, the duration of disease (p = 0.021), C-reactive protein (p = 0.014) and prealbumin (p = 0.014) were independent factors influencing endoscopic remission in patients with CD.

Conclusion

Malnutrition identified using the simplified GLIM criteria is associated with age, CDAI, behavior, hemoglobin, and albumin, providing prognostic value for endoscopic remission in CD patients.

The association between nutrition risk status assessment and hospital mortality in Chinese older inpatients: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

The association between nutritional risk status assessment and hospital mortality in older patients remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between nutritional risk on admission and in-hospital mortality, and explore the best Nutritional Risk Status Screening 2002 (NRS2002) threshold for predicting in-hospital mortality of older inpatients in China.

METHOD

The elderly inpatients were recruited from a hospital in Hunan Province, China. Nutritional risk was screened and assessed using the NRS2002. Logistic regression was used to analyze whether NRS2002 scores were independently associated with hospital mortality, and the results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the best NRS2002 threshold for predicting in-hospital mortality in elderly inpatients. And 500 bootstrap re-samplings were performed for ROC analysis.

RESULT

In total, 464 elderly inpatients completed the survey (15 of whom died, 205 males and 259 females, mean age = 72.284 ± 5.626 years). Multifactorial analysis revealed that age, the NRS2002 score, and length of hospital stay significantly influenced in-hospital mortality among older inpatients (P < 0.05). The results also showed that higher NRS2002 scores were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in both the unadjusted (OR = 1.731,95%CI = 1.362-2.20, P < 0.0001), adjusted model I (OR = 1.736, 95% CI = 1.354-2.206, P < 0.0001) and model II (OR = 1.602, 95% CI = 1.734-2.488, P = 0.0005). The optimal NRS2002 threshold for predicting in-hospital mortality in older inpatients was 3.5, with the largest ROC area of 0.84.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that nutritional risk was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality, with a cut-off value of 3.50 for the NRS2002 nutritional risk assessment being more appropriate than a cut-off value of 3.0.

Do nutritional assessment scores have a relationship with transthyretin levels?

Introduction

Background and aims: nutritional screening tools assess factors like weight loss, BMI, food intake, and disease severity to determine a patient's nutritional risk and needed care. Plasma transthyretin is a practical measurement used to assess nutritional evolution due to its rapid response to food intake. This study examines the relationship between nutritional scores, transthyretin protein levels, and the possibility of death. Methods: the sample consisted of 302 patients hospitalized in the wards or intensive care unit of a public teaching hospital, using parenteral nutrition as the primary source of nutrition. Five nutritional screening tools were applied, and patient charts were verified for transthyretin levels. Results: from the sample, 260 were adults, and 42 were children, with a mean age of 48.3 years. When evaluating the patient's outcome in relation to the scores, the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool proved to be better at predicting death (p-value = 0.02). None of the scores were related to transthyretin levels, showing that lower transthyretin values did not influence nutritional risk. Conclusion: we believe early identification of nutritional risk through nutritional scores is necessary for better nutritional monitoring to minimize unfavorable outcomes. This study corroborates the more recent concept that transthyretin is not useful for determining unfavorable outcomes in hospitalized patients with a severe inflammatory process. In clinical practice, identifying a patient at nutritional risk according to the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and promoting adequate nutritional monitoring may reduce mortality.

Osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine fractures in the elderly: alterations in GNRI and BMP-2 in delayed union and associated factors

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the alterations in the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) levels and identify associated factors in older adults with delayed union of osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine fractures.

METHODS

From June 2021 to June 2023, 139 elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine fractures were selected and divided into a delayed group and a normal group according to the fracture healing status at 6 months postoperatively. GNRI and BMP-2 levels were assessed in both cohorts. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the predictive value of GNRI and BMP-2 for delayed union. Multivariate Logistic regression was utilized to identify risk factors associated with delayed union after surgery for osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine fractures. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationships among independent risk factors. Finally, the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOL-74) was employed to assess the quality of life in both groups.

RESULTS

At 6 months post-surgery, 41 of the 139 patients had delayed union and were classified into the delayed group, while 98 cases achieved fracture healing and served as the normal group. The delayed group exhibited obviously reduced GNRI and BMP-2 levels than the normal group. ROC curve analysis indicated that the areas under the curve (AUCs) of GNRI, BMP-2, and their combination for predicting delayed union were 0.826, 0.803, and 0.883, respectively. A higher recovery rate of the injured vertebra height (OR = 1.456, 95% CI: 1.232-1.722, P < 0.001), a lower GNRI (OR = 0.590, 95% CI: 0.444-0.782, P < 0.001), and a lower BMP-2 level (OR = 0.909, 95% CI: 0.850-0.971, P = 0.005) were independent risk factors for delayed union in elderly patients undergoing surgery for osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine fractures. Pearson correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between the recovery rate of the injured vertebra height and GNRI (r = -0.640) as well as BMP-2 (r = -0.614), and a positive correlation between GNRI and BMP-2 (r = 0.751). Although the postoperative quality of life in the delayed group significantly enhanced, it remained significantly lower than that in the normal group.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed union after surgery in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine fractures is strongly associated with preoperative levels of GNRI and BMP-2. The recovery rate of the injured vertebra height, GNRI, and BMP-2 are independent risk factors for delayed fracture healing. Delayed healing of osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine fractures in the elderly negatively affects the improvement of patients' quality of life.

Association Between Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and Critically Ill Patients With Pressure Injury: Analysis of the MIMIC-IV Database

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore the relationship between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and the occurrence of Pressure injury (PI) in elderly Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients.

BACKGROUND

PI represent a significant health concern within ICU, where the occurrence of such injuries is notably high among critically ill patients. However, few studies have explored the relationship between GNRI and PI.

DESIGN

A longitudinal, single-centre, retrospective study.

METHODS

The study utilised GNRI calculation to identify PI occurrences. A comprehensive set of covariates was analysed, including demographic information, severity of illness scores, comorbidities, therapeutic interventions, vital signs and laboratory values. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves, supplemented by a doubly robust estimation method and propensity score modelling. This study follows the STROBE-nut checklist.

RESULTS

Among 5327 critically ill patients enrolled in the study, with a median age of 76 years, of which 2339 were females, representing 43.91% of the total study population. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that with each unit increase in the GNRI, the likelihood of PI occurrence decreased by 3.7% in the fully adjusted model. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in PI occurrence among patients deemed to have no risk compared to those identified as at-risk.

CONCLUSIONS

GNRI emerges as a significant, independent predictor of PI risk in elderly ICU patients, underscoring the importance of nutritional assessment and management in this population.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study highlights the critical importance of nutritional assessment, specifically through GNRI, in early identification and prevention of pressure injuries among elderly ICU patients, underscoring the need for integrated nutritional strategies in clinical settings.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

This is a retrospective cohort study, and no patients or the public were involved in the design and conduct of the study.

Predictive Feasibility of the Graz Malnutrition Screening, Controlling Nutritional Status Score, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, and Prognostic Nutritional Index for Postoperative Long-Term Mortality After Surgically Treated Proximal Femur Fracture

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are a prevalent and serious health issue, particularly among the elderly population aged >65 years. These injuries are associated with elevated rates of postoperative complications and mortality, significantly diminishing patients' quality of life in both the short- and long-term. The prognosis for recovery is further exacerbated in individuals with signs of malnutrition. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of four distinct nutritional assessment scores in relation to postoperative mortality in patients undergoing surgical intervention for hip fractures at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

METHODS

This observational study included patients admitted to the Department of Traumatology at the Medical University for the surgical management of hip fractures between January 2019 and November 2021. Nutritional assessment scores were derived from a retrospective analysis of clinical data. The statistical correlation between nutritional scores and postoperative mortality outcomes was rigorously evaluated.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.01) between all four nutritional scores and postoperative mortality risk. The malnourished cohorts demonstrated a markedly higher risk of mortality compared to those with adequate nutritional status, as indicated by the following risk ratios: Graz Malnutrition Screening (risk ratio = 2.53-1.68), Prognostic Nutritional Index (risk ratio = 2.44-1.74), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (risk ratio = 2.05-1.58), and Controlling Nutritional Status (risk ratio = 2.34-1.46). Despite these findings, the receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.64 to 0.68, indicating limited predictive power.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a significant correlation existed between the evaluated nutritional scores and postoperative mortality, the predictive value of these scores was quantitatively low. No single nutritional assessment tool has emerged as a strong predictor of postoperative outcomes in this patient population. Consequently, implementation of any specific nutritional screening tool for standard assessment in patients with hip fractures is not recommended at this time. Nevertheless, given the established association between malnutrition and postoperative mortality, a comprehensive evaluation of nutritional status is advisable and further research is needed.

Overall mortality for community-dwelling adults over 50 years at risk of malnutrition

BACKGROUND

It is well reported that malnutrition in acute care is associated with poorer health outcomes including increased mortality. However, the consequences of malnutrition on survival in community settings is uncertain. Malnutrition in people 65 years or over is often cited. Nevertheless, this study includes both middle-aged and older adults as current public health policy is highlighting the need to increase disease-free life years and is moving away from just extending life to increase overall longevity. The aim of this study is to describe the association of the risk of malnutrition using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) with mortality in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

We used the UK Biobank to investigate the association between those at risk of malnutrition and mortality in participants aged ≥50 years. MUST identified risk of malnutrition and linked data to national death registries confirmed mortality. Years of life lost (YLL) and Cox proportional hazard models with hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI) described risk associated with all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

There were 502 408 participants recruited, 117 830 were ≤50 years leaving 384 578 eligible participants. Based on MUST scores 63 495 (16.5%) were at risk of malnutrition with 401 missing some data and excluded. Incidence of mortality for at risk participants was 755 per 100 000 person-years, corresponding to 153 476 YLL. Of those at risk of malnutrition, 9.5% died versus 7.8% at low risk. Initial survival analysis reported an increased risk of mortality (HR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.33) that decreased after adjusting for confounders (HR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.18) in those at risk of malnutrition versus those at low risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of malnutrition was associated with increased overall mortality. Modest effect sizes are demonstrated but are supportive of public health policies, which advocate wide-scale community, based nutritional screening for middle-aged and older adults.

Association of Plant-Based Dietary Patterns with Activities of Daily Living Disability in Older Adults Based on a 10-Year Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

In the context of population aging, activities of daily living (ADL) disability has brought great challenges to the health of the elderly. The relationship between plant-based dietary patterns and the health of the elderly has been widely discussed. However, few studies have explored the correlation between plant-based dietary patterns and ADL disability in older adults.

METHODS

We included 2004 participants from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The Simplified Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to measure Plant-Based Diet Index (PDI), healthy Plant-Based Diet Index (hPDI), and unhealthy Plant-Based Diet Index (uPDI). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess associations between plant-based dietary patterns and ADL disability in older adults and to explore age differences in these associations.

RESULTS

uPDI and hPDI showed nonlinear associations with ADL disability. Following covariate adjustments, older adults in the highest tertile of the hPDI have a lower risk of ADL disability than those in the lowest tertile (HR = 0.61). Older adults in the highest tertile of the uPDI have a higher risk of ADL disability than those in the lowest tertile (HR = 1.33). Subgroup analyses showed that hPDI was more protective against ADL disability in those under 80 years of age, whereas uPDI was only significantly associated with an increased risk of ADL disability in those under 80 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing the intake of healthy plant-based diets and reducing the intake of unhealthy plant-based and animal-based diets can help prevent and improve ADL disability in the elderly.

The ability of GLIM and MNA-FF to diagnose malnutrition and predict sarcopenia and frailty in hospitalized adults over 60 years of age

Introduction

Malnutrition remains common in adults over 60 years old. Although there are screening and diagnostic tools for malnutrition, there is no globally used approach to diagnosing malnutrition in older adults admitted to the hospital. In this study, we verified the agreement between the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and the ability of the instruments to identify frailty and sarcopenia associated with malnutrition.

Methods

For adults over 60 years old, malnutrition diagnosis was performed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Full Form (MNA-FF) tool and the GLIM criteria, which included calf circumference and fat-free mass index to assess muscle mass, with and without the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) screening. Health conditions were assessed in older adults, and the association of these conditions with malnutrition was analyzed using both tools.

Results

A total of 432 adults over 60 years old were investigated with a mean age of 71.14 ± 8 years. The GLIM criteria with the nutritional screening tool identified 61-63% of older adults as malnourished. Of these, 63-64% were severely malnourished. The MNA-FF tool classified 20% of those assessed as malnourished. The agreement between the MNA-FF and GLIM was better with the use of screening, with a kappa (K) value of -0.10 and - 0.11. Sarcopenia was associated with malnutrition as identified by the MNA-FF (OR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.84-5.14) and only by the GLIM ANTHRO (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.05-2.63). Frailty was associated with the MNA-FF (OR: 15.99, 95% CI: 2.16-118.36), GLIM ANTHRO (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.31-3.71), and GLIM BIA (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.45-4.12).

Conclusion

It is possible to verify that divergent conceptual frameworks are used to understand malnutrition by the MNA-FF and GLIM and that the GLIM obtained a greater number of malnutrition diagnoses. Both the GLIM ANTHRO and the MNA-FF associated malnutrition with frailty and sarcopenia, with higher hazard ratios for the MNA-FF.

Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is an independent predictor for functional outcome after hip fracture in the elderly: a prospective cohort study

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is a useful tool for assessing nutritional status using serum albumin and lymphocyte count. This study indicates that a higher preoperative PNI correlates with improved mobility and health-related quality of life during the initial postoperative period in elderly patients with hip fractures.

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognostic value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in predicting mobility and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in elderly hip fracture patients after surgery.

METHODS

We prospectively involved patients aged 65 and above, who could walk freely before injury and underwent surgery between 2018 and 2019. Admission PNI was calculated as serum albumin (g/L) + 5 × total lymphocyte count (× 109/L). Patients were classified into two groups based on PNI median value. All patients were followed up by telephone for four times (30-day, 120-day, 1-year, and 3-year after surgery). The Fracture Mobility Score (FMS) and EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D 5L) were used to evaluate mobility and HRQoL, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 705 eligible patients, 487 completed all assessments. Patients in the higher PNI group had a significantly increased possibility of achieving unrestricted mobility at the 120-day follow-up (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.10-2.61, P.adj = 0.017), while no significant differences were observed at other follow-ups. Additionally, patients in the higher PNI group had a significantly higher EQ-5D utility value at the 30-day follow-up (P.adj = 0.015). A linear regression model with adjusting for all confounders showed that admission PNI value was positively associated with EQ-5D utility values at 30-day, 120-day, and 1-year follow-up assessments (P.adj = 0.011, P.adj = 0.001, and P.adj = 0.030, respectively). However, this correlation was not observed at the 3-year time point (P.adj = 0.079).

CONCLUSION

The PNI is a valuable predictor of functional outcomes in elderly patients with hip fractures following surgery.

Nutritional screening on hospital admission and one-year clinical outcomes in a prospective cohort of older patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Malnutrition negatively affects the prognosis and quality of life of hospitalized patients. However, there are several gaps between evidence-based knowledge and current clinical practice. Our primary aim was to describe the prevalence of malnutrition risk in a cohort of in a cohort of older inpatients; secondly, we explored its predictors and its independent impact on 12-month survival.

METHODS

Prospective study focused on patients aged 65 years and older consecutively admitted for any reason to the acute geriatric and general medical units of an Italian university hospital. Comprehensive geriatric assessment data, including the short form of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF), were collected within 48 hours of admission. The prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition according to the MNA-SF represented the main outcome. Correlations among clinical variables, nutritional status, and one-year survival were analyzed using multivariable and Cox models.

RESULTS

Among 594 patients (median age: 84 years, 49.5 % female), mostly living at home with moderate functional autonomy, 82.3 % were identified as probably malnourished or at risk of malnutrition according to MNA-SF (39.9 % and 42.4 %, respectively). Malnutrition and the risk of malnutrition were positively associated with living alone at home (OR 2.803, 95%CI 1.567-5.177, p < 0.001), and negatively associated with autonomy in IADL (OR 0.765, 95%CI 0.688-0.846, p < 0.001) and the best performance at HST (OR 0.901, 95%CI 0.865-0.936; p < 0.001). After 12 months, 31.8 % of patients was dead and mortality was positively correlated with malnutrition according to MNA-SF (OR 2.493, 95%CI 1.345-4.751, p = 0.004), institutionalization (OR 2.815, 95%CI 1.423-5.693, p = 0.003) and severe cognitive impairment (OR 1.701, 95%CI 1.031-2.803, p = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition is common among older inpatients upon admission, primarily influenced by their functional and cognitive status, and it is linked to a worse prognosis. Early incorporation of thorough nutritional and functional assessments into clinical practice is crucial to improve prognosis prediction and enable timely, focused interventions targeting modifiable causal factors in a patient-centered approach.

Effect of Preoperative Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index on Prognosis in Patients after Surgery for Lower Gastrointestinal Perforation

INTRODUCTION

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a reliable index derived from serum albumin levels, height, and weight. Although various prognostic factors have been studied, the effect of preoperative nutritional status on surgical outcomes remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the GNRI in predicting postoperative outcomes of lower gastrointestinal perforation.

METHODS

Eighty patients treated at our institution between January 2016 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. This study primarily focused on the correlation between preoperative GNRI and two key outcomes: postoperative hospital stay duration and 1-year mortality rate.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed a significant association between low GNRI scores and increased 1-year mortality (odd ratio 4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-16, p = 0.025). Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test showed that patients in the low GNRI group had markedly poorer overall survival rates than those in the high GNRI group (12-month survival rate 0.88 [95% CI: 0.75-0.95] vs. 0.65 [95% CI: 0.47-0.78]; p = 0.018). Additionally, both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that lower GNRI scores were associated with prolonged hospital stays.

CONCLUSION

We showed that a low GNRI score was associated with high mortality and prolonged hospital stay after emergency surgery for lower gastrointestinal perforation.

Nutritional Status and Inflammation as Mediators of Physical Performance and Delirium in Elderly Community-Acquired Pneumonia Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose

This study proposes a multiple mediation model to evaluate the association among diminished physical performance, malnutrition, inflammation, and delirium in seniors with community-acquired pneumonia.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included elderly patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia at the Geriatrics Department of the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2024. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations among physical performance, nutritional status, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and delirium. Mediation models assessed the effects of nutritional status and CRP on the relationship between physical performance and delirium, with subgroup analyses based on diabetes status.

Results

A total of 379 patients were included, with a mean age of 80.0±7.4 years, and 51.7% were male. The incidence of delirium during hospitalization was 28.5% (n=108). Subgroup analyses revealed significant correlations between physical performance, nutritional status, and CRP (P<0.001), regardless of diabetes status. After adjusting for confounding variables, CRP was positively associated with delirium, while MNA-SF and SPPB scores showed negative correlations with delirium risk (OR=0.852, 95% CI: 0.730-0.995; OR=0.580, 95% CI: 0.464-0.727, P<0.05). Mediation analyses indicated that MNA-SF scores and CRP significantly mediated the association between SPPB and delirium. Specifically, pathways "SPPB→ MNA-SF→ delirium", "SPPB→ CRP→ delirium", and "SPPB→ MNA-SF→ CRP→ delirium" demonstrated significant mediating effects in patients without diabetes, while only the pathway "SPPB→ MNA-SF→ CRP→ delirium" was significant in those with diabetes.

Conclusion

Older patients with community-acquired pneumonia and poor physical performance are more susceptible to delirium, with nutritional status and inflammation as key mediators.

Correlation between malnutrition and mortality in older patients aged ≥90 years with multimorbidity

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition is prevalent in geriatric patients and associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the incremental prognostic value of different nutritional assessment tools in patients (90 years and older) with multimorbidity in China.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥90 years with multimorbidity from the Geriatric Research Center in Nanjing Jinling Hospital from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018 were analyzed. Patients were followed until December 31,2022. The nutrition status was assessed according to the mini nutritional assessment (MNA), the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and the prognostic nutritional index score (PNI), respectively. The outcome was all-cause death. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of all-cause death in the patients.

RESULTS

160 participants aged 90(90,91) years were included. During a median follow-up of 5.41(3.12-7.64) years, 106(66.25 %) patients died. Deceased patients had lower MNA [20.75(16.75,23.00) vs. 26.00(24.00,26.00); p < 0.001], lower GNRI [96.21±8.75 vs. 100.94±6.80; p = 0.001] and lower PNI [46.16(40.77,49.57) vs. 47.75(45.36,51.53); p = 0.010] than did survivors. According to MNA, GNRI, and PNI score, 93(58.1 %), 72(45.0 %) and 41(25.6 %) of participants were at risk of malnutrition. Multivariate analysis revealed that malnutrition was independently associated with increased risk for mortality by MNA score (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.502, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.561-4.009, p<0.001), GNRI score (adjusted HR 1.650, 95 % CI, 1.117-2.438, p = 0.012), and PNI score (adjusted HR 2.894, 95 % CI, 1.891-4.431, p<0.001). Furthermore, the inclusion of malnutrition indicators in the survival prediction model significantly improved the predictive power of mortality.

CONCLUSION

The risk of malnutrition, as assessed by MNA, GNRI and PNI, in long-lived patients with multimorbidity is a strong independent predictor of mortality and adds significant prognostic information to the survival models.

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and 30-Day Postoperative Mortality in Geriatric Burn Patients

INTRODUCTION

The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) can easily identify malnutrition-associated morbidity and mortality. We investigated the association between preoperative GNRI and 30-d mortality in geriatric burn patients who underwent surgery.

METHODS

The study involved geriatric burn patients (aged ≥ 65 y) who underwent burn surgery between 2012 and 2022. The GNRI was computed using the following formula: 1.489 × serum albumin concentration (mg/L) + 41.7 × patient body weight/ideal body weight. Patients were dichotomized into the high GNRI (≥ 82) and low GNRI (< 82) groups. GNRI was evaluated as an independent predictor of 30-d postoperative mortality. The study also evaluated the association between GNRI and sepsis, the need for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and pneumonia.

RESULTS

Out of 270 patients, 128 (47.4%) had low GNRI (< 82). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that low GNRI was significantly associated with 30-d postoperative mortality (hazard ratio: 1.874, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.146-3.066, P = 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the 30-day mortality rate differed significantly between the low and high GNRI groups (log-rank test, P < 0.001). The 30-d postoperative mortality (hazard ratio: 2.677, 95% CI: 1.536-4.667, P < 0.001) and the incidence of sepsis (odds ratio [OR]: 2.137, 95% CI: 1.307-3.494, P = 0.004), need for CRRT (OR: 1.919, 95% CI: 1.101-3.344, P = 0.025), MACE (OR: 1.680, 95% CI: 1.018-2.773, P = 0.043), and pneumonia (OR: 1.678, 95% CI: 1.019-2.764, P = 0.044), were significantly higher in the low GNRI group than in the high GNRI group.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative low GNRI was associated with increased 30-d postoperative mortality, sepsis, need for CRRT, MACE, and pneumonia in geriatric burn patients.

GLIM criteria-based identification of severe malnutrition and its relationship with the risk of mortality among older Chinese adults with arthritis or rheumatism

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is a well-known risk factor for mortality among older adults. Arthritis and rheumatism are characterized by chronic inflammation and are also related to malnutrition as diagnosed using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. This study was thus developed to examine the associations linking malnutrition and all-cause death among older adults in China, employing the GLIM criteria to assess malnutrition.

METHODS

Two waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2013 and 2018 were used to conduct this study. Moderate malnutrition was defined as low BMI (< 18.5 and < 20 for individuals < 70 and 70 + years of age, respectively), an unintended 10-20% decrease in weight, or low muscle mass based on the sex-specific lowest 20% of the height-adjusted muscle mass as < 5.039 kg/m2 in women and < 6.866 kg/m2 in men. Severe malnutrition was defined as a > 20% unintended decrease in weight only or the combination of both low muscle mass and an unintended reduction of over 10% in weight. Associations between malnutrition and the risk of all-cause death were assessed through Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, this study enrolled 1766 subjects 60 + years of age, of whom 57.36% (1033/1766) were female. Malnutrition was estimated to affect 418 (23.67%) of these individuals at baseline, with 21.06% and 2.60% affected by moderate and severe malnutrition, respectively. Over the 5-year follow-up, 189 of these individuals died. Covariate-adjusted Cox regression analyses confirmed a significant association between severe malnutrition and the risk of death in this cohort (HR = 2.196, 95%CI 1.125-4.286, P = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Severe malnutrition, identified through screening based on the GLIM criteria, was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death among older Chinese adults with arthritis or rheumatism.

Development of the Competency Evaluation Scale for Clinical Nutritionists in China: A Delphi Study

Background: Clinical nutritionists are responsible for nutritional therapy in clinical practice, which significantly enhances patients' nutritional status. This study aims to develop and validate a competency evaluation scale to effectively assess the abilities of clinical nutritionists. Methods: The competency evaluation scale for clinical nutritionists was developed based on the iceberg model, utilizing literature review, semi-structured interviews, and the Delphi method. The weights of each indicator were calculated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and the validity and reliability of the scale were confirmed through questionnaire surveys. Results: The competency evaluation scale of clinical nutritionists comprised five primary indicators, twelve secondary indicators, and sixty-six tertiary indicators. The primary indicators, including professional theoretical knowledge, professional practical skills, humanistic practice ability, interpersonal communication ability, and professional development capability, have respective weights of 0.2168, 0.2120, 0.2042, 0.2022, and 0.1649. The Cronbach's α coefficients of the five dimensions of the scale were 0.970, 0.978, 0.969, 0.962, and 0.947, respectively. The results of the Exploratory Factor Analysis showed that the prerequisites for factor analysis were satisfied. Additionally, Bartlett's test of sphericity yielded a significance level of p < 0.001, confirming the scale's reliability and validity. Conclusions: The competency evaluation scale for clinical nutritionists developed in this study is of high scientific reliability and validity, which provides assessment criteria for the training and assessment of clinical nutritionists.

Serum albumin-to-globulin ratio and CRP-to-albumin ratio did not outperform serum CRP in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections

Aims

Serum inflammatory parameters are widely used to aid in diagnosing a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Due to their limited performances in the literature, novel and more accurate biomarkers are needed. Serum albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) and serum CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR) have previously been proposed as potential new parameters, but results were mixed. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of AGR and CAR in diagnosing PJI and to compare them to the established and widely used marker CRP.

Methods

From 2015 to 2022, a consecutive series of 275 cases of revision total hip (n = 129) and knee arthroplasty (n = 146) were included in this retrospective cohort study. Based on the 2021 European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) definition, 144 arthroplasties were classified as septic. Using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, the ideal thresholds and diagnostic performances were calculated. The areas under the curve (AUCs) were compared using the z-test.

Results

AGR, CAR, and CRP were associated with PJI (p < 0.001). Sensitivities were 62.5% (95% CI 54.3 to 70.0), 73.6% (95% CI 65.8 to 80.1), and 71.5% (95% CI 63.6 to 78.3), respectively. Specificities were calculated with 84.7% (95% CI 77.5 to 89.9), 86.3% (95% CI 79.2 to 91.2), and 87.8% (95% CI 80.9 to 92.4), respectively. The AUC of CRP (0.797 (95% CI 0.750 to 0.843)) was significantly higher than the AUC of AGR (0.736 (95% CI 0.686 to 0.786), p < 0.001), and similar to AUC of CAR (0.799 (95% CI 0.753 to 0.846), p = 0.832). Decreased sensitivities were observed in PJIs caused by low-virulence organisms (AGR: 60%, CAR: 78%) compared to high-virulence pathogens (AGR: 80%, p = 0.042; CAR: 88%, p = 0.158). Higher sensitivities were seen in acute haematogenous (AGR: 83%, CAR: 96%) compared to chronic PJIs (AGR: 54%, p = 0.001; CAR: 65%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Serum AGR and CAR showed limited diagnostic accuracy (especially in low-grade and chronic infections) and did not outperform the established marker CRP in our study. Hence, neither parameter can be recommended as an additional tool for diagnosing PJI.

Advancing the Understanding of Malnutrition in the Elderly Population: Current Insights and Future Directions

Malnutrition is a growing public health problem leading to increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Up to 50% of elderly patients are hospitalized due to this condition. In this review, we focused on analyzing the current diagnostic criteria for malnutrition among the elderly population and proposing promising solutions. Currently used diagnostic methods such as BMI or serum albumin levels are not sufficient to indicate malnutrition, which is affected by many factors, including the number of chronic diseases, multiple medications taken, or physical condition. Moreover, current recommendations are inadequate because they fail to account for various factors such as chronic illnesses, multiple medications, and bodily changes that are crucial in diagnostic evaluations. There is a noticeable gap between these recommendations and actual clinical practice. Nevertheless, developing more precise, non-invasive biomarkers and personalized nutrition strategies has to be explored. One of these strategies we discuss in our review is multidisciplinary approaches that combine nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial support. Addressing malnutrition among the elderly should rely on standardized protocols and personalized interventions to enhance their nutritional health and overall well-being.

The Optimal Cut-off Value of Upper Arm Circumference and Calf Circumference for Assessing Sarcopenia Among Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Objective

To explore the cut-off values and health evaluations of upper arm circumference (AC) and calf circumference (CC) on sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older people.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, AC, CC, handgrip strength, muscle mass and gait speed were measured in 1537 Chinese community-dwelling older people in Sub-study 1. Correlation analysis, receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis, and consistency analysis were used for determination of AC and CC cut-off values for sarcopenia diagnosis (sarcopenia-AC and CC). Thereafter, 269 participants accepted additional assessments on physical function, body composition and muscle strength in Sub-study 2. T-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was used to explore the differential effects of sarcopenia-AC and CC on health indicators between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic participants.

Results

In Sub-study 1, the Area Under ROC (AUC) of AC and CC for sarcopenia screening were greater than 0.700 (P<0.05). The cut-off values, sensitivity and specificity of AC and CC on sarcopenia in males were 25.9 cm (86.0%, 83.6%) and 33.7 cm (90.7%, 81.4%) whereas in females were 26.5 cm (70.8%, 69.7%) and 33.0 cm (86.5%, 69.4%), respectively. In Sub-study 2, the participants with sarcopenia-AC or sarcopenia-CC showed lower muscle strength and lower fat and muscle mass than the ones without (P<0.05). Additionally, males instead of females with sarcopenia-AC or sarcopenia-CC showed worse performance in time-up and go test and 6-Minute Walk Test (P<0.05). However, the 30-second chair stand test was not different between participants with and without sarcopenia-AC or sarcopenia-CC in both sexes.

Conclusion

We found accurate and Chinese population targeted cut-off values of AC and CC on sarcopenia diagnosis (25.9 cm and 33.7 cm in males; 26.5 cm and 33.0 cm in females) and a good evaluation effect of AC and CC on fat and muscle mass, muscle strength and physical functions in males, not females.

Malnutrition-Related Liver Steatosis, CONUT Score and Poor Clinical Outcomes in an Internal Medicine Department

Fatty liver disease has been identified as a marker of malnutrition in different clinical settings. Recently, the COntrolling NUTritional status score (CONUT score) emerged as a promising tool for malnutrition assessment. Our aim was to evaluate short-term outcomes among patients with malnutrition-related liver steatosis in an Internal Medicine department. Furthermore, we evaluated the association of the CONUT score with malnutrition-related liver steatosis. Data from 247 patients hospitalized in an Internal Medicine department were retrospectively collected. The study population was stratified into three groups based on hepatic radiodensity assessed with computed tomography: mild steatosis (≥56.1 HU), moderate steatosis (between 49.7 and 56 HU), and severe steatosis (≤49.6 HU). We then calculated the CONUT score. Severe steatosis patients had higher in-hospital mortality (18.2 vs. 15.5%) and longer in-hospital stays compared with the mild steatosis group (length of in-hospital stay longer than 12 days: 45% vs. 40%). Logistic regression analysis showed that severe steatosis was not significantly associated with in-hospital all-cause death, while a high CONUT score was an independent risk factor for sepsis. We found an independent relationship between malnutrition-associated liver steatosis and the CONUT score. These results identified the CONUT score as a tool for nutritional assessment of hospitalized patients.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drug‒drug interactions in hospitalized older adults treated with direct oral anticoagulants

PURPOSE

Polypharmacy is a frequent situation in older adults that increases the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs), both pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are frequently prescribed in older adults, mainly because of the high prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF). DOACs are subject to cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)- and/or P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated PK DDIs and PD DDIs when co-administered with drugs that interfere with platelet function. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of DDIs involving DOACs in older adults and the associated risk factors at admission and discharge.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in an acute geriatric unit between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2022, including patients over 75 years of age treated with DOACs at admission and/or discharge, for whom a comprehensive collection of co-medications was performed.

RESULTS

From 909 hospitalizations collected, the prevalence of PK DDIs involving DOACs was 16.9% at admission and 20.7% at discharge, and the prevalence of PD DDIs was 20.7% at admission and 20.2% at discharge. Factors associated with DDIs were bleeding history [adjusted odds ratio (ORa) 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-2.68], number of drugs > 6 (ORa 2.54, 95% CI 1.88-3.46) and reduced dose of DOACs (ORa 0.39, 95% CI 0.28-0.54) at admission and age > 87 years (ORa 0.74, 95% CI 0.55-0.99), number of drugs > 6 (ORa 2.01, 95% CI 1.48-2.72) and reduced dose of DOACs (ORa 0.41, 95% CI 0.30-0.57) at discharge.

CONCLUSION

This study provides an indication of the prevalence of DDIs as well as the profile of DDIs and patients treated with DOACs.

Association between glycaemic control and malnutrition in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

Malnutrition is a major problem among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Some studies suggest that well glycaemic control increases the risk of frailty due to reduced intake. Therefore, it could be hypothesised that adequate glycaemic controlled patients may be at risk of malnutrition. This study aimed to examine, in older adults with T2DM, the association between adequate glycaemic control and malnutrition as well as identify the risk factors for malnutrition. Data including general characteristics, health status, depression, functional abilities, cognition and nutrition status were analysed. Poor nutritional status is defined as participants assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment as being at risk of malnutrition or malnourished. Adequate glycaemic control refers to an HbA1c level that meets the target base in the American Diabetes Association 2022 guidelines with individualised criteria. There were 287 participants with a median (interquartile range) age of 64 (61-70) years, a prevalence of poor nutrition, 15 %, and adequate glycaemic control, 83·6 %. This study found no association between adequate glycaemic control and poor nutrition (P = 0·67). The factors associated with poor nutritional status were low monthly income (adjusted OR (AOR) 4·66, 95 % CI 1·28, 16·98 for income < £118 and AOR 7·80, 95 % CI 1·74, 34·89 for income £118-355), unemployment (AOR 4·23, 95 % CI 1·51, 11·85) and cognitive impairment (AOR 5·28, 95 % CI 1·56, 17·93). These findings support the notion that older adults with T2DM should be encouraged to maintain adequate glycaemic control without concern for malnutrition, especially those who have low income, unemployment or decreased cognitive functions.

Comparative Bleeding Risk of Brand Vs Generic Rivaroxaban in Elderly Inpatients with Atrial Fibrillation

Objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common abnormal heart rhythm in elderly patients. Rivaroxaban has been widely used for stroke prevention. The anticoagulant response to rivaroxaban increases with age, which may make elderly patients susceptible to adverse outcomes resulting from small differences in bioavailability between generic and brand products.

Methods

We designed a cohort study of ≥65-year-old inpatients with AF. Sociodemographic and laboratory measures of qualified patients who received brand or generic rivaroxaban for at least 72 hours at the study hospital from January 2021 to June 2023 were collected retrospectively. The primary outcome was the incidence of bleeding.

Results

A total of 1008 qualifying patients were included for analysis, with 626 (62.1%) receiving brand rivaroxaban and 382 (37.9%) receiving generic rivaroxaban. After propensity score matching and weighting to account for confounders, the odds ratios comparing brand vs generic rivaroxaban (95% confidence intervals) for the bleeding was 1.15 (0.72-1.82). Results from subgroup analyses of patients with age ≥85, HAS-BLED score ≥ 3, containment of antiplatelet drugs, and female patients were consistent with the primary analysis.

Conclusion

It provides evidence regarding the clinical safety outcome of generic rivaroxaban in the elderly AF population that may be particularly susceptible to adverse outcomes resulting from small allowable differences in pharmacokinetics.

The efficacy of nutritional screening indexes in predicting the incidence of osteosarcopenia and major osteoporotic fracture in the elderly

INTRODUCTION

The effect of nutritional status on osteosarcopenia (OS) and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) among the elderly is still unclear. So we aimed to compare the efficacy of the Mini-Nutrition Assessment-Short Form (MNA-sf), the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) for predicting OS and MOF among the elderly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 409 participants were enrolled in this prospective study. Blood biochemical indexes, nutritional status, and bone- and muscle-related examinations were assessed at initial visit to the outpatient. Participants were divided into 4 groups: (1) control; (2) osteopenia/osteoporosis; (3) sarcopenia; (4) osteosarcopenia, and then followed for 5 years, recording the occurrence time of MOF.

RESULTS

The frequency values of osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and OS, at baseline, were respectively 13.4, 16.1, and 12% among the study samples. Correlation analysis showed that nutritional status scores were associated with body mass index, handgrip strength, albumin, bone mineral density, and physical functions. According to multivariate models, poor nutritional status was significantly associated with a higher risk of OS and MOF (P < 0.05). Survival analysis showed that the MOF rate in malnutrition group was significantly higher than normal nutrition group (P < 0.05). The receiver operator characteristic curve shows that the value of MNA-sf to diagnose OS and MOF is greater (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The poor nutritional status was associated with a higher risk of both OS and MOF. MNA-sf showed a superior diagnostic power for OS and MOF among the elderly. Early nutrition assessments and interventions may be key strategies to prevent OS and fractures.

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

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

Appropriate Anthropometric Indices for Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Predicting Mortality in Older Japanese Patients: A Comparison of the Lorentz Formula and Body Mass Index

The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a popular nutritional screening tool. However, the calculation of ideal body weight (IBW) differs among studies. We aimed to compare GNRI calculated using the Lorentz formula (LF) with a body mass index (BMI) and to investigate the cutoffs based on original or quartile criteria for the association with mortality in elderly patients in Japan. This retrospective study enrolled patients aged 65 and older in a long-term care hospital. The GNRI was calculated using two different IBW methods: the LF and a BMI of 22 kg/m2. We categorized GNRI results based on the original criteria or quartile criteria. Mortality outcomes were analyzed using the GNRI based on IBW (LF or BMI) and its classification (original criteria or quartile) through Cox proportional hazard regression. There were 262 participants, including 160 women, with a median age of 86. There was a notable difference between GNRI-BMI and GNRI-LF. The GNRI-LF original and quartile criteria did not show an association with mortality. A significant association with mortality was found between Q1 and Q4 in the GNRI-BMI quartile criteria (hazard ratio: 2.60; 95% confidence interval: 1.66-4.07, p < 0.01), but not the GNRI-BMI original criteria. The GNRI calculated using BMI with quartile criteria proved to be a reliable predictor of mortality for Japanese elderly inpatients. The calculation method of GNRI and the appropriate cutoff point should be considered based on the patient's background.

How to detect non-institutionalized older patients at risk of malnutrition during their hospitalization? Comparison of 8 screening tools for malnutrition or nutritional risk

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of malnutrition is high among the elderly population. Hospital admission is a window of opportunity for its detection.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the concordance of different nutritional scales in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

Prospective study in non-institutionalized patients over 65 years of age admitted to an internal medicine department. Five malnutrition screening surveys (MNA, MST, MUST, NRS-2000 and CONUT) and three nutritional risk screening surveys (SCREEN 3, 8 and 14) were compared. As gold standard we use the Global Malnutrition Leadership Initiative for Malnutrition (GLIM) definition of malnutrition.

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients (37% female, median age 83 years) were included. Forty-eight percent (95% CI 38-59%) of patients were classified as malnourished according to GLIM criteria. The SCREEN 3 scale was the most sensitive (93%; 95% CI 87-98) and MUST the most specific (91%; CI 85-99). The most effective scale for excluding suspected malnutrition was SCREEN 3 (LR- 0.17; 95% CI 0.05-0.53) and the best for confirming it was MST (LR+ 7.08; 95% CI 3.06-16.39). Concordance between the different scales was low or very low with kappa indices between 0.082 and 0.465.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive approach is needed to detect malnutrition in hospitalized patients. More sensitive scales are more useful in initial screening. Nutritional risk tools could be effective at this stage. In a second step, malnutrition should be confirmed according to established criteria such as GLIM.

Malnutrition prevalence according to GLIM and its feasibility in geriatric patients: a prospective cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

In 2019, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) suggested a 2-step diagnostic format for malnutrition including screening and diagnosis. Prospective validation and feasibility studies, using the complete set of the five GLIM criteria, are needed. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of malnutrition, and investigate how the prevalence varied with mode of screening. Furthermore, we assessed the feasibility of GLIM in geriatric patients.

METHODS

Consecutive patients from two acute geriatric wards were included. For screening risk of malnutrition, the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) or Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) were used. In accordance with GLIM, a combination of phenotypic and etiologic criteria were required for the diagnosis of malnutrition. Feasibility was determined based on % data completeness, and above 80% completeness was considered feasible.

RESULTS

One hundred patients (mean age 82 years, 58% women) were included. After screening with MNA-SF malnutrition was confirmed by GLIM in 51%, as compared with 35% after screening with MST (p = 0.039). Corresponding prevalence was 58% with no prior screening. Using hand grip strength as a supportive measure for reduced muscle mass, 69% of the patients were malnourished. Feasibility varied between 70 and 100% for the different GLIM criteria, with calf circumference as a proxy for reduced muscle mass having the lowest feasibility.

CONCLUSION

In acute geriatric patients, the prevalence of malnutrition according to GLIM varied depending on the screening tool used. In this setting, GLIM appears feasible, besides for the criterion of reduced muscle mass.

Factors Influencing Nutritional Status in Hospitalized Individuals Aged 70 and Above

BACKGROUND

Older adults are vulnerable to malnutrition due to physical, psychological, and social factors. Malnutrition, a prevalent and modifiable issue in this population, is associated with an elevated risk of adverse clinical outcomes. The purpose of the study is to assess the nutritional status of older adult individuals admitted to a general hospital and examine its correlation with socio-health and demographic variables.

METHODS

The study included 239 individuals aged 70 and above, employing a cross-sectional descriptive observational approach with a convenience sampling method. Sociodemographic information was gathered, and variables such as cognitive impairment, functional capacity, comorbidities, medication consumption, and nutritional status were evaluated. Statistical analysis involved descriptive calculations, bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis, utilizing binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Approximately half of the sample were at risk of malnutrition, with a more notable prevalence among women. Factors such as age (OR = 1.04), cognitive impairment (OR = 1.06), functional dependence (OR = 0.96), and comorbidities (OR = 1.08) were linked to an elevated risk of malnutrition. In our regression model, age, cognitive impairment, and drug consumption emerged as significant predictors of malnutrition risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals aged 70 and above have a notably high prevalence of malnutrition risk, particularly among those experiencing functional dependence and cognitive impairment. In our sample, cognitive impairment in older adults, coupled with above-median drug consumption, emerges as the primary predictor for malnutrition risk.

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

Background

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

Method

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

Result

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

Conclusion

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

Systematic review registration

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

Prognostic significance of preoperative nutritional status for postoperative acute kidney injury in older patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The association between malnutrition and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) has not been well studied. In this study, the authors examined the association between preoperative nutritional status and postoperative AKI in older patients who underwent major abdominal surgery, as well as the predictive value of malnutrition for AKI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors retrospectively included patients aged 65 or older who underwent major elective abdominal surgery. The nutritional status of the patient was evaluated using three objective nutritional indices, such as the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and the controlling nutritional status (CONUT). AKI was determined using the KDIGO criteria. The authors performed logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between preoperative nutritional status and postoperative AKI, as well as the predictive value of nutritional scores for postoperative AKI.

RESULTS

A total of 2775 patients were included in the study, of which 707 (25.5%), 291 (10.5%), and 517 (18.6%) had moderate to severe malnutrition according to GNRI, PNI, and CONUT calculations. After surgery, 144 (5.2%) patients developed AKI, 86.1% at stage 1, 11.1% at stage 2, and 2.8% at stage 3 as determined by KDIGO criteria. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, worse nutritional scores were associated with a higher AKI risk. In addition to traditional risk factors, these nutritional indices improved the predictive ability of AKI prediction models, as demonstrated by significant improvements in integrated discrimination and net reclassification.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor preoperative nutritional status, as assessed by GNRI, PNI, and CONUT scores, was associated with an increased risk of postoperative AKI. Incorporating these scores into AKI prediction models improved their performance. These findings emphasize the need for screening surgical patients for malnutrition risk. Further research is needed to determine whether preoperative malnutrition assessment and intervention can reduce postoperative AKI incidence.

Impact of malnutrition on the quality of life in older patients with advanced heart failure: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, the clinical characteristics associated with malnutrition and the impact of nutritional status on mortality, quality of life, self-care abilities, and activities of daily living in the older patients with advanced heart failure.

METHODS

A prospective multicentre cohort study including 260 community-dwelling elderly patients with advanced HF was conducted between June 2017 and December 2019. The study was carried out in 22 primary healthcare centres, three university hospitals, one acute-care hospital, and one geriatric rehabilitation unit in the city of Barcelona (Spain). Nutritional status was assessed at baseline using the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire. Patient-reported outcome measures included quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), self-care behaviour (European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale) and impact on activities of daily living (Barthel Index).

RESULTS

Using the MNA-SF, 126 (48.5%) patients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition and 33 (12.7%) patients as having confirmed malnutrition. Compared to HF patients with normal nutritional status, patients with confirmed malnutrition were significantly older, with a lower BMI, and with reduced haemoglobin levels. During follow-up (median 14.9 months, Interquartile Range; 4.9-26.9), 133 (51.2%) of the included participants died, and mortality was significantly higher among patients identified as having malnutrition (p < 0.001). Better Barthel index and quality of life scores were inversely related to the risk of malnutrition, [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.97 (95% Confidence interval 0.96; 0.98) and OR 0.98 (95% Confidence interval, 0.96; 0.99)], respectively. Higher scores in the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale, which implies worse self care, were related to higher malnutrition risk, OR 1.05 (95% Confidence interval, 1.02; 1.09. Adjusted multivariate logistic model found that malnutrition was significantly associated with poor quality of life, and adverse impacts on daily activities and self-care.

CONCLUSIONS

In community-dwelling older patients with advanced HF, malnutrition was associated with worse patient reported outcome measures related to poor quality of life, and adverse impacts on self-care and daily activities. Nutritional status must be systematically addressed by primary care nurses and family doctors to improve survival rates in these patients. It would be helpful the incorporation of expert professionals in nutrition in the primary health care centres.

Predictive value of the geriatric nutrition risk index for postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery

AIMS

The aims of the study were to determine the relationship between preoperative geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and the occurrence of postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients after cardiac surgery and to evaluate the additive value of GNRI for predicting POD.

METHODS

The data were extracted from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database. Patients who underwent cardiac surgery and were aged 65 or older were included. The relationship between preoperative GNRI and POD was investigated using logistic regression. We determined the added predictive value of preoperative GNRI for POD by measuring the changes in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calculating the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

RESULTS

A total of 4286 patients were included in the study, and 659 (16.1%) developed POD. Patients with POD had significantly lower GNRI scores than patients without POD (median 111.1 vs. 113.4, p < 0.001). Malnourished patients (GNRI ≤ 98) had a significantly higher risk of POD (odds ratio, 1.83, 90% CI, 1.42-2.34, p < 0.001) than those without malnutrition (GNRI > 98). This correlation remains after adjusting for confounding variables. The addition of GNRI to the multivariable models slightly but not significantly increases the AUCs (all p > 0.05). Incorporating GNRI increases NRIs in some models and IDIs in all models (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed a negative association between preoperative GNRI and POD in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The addition of GNRI to POD prediction models may improve their predictive accuracy. However, these findings were based on a single-center cohort and will need to be validated in future studies involving multiple centers.

Retrospective study for correlation analysis of nutritional status with osteoporosis, sarcopenia and cognitive impairment in elderly patients with coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is an abbreviation of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, which remains challenging for diagnosis and treatment. Current study aims to explore the correlation between geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and osteoporosis, sarcopenia, cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with CHD, and to analyze the clinical diagnostic value of GNRI in the above complications. A total of 92 elderly patients with CHD treated in Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital from January 2020 to October 2023 were retrospectively collected as the experimental group, and 68 non-CHD subjects matched for sex and age in the same period of physical examination were randomly selected as the control group. Osteoporosis, sarcopenia and cognitive dysfunction were analyzed in all patients, and the correlation between GNRI and these indices in different populations was analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation. The diagnostic efficacy of GNRI in osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and cognitive impairment was analyzed by ROC curves. There was no significant difference in age, sex distribution, body mass index (BMI) and serum biological indexes between the elderly patients with CHD and the control group (all P > 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that GNRI level was positively correlated with bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD) T value and osteocalcin (OCN) (All r > 0, P < 0.05). In addition, GNRI levels were positively correlated with skeletal muscle mass (ASMI), grip strength and calf circumference (CC) (All r > 0, P < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between GNRI levels and cognitive dysfunction-related indicators (P > 0.05). In the elderly and elderly with CHD, the diagnostic AUC of GNRI was 0.875 and 0.862 in osteoporosis, and 0.912 and 0.932 in sarcopenia, respectively. The level of GNRI is significantly correlated with osteoporosis and sarcopenia. GNRI level, as an auxiliary diagnostic tool in elderly patients with CHD, exerts important clinical significance for early detection of the risk of complications, such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia.

Nutritional status of elderly patients previously ill with COVID-19: Assessment with nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and mini nutritional assessment (MNA-sf)

BACKGROUND

Long-term effects of COVID-19 showed a wide range of symptoms. Also, it was found that older patients were five times more likely than younger patients to develop long-COVID symptoms (1). This study aimed to investigate the use of Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and the Mini Nutrition Assessment-Short Form (MNA-sf) among COVID-19 in elderly patients in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A total of (n = 159) COVID-19 elderly patients were recruited in the study; the relationship between patients' characteristics, including age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), infection history, vaccination and chronic disease were evaluated using NRS-2002 and MNA-sf. Multivariate logistic regression to estimate the Odd Ratio (OR) by comparing the OR of different variables between normal nutritional Status and at-risk and Cohen's kappa (κ) coefficient was assessed to analyse the agreement between both tools.

RESULTS

MNA-sf showed a positive association between age and malnutrition risk ≥ 66 years old P = 0.035. Both tools showed a negative association between BMI (P < 0.001 and P = 0.046), respectively and vaccination (P = 0.002 and P = 0.01), respectively, with risk for malnutrition. There was no significant association between Diabetes (DM) and malnutrition risk, but elderly Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) were at malnutrition risk using the NRS- 2002 tool P = 0.003. Inversely, people infected six months or more before malnutrition assessment have a lower risk of malnutrition P = 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

Both tools were valuable and practical tools for screening elderly people with COVID-19 who are at nutritional risk and those in need of additional nutritional intervention. Further research needed to be applied in the relationship between nutritional status during and post-infectious disease for elderly people using cross-sectional and intervention studies in order to prevent malnutrition complications in Saudi Arabia.

Exploring the relationship between malnutrition and the systemic immune-inflammation index in older inpatients: a study based on comprehensive geriatric assessment

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is a prevalent and major challenge among senior citizens, possibly due to the continual low-grade inflammatory state of the body. A novel inflammatory parameter, the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), is highly valuable in evaluating and predicting the prognosis of a wide range of diseases. This study aims to explore the significance of the SII in assessing malnutrition in older inpatients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 500 senior hospitalized patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment database of the First Hospital of Jilin University. The Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire was used to evaluate the nutritional status of patients. The SII was calculated using complete blood counts, and we performed natural logarithm transformation of the SII [ln(SII)]. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between ln(SII) and malnutrition. To ensure the stability of the findings, a sensitivity analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The 500 patients had a mean age of 77.29 ± 9.85 years, and 68.6% were male. In accordance with the MNA, 30.4% of the patients were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, and patients in this group had considerably greater levels of ln(SII) than patients with adequate nutrition (P < 0.001). The optimum ln(SII) cutoff value for patients with malnutrition or at risk of malnutrition was 6.46 (SII = 635.87) with 46.7% sensitivity and 80.2% specificity [95% CI: 0.613-0.721, AUC: 0.667, P < 0.001]. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that ln(SII) was an independent risk factor for the risk of malnutrition or malnutrition in older individuals (OR 3.984, 95% CI: 2.426-6.543, P < 0.001). Other metrics from the geriatric comprehensive assessment, including body mass index, calf circumference, fat ratio, activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and geriatric depression scale scores, were also independently correlated with nutritional status.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our research, a high SII is an independent predictor of older inpatient malnutrition, and the SII aids in screening for malnutrition and may be a potential target for intervention. Comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters such as BMI, calf circumference, fat ratio, activities of daily living and depression were also linked to malnutrition.