C-reactive protein/albumin ratio as a novel predictor for nutritional status of geriatric patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) is a novel parameter that has been reported as a significant prognostic marker in some diseases. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the predictive value of this ratio with regard to nutritional status in geriatric patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 154 geriatric patients (age ≥65 years) who consecutively presented to the internal medicine outpatient clinic were included in this cross-sectional study. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used as a reference to determine the nutritional status of the patients. Based on the MNA results, the patients were divided into two groups: normal nutrition and malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The median CAR of malnourished patients or those at risk of malnutrition was significantly higher than that of patients with normal nutritional status (p = .012). A significant negative correlation was also observed between the MNA score and the CAR (r = -0.196, p = .015). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the CAR was a significant predictor of malnourishment or the risk of malnutrition (p = .012). CONCLUSION: The CAR could predict which geriatric patients were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. CAR may be used as a new tool in the nutritional screening of geriatric patients.

Weak association between urea-creatinine ratio and c-reactive protein with nutritional risk in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a systemic infection with a significant impact on nutrition risk and the hematopoietic system. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may have prognostic value in determining severe cases of COVID-19 and the urea-creatinine ratio (UCR) is currently being studied as a potential biomarker of catabolism associated with critical illness. The aim was to assess the association between the NLR, UCR and C-reactive protein (CRP) with nutritional risk in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study that assessed 589 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 18 years of age or older, of both sexes. Nutritional risk was assessed by Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS, 2002) and NLR by neutrophils divided by lymphocyte count. The UCR was calculated by the ratio between urea and creatinine and quantified by the calorimetric biochemical method and CRP by the immunoturbidimetric method. Differences between groups were applied by the Mann-Whitney U test and the automated binary regression test. RESULTS: Of the 589 patients, 87.4% were at nutritional risk. When evaluating patients admitted to the ICU, 91.9% were at nutritional risk. Patients with NRS ≥3 are older, with lower body mass and BMI, higher NLR and UCR and lower CRP values. However, 73% of patients admitted to the ward were at nutritional risk, and only age differed between groups, being higher in patients with NRS ≥3. Logistic regression showed a weak association between nutritional risk in NRS and UCR (Model 1) (OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94-0.99, p = 0.003) and NRS with CRP (Model 1) (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.02, p < 0.001) in patients in the ICU. On the other hand, the logistic regression in ward patients found association only for CRP in both models (Model 1, OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01, p = 0.041) and (Model 2, OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01, p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: We found a weak association between nutritional risk and UCR and CRP levels in patients admitted to the ICU, while in the ward patients the nutritional risk also had weak association with CRP.

C-Reactive Protein-to-Prealbumin and C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratios as Nutritional and Prognostic Markers in Hospitalized Patients-An Observational Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the role of the C-reactive protein-to-prealbumin (CP) ratio and the C-reactive protein-to-albumin (CA) ratio as nutritional and prognostic markers. A retrospective study was conducted on hospitalized patients who underwent a nutritional assessment and the measurement of C-reactive protein, prealbumin, and albumin (n = 274). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used. The area under the curve (AUC) of the CP ratio for predicting mortality was 0.644, 95%CI (0.571 to 0.717), and the CA ratio had an AUC of 0.593, 95%CI (0.518 to 0.669). The AUC of the CP ratio for the differential diagnosis between severe and moderate disease-related malnutrition (DRM) was 0.643, 95%CI (0.564 to 0.722), and the CA ratio had an AUC of 0.650, 95%CI (0.572 to 0.728). The CP and CA ratios showed greater accuracy in predicting mortality compared to C-reactive protein as an isolated marker (p = 0.011 and p = 0.006, respectively). Both ratios also improved the ability of prealbumin and albumin to identify severe DRM (p = 0.002 and p = 0.044, respectively). In conclusion, these results suggest that the CP and CA ratios may have a limited role in predicting mortality and identifying severe DRM by outperforming isolated protein markers.

Usefulness of serum transthyretin for prediction of the 1-year outcome in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: An evaluation of sarcopenic and nutritional indicators.

BACKGROUND: Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) often experience sarcopenia and malnutrition. However, this has not been fully examined through longitudinal surveys. This study investigated whether sarcopenia and malnutrition were associated with 1-year outcomes in IPF. METHODS: We evaluated sarcopenia and nutritional status in 64 outpatients with IPF. We assessed the time-to-event for respiratory-related hospitalizations or deaths 12 months after enrollment. Sarcopenia was diagnosed by the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, 2019. Nutritional status was assessed by serum transthyretin and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). RESULTS: The average age was 73.6 ± 7.9 years, and the percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) was 81.9 ± 15.7%. Of the 64 patients, 24 (37.5%) had sarcopenia. The median serum transthyretin level and mean GNRI were 23.8 mg/dL and 102, respectively. Eleven patients (17.2%) experienced respiratory-related hospitalization or death within the first year. Cox regression analysis showed that the % predicted diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, lowest oxygen saturation in the 6-min walk test, serum transthyretin level, and GNRI were significant predictors of 1-year outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier method, which divided the patients into two groups based on a transthyretin level of 22.6 mg/dL, showed a significant difference (P < 0.001, log-rank test). Sarcopenia and the percent predicted FVC did not predict the 1-year outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study represents the first longitudinal survey assessing patients with IPF for sarcopenia and malnutrition. Serum transthyretin levels may predict respiratory-related hospitalization or death within 1 year in patients with IPF.

Association of maternal and cord vitamin B12 levels with anthropometry in term neonates born to malnourished mothers in coastal South India.

Background: Malnourished pregnant women are at increased risk of micronutrient deficiency. We assessed the vitamin B12 status in both malnourished and normally nourished pregnant women and their neonates. Additionally, we studied the association between maternal B12 levels, cord B12 levels and neonatal anthropometry. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 63 malnourished and 63 normally nourished mothers and neonates. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected at the time of delivery for estimation of vitamin B12 levels. Maternal and cord vitamin B12 levels were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Neonatal anthropometry was correlated with maternal and cord B12 levels using Spearman's correlation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Mean maternal age was 26.58 yrs. The median cord B12 levels were lower than the maternal B12 levels. Maternal B12 levels showed a strong positive correlation with cord B12 levels (rho = 0.879; p < 0.001). Maternal (p < 0.001) and cord (p < 0.001) vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in the malnourished group than in the normally nourished group. In malnourished group, 66.8% mothers and 95.2% neonates were Vitamin B12 deficient, whereas 1.5% mothers and 4.7% neonates were vitamin B12 deficient in normally nourished group. In the malnourished group, maternal B12 levels were positively correlated with birth weight (rho 0.363, p = 0.003) and length (rho 0.330, p =0.008), whereas cord B12 levels were positively correlated with birth weight in the normally nourished group. (rho 0.277 p= 0.028). Conclusion: High rates of vitamin B12 deficiency were observed in malnourished mothers and neonates. There was a positive correlation between birth weight, length, and maternal vitamin B12 levels in malnourished mothers. These findings emphasize the need to address maternal malnutrition and vitamin B12 deficiency to improve neonatal health.

Adipokines and Myokines as Markers of Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Patients Receiving Kidney Replacement Therapy: An Observational, Cross-Sectional Study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to an elevated risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia, contributing to the intricate network of CKD-related metabolic disorders. Adipokines and myokines are markers and effectors of sarcopenia and nutritional status. The aim of this study was to assess whether the adipokine-myokine signature in patients on kidney replacement therapy could help identify malnutrition and sarcopenia. The study involved three groups: 84 hemodialysis (HD) patients, 44 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and 52 kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Mean age was 56.1 ± 16.3 years. Malnutrition was defined using the 7-Point Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and the Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS). Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on reduced handgrip strength (HGS) and diminished muscle mass. Concentrations of adipokines and myokines were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 32.8% of all study participants were identified as malnourished and 20.6% had sarcopenia. For malnutrition, assessed using the 7-Point SGA, in ROC analysis albumin (area under the curve (AUC) 0.67 was the best single biomarker identified. In dialysis patients, myostatin (AUC 0.79) and IL-6 (AUC 0.67) had a high discrimination value for sarcopenia, and we were able to develop a prediction model for sarcopenia, including age, albumin, adiponectin, and myostatin levels, with an AUC of 0.806 (95% CI: 0.721-0.891). Adipokines and myokines appear to be useful laboratory markers for assessing malnutrition and sarcopenia. The formula we propose could contribute to a better understanding of sarcopenia and potentially lead to more effective interventions and management strategies for dialysis patients.

Effects of Oral Nutritional Supplement with ß-Hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) on Biochemical and Hematological Indices in Community-Dwelling Older Adults at Risk of Malnutrition: Findings from the SHIELD Study.

Malnutrition may result in abnormal biochemical and hematological indices. This planned prespecified analysis investigated the effects of a specialized oral nutritional supplement (ONS) on biochemical and hematological indices in community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition. In the Strengthening Health in ELDerly through nutrition (SHIELD) study, 811 older adults aged 65 years and above took part in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study. Participants were randomly allocated to either a complete and balanced specialized ONS (each serving provides 262 kcal, 10.5 g protein, 7.75 µg vitamin D3, and 0.74 g calcium ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate) and dietary counselling (intervention group) or a placebo and dietary counselling (placebo group). Both groups consumed study products twice a day for 180 days. Data were collected at baseline, day 90, and day 180. Blood analysis results at follow-up visits were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of covariance with adjustments for confounders. Overall, when compared with the placebo group, the intervention group showed significantly greater urea (6.0 mmol/L vs. 5.4 mmol/L, p < 0.001), urea to creatinine ratio (4.39 vs. 4.26, p < 0.001), prealbumin (24.9 mg/dL vs. 24.0 mg/dL, p < 0.001), vitamin B12 (480.0 pmol/L vs. 420.1 pmol/L, p < 0.001), and globulin levels (26.8 g/L vs. 26.5 g/L, p = 0.032). The intervention group also had a significantly higher absolute reticulocyte count (62.0 × 103/µL vs. 58.2 × 103/µL, overall p < 0.001) and mean platelet volume (10.0 fL vs. 9.9 fL, overall p = 0.003). Furthermore, significant improvements were seen in total protein at day 90 (71.7 g/L vs. 71.1 g/L, p = 0.017) and in absolute monocyte count at day 90 (0.50 × 103/µL vs. 0.47 × 103/µL, p = 0.009) in the intervention group. In conclusion, daily consumption of a specialized ONS for six months led to significant improvements in biochemical and hematological indices in community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition.

Metabolomics study of Shenling Baizhu Powder in the treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in the elderly (MODSE) with malnutrition.

Malnutrition is an important risk factor for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in the elderly (MODSE) and seriously affects the occurrence, progression and prognosis of MODSE. Shenling Baizhu Power (SBP), a classic formula from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), when integrated with enteral nutrition, has been proven to be an effective clinical strategy for treating the patients of MODSE with malnutrition. This study aimed to investigate the metabolic changes during disease occurrence and SBP treatment, and to discover potential metabolic biomarkers for the diagnosis and efficacy evaluation. An untargeted metabolomics strategy based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS was performed to reveal the differential serum metabolites between MODSE patients with malnutrition (n=59) and healthy controls (n=33), and those between patients treated with enteral nutrition (n=31) and SBP combined with enteral nutrition (n=28). Significantly different metabolites were identified and mapped onto the network of metabolic pathways to explore the metabolic disorders caused by the disease and the metabolic regulatory mechanism of SBP. Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) of the potential biomarkers was investigated for predicting the disease and the efficacy of SBP. Sixty differential metabolites were identified between the disease and control groups, which were mainly related to amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. In the same way, 50 differential metabolites associated with SBP treatment were identified, which improved metabolic abnormalities in vivo mainly by regulating the above-mentioned metabolic pathways. Finally, 13 differential metabolites in common were selected as the potential biomarkers and the AUC value of each biomarker was within the range of 0.8-1.0, indicating that these biomarkers had high prediction accuracy for the diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of MODSE with malnutrition. This study demonstrates that serum metabolomics approaches based on the UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS platform can be applied as a tool to reveal the metabolic changes induced by MODSE with malnutrition and SBP can play an important role in the clinical application.

Frailty Is Associated with Malnutrition-Inflammation Syndrome in Older CKD Patients.

Patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) are generally considered to be frailer than those with preserved renal function. We cross-sectionally evaluated the associations between frailty, malnutrition-inflammation syndrome and circulating inflammatory cytokines in 115 older individuals with advanced CKD. As for frailty definition, we adopted Fried's frailty phenotype (FP), while malnutrition-inflammation syndrome was assessed using the Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS) and circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-6; TNFα; MCP-1). A total of 48 patients were frail, and mean eGFR was comparable in both frail and non-frail patients (24 ± 10 vs. 25 ± 11 mL/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.63). Frail patients had higher MIS (6 [4-11] vs. 4 [3-5]; p < 0.0001) but cytokine concentrations were comparable in both groups. At multivariate regression, FP was independently associated with MIS, age, gender and pre-albumin but not with cytokines. However, we found some associations between inflammatory cytokines and some specific frailty criteria: weight loss and slowness were associated with MCP-1 (respectively p = 0.049 and p < 0.0001) and weakness with IL-6 (p = 0.005); in conclusion, in older patients with advanced CKD, frailty is strictly associated with malnutrition-inflammation syndrome but not with circulating inflammatory cytokines.

Micronutrient deficiencies in inflammatory bowel disease: an incidence analysis.

BACKGROUND: Micronutrient deficiencies associated with malnutrition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to complications including anemia, coagulopathy, poor wound healing, and colorectal cancer. This study aimed to investigate micronutrient deficiencies (copper, vitamins A, B 9 , E, and K) in IBD patients and highlight associated symptoms to aid in the recognition of micronutrient deficiencies. METHODS: A retrospective electronic chart review was performed on adults diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis hospitalized at a tertiary care center for IBD flare between January 2013 and June 2017. Patients with serum or whole blood micronutrient levels were included. Pregnant and incarcerated patients were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 611 IBD patients (440 Crohn's disease, 171 ulcerative colitis) met the inclusion criteria. Micronutrients were assessed in a subset of IBD patients (copper: 12.3%, A: 10.1%, B 9  : 95.9%, E: 10.3%, and K: 4.6%). Overall, 10.1% of patients had micronutrient deficiencies. The proportion of patients with copper, A, B 9 , E, and K deficiencies were 25.4, 53.3, 1.9, 23.7, and 29.4% for Crohn's disease and 50, 52.9, 1.2, 43.8, and 18.2% for ulcerative colitis, respectively. The most common symptoms or historical features associated with micronutrient deficiency were anemia (copper, B 9 ), muscle weakness (copper, E) thrombocytopenia, fatigue (copper, B 9 ), diarrhea (B 9 ), dry skin, hyperkeratosis, pruritus, significant weight loss, elevated C-reactive protein (A), bleeding, and osteoporosis (K). CONCLUSION: Micronutrient deficiencies are common in IBD patients, yet they are not routinely assessed. Copper, vitamins A, E, and K deficiencies are particularly underrecognized. Associated historical features should raise suspicion and prompt assessment and treatment.

Correlation between serum sex hormone-binding globulin levels and nutrition indicators and malnutrition exposure risk in men and postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to investigate the correlation between serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels and nutrition indicators and the malnutrition exposure risk in men and postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted, involving patients diagnosed with T2DM at the Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital between May 2018 and December 2019. RESULTS: The study comprised 551 participants (363 men, mean age of 55.55 ± 11.57 years), among whom 167 (30.31%) were classified as with malnutrition exposure risk (GNRI ≤ 98). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that SHBG (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05, P < 0.001), glycated hemoglobin (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.22-1.51, P < 0.001), hemoglobin (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.97, P < 0.001), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.23-0.73, P < 0.003) were independently associated with the malnutrition exposure risk. SHBG was inversely correlated with body mass index (males: r = -0.34; postmenopausal females: r = -0.22), albumin (males: r = -0.30; postmenopausal females: r = -0.20), transferrin (males: r = -0.28; postmenopausal females: r = -0.19), and prealbumin (males: r = -0.35; postmenopausal females: r = -0.30) (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum SHBG levels are correlated with nutritional indicators and the risk of malnutrition in men and postmenopausal women with T2DM. A multicenter prospective study is imperative to verify this result in the future.

Lack of association between serum apelin levels and sarcopenia in elderly malnourished subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by muscle mass loss. Skeletal muscle is capable of producing and secreting different molecules called myokines, and apelin is one of them. The literature contains contradictory data on the relationship between apelin and sarcopenia. We decided to investigate the role of apelin in sarcopenia in subjects with disease-related malnutrition (DRM), a group of patients with a high rate of sarcopenia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 83 elderly patients with DRM assessed according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were included in the study, with a mean age of 69.9±3.8 years. Anthropometric data, muscle mass by ultrasound at the rectus femoris quadriceps (RFQ) level, bioimpedance [skeletal muscle mass (SMM), appendicular SMM (aSMM) and aSMM index (aSMMI)], dynamometry, biochemical parameters, dietary intake, circulating apelin levels were determined in all patients. RESULTS: a total of 33 patients (37.9%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia, while 54 patients did not present sarcopenia (60.1%). Body weight (-5.5±2.0 kg, p=0.01), calf circumference (-1.9±0.2 cm, p=0.02), phase angle (-0.6±0.2º, p=0.01), reactance (-6.8±2.3 Ohms, p=0.03), resistance (-38.8±12.3 Ohms, p=0.04), SMM (-2.2±0.3 kg, p=0.04), aSMM (-2.2±0.2 kg, p=0.03) and aSMMI (-0.6±0.2 kg, p=0.02), dominant muscle area (-0.6±0.2 cm2, p=0.04), dominant Y axis (-0.4±0.1 cm, p=0.03), dominant X/Y axis (1.1±0.3 cm, p=0.04), strength (-5.1±1.3 kg, p=0.01), albumin (-0.9±0.1 g/dl, p=0.02) and prealbumin (-4.6±0.7 mg/dl, p=0.02) were worse in patients with sarcopenia than non-sarcopenic patients. Circulating apelin levels were similar in both groups. No significant correlation of apelin levels was detected, either with bioimpedance data or with muscle ultrasonography data. The multivariant analysis did not detect a significant association of apelin with the presence of sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a lack of association between apelin and sarcopenia in elderly malnourished patients.

Impact of Malnutrition on Serum Levels of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines among Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Subjects in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the impact of malnutrition on innate immune response in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf)-infected subjects is critical for malaria control. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the nutritional status and innate immune response of Pf-infected subjects in Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1183 patients with a history of fever or axillary temperature ≥37°C were screened microscopically for Pf at Ijede General Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Malnutrition was determined according to the U.S National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) as stunting, wasting, or underweight when the Z-score is <-2 in the participants aged <20 years. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-12 were determined by capture ELISA while hematological parameters were measured using an automated hematology system. RESULTS: A total of 384 volunteers were positive for Pf, of which 114 were <20 years with a median age of 10 years. Overall malaria prevalence was 20.89%. The malnutrition rate was 89.5%; 24 (21.05%) were stunted, 30 (26.32%) were underweight, and 48 (42.11%) were wasted. Pro-inflammatory cytokine responses were not affected by the type of malaria. TNF-α was higher in participants <5 years (P = 0.001) and in malnourished patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Together, it could be deduced that nutritional status influences Plasmodium falciparum malaria outcomes and progression pattern.

Résumé Contexte:Comprendre l'impact de la malnutrition sur la réponse immunitaire innée chez les sujets infectés par Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) est essentiel pour la lutte contre le paludisme.Buts et objectifs:Cette étude vise à étudier l'état nutritionnel et la réponse immunitaire innée des sujets infectés par Pf à Lagos, au Nigeria.Matériels et méthodes:Un total de 1183 patients ayant des antécédents de fièvre ou une température axillaire ≥37°C ont fait l'objet d'un dépistage microscopique de Pf à l'hôpital général Ijede, Lagos, Nigeria. La malnutrition a été déterminée selon le National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) des États-Unis comme un retard de croissance, une émaciation ou une insuffisance pondérale lorsque le score Z est <-2 chez les participants âgés de moins de 20 ans. Les taux sériques de facteur de nécrose tumorale alpha (TNF-α), d'interleukine-1ß (IL-1ß) et d'IL-12 ont été déterminés par capture ELISA, tandis que les paramètres hématologiques ont été mesurés à l'aide d'un système d'hématologie automatisé.Résultats:Au total, 384 volontaires étaient positifs pour le Pf, dont 114 étaient âgés de moins de 20 ans avec un âge médian de 10 ans. La prévalence globale du paludisme était de 20,89 %. Le taux de malnutrition était de 89,5 %; 24 (21,05 %) souffraient d'un retard de croissance, 30 (26,32 %) d'une insuffisance pondérale et 48 (42,11 %) d'émaciation. Les réponses des cytokines pro-inflammatoires n'ont pas été affectées par le type de paludisme. Le TNF-α était plus élevé chez les participants de moins de 5 ans ( P = 0,001) et chez les patients souffrant de malnutrition ( P < 0,05).Conclusion:On peut en déduire que l'état nutritionnel peut influencer les résultats et le schéma de progression du paludisme.

Natriuretic peptides and C-reactive protein in in heart failure and malnutrition: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) and malnutrition exhibit overlapping risk factors, characterized by increased levels of natriuretic peptides and an inflammatory profile. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with HF and malnutrition versus normal nutrition. METHODS: From inception until July 2023, the databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched. To examine the association among malnutrition [controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score ≥2; Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) score <92] with BNP, NT-proBNP and CRP in patients with HF, a meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted (CRD42023445076). RESULTS: A significant association of GNRI with increased levels of BNP were demonstrated [mean difference (MD): 204.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) (101.02, 308.96, I2 = 88%, P < 0.01)], albeit no statistically significant findings were shown using CONUT [MD: 158.51, 95% CI (-1.78 to 318.79, I2 = 92%, P = 0.05)]. GNRI [MD: 1885.14, 95% CI (1428.76-2341.52, I2 = 0%, P < 0.01)] and CONUT [MD: 1160.05, 95% CI (701.04-1619.07, I2 = 0%, P < 0.01)] were associated with significantly higher levels of NT-proBNP. Patients with normal GNRI scores had significantly lower levels of CRP [MD: 0.50, 95% CI (0.12-0.88, I2 = 87%, P = 0.01)] whereas significantly higher levels of CRP were observed in those with higher CONUT [MD: 0.40, 95% CI (0.08-0.72, I2 = 88%, P = 0.01)]. Employing meta-regression, age was deemed a potential moderator between CRP and GNRI. CONCLUSIONS: Normal nutrition scores in patients with HF are linked to lower BNP, NT-proBNP, and CRP levels compared with malnourished counterparts. Despite the significant link between CRP and malnutrition, their relationship may be influenced in older groups considering the sensitivity of GNRI due to ageing factors.

Serum albumin redox state as an indicator of dietary protein intake among community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Serum markers capable of detecting mild levels of undernutrition, such as insufficient dietary protein intake (IDPI), have not been established among community-dwelling older adults. Although the serum albumin redox state, expressed as the ratio of reduced albumin (Alb) to total Alb (the reduced albumin ratio), has the potential to overcome this challenge, empirical epidemiological data are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the association between a serum reduced Alb ratio and dietary protein intake among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This study analyzed cross-sectional data from 1,005 community dwelling population (572 males and 433 females) aged 70-84 years who participated in the Itabashi Longitudinal Study on Aging. Exclusion criteria included participants with incomplete data, individuals with a history of kidney disease and high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The dietary protein intake was estimated using validated food frequency questionnaires. The IDPI was defined as not meeting the level recommended by the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (Men ≥60 g/day, Women ≥50 g/day). RESULTS: IDPI was observed in 14.1% of the study population. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, body weight and malnutrition showed that a serum reduced Alb ratio was significantly associated with IDPI (odds ratio = 0.962, 95% confidence interval = 0.926-0.999), whereas serum albumin concentration was not (odds ratio = 0.549, 95% confidence interval = 0.285-1.061). CONCLUSIONS: A serum reduced Alb ratio would be a useful indicator of protein insufficiency among community-dwelling older adults.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) levels are associated with malnutrition in acutely admitted older adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aging process is often accompanied by high risk of malnutrition and elevated levels of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). GDF15 is an increasingly recognized biomarker for regulation of metabolism, but few studies have investigated the connection between GDF15 and malnutrition in older age and how it relates to other features of aging such as decreased appetite and physical function. Therefore, we investigated the associations between GDF15 levels and nutritional status, appetite, and physical function in acutely admitted older adults. METHODS: Plasma GDF15 levels were measured using immunoassays in 302 older adults (≥65 years) admitted to the emergency department (ED). Nutritional status was evaluated with the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA®-SF), appetite was evaluated with the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), and physical function was evaluated with handgrip strength (HGS), 30-s chair stand test (30s-RSS), and gait speed (GS). Associations between GDF15 and each outcome was determined by logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Each doubling in plasma GDF15 level was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) of 1.59 (1.10-2.29, P = 0.01) for risk of malnutrition compared to normal nutrition and 1.19 (0.85-1.69, P = 0.3)) for malnutrition compared to risk of malnutrition. Each doubling in GDF15 was associated with an adjusted OR of 1.63 (1.21-2.23)) for having poor appetite, 1.46 (1.07-1.99) for having low HGS, 1.74 (1.23-2.51) for having low 30s-RSS, and 1.99 (1.39-2.94) for having low GS. CONCLUSION: Among older adults admitted to the ED, higher GDF15 levels were significantly associated with malnutrition, poor appetite, and low physical function independent of age, sex, and CRP.

Calcium deficiency is associated with malnutrition risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often have the condition of malnutrition, which can be presented as sarcopenia, micronutrient deficiencies, etc. Trace elements (magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, plumbum and manganese) belonging to micronutrients, are greatly vital for the assessment of nutritional status in humans. Trace element deficiencies are also the main manifestation of malnutrition. Calcium (Ca) has been proved to play an important part in maintaining body homeostasis and regulating cellular function. However, there are still a lack of studies on the association between malnutrition and Ca deficiency in IBD. This research aimed to investigate the role of Ca for malnutrition in IBD patients. METHODS: We prospectively collected blood samples from 149 patients and utilized inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to examine their venous serum trace element concentrations. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between Ca and malnutrition. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to calculate the cutoffs for determination of Ca deficiency. RESULTS: Except Ca, the concentrations of the other six trace elements presented no statistical significance between non-malnutrition and malnutrition group. In comparison with the non-malnutrition group, the serum concentration of Ca decreased in the malnutrition group (89.36 vs 87.03 mg/L, p = 0.023). With regard to ROC curve, Ca < 87.21 mg/L showed the best discriminative capability with an area of 0.624 (95% CI: 0.520, 0.727, p = 0.023). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that Ca < 87.21 mg/L (OR = 3.393, 95% CI: 1.524, 7.554, p = 0.003) and age (OR = 0.958, 95% CI: 0.926, 0.990, p = 0.011) were associated with malnutrition risk. Serum Ca levels were significantly lower in the malnutrition group than those in the non-malnutrition group among UC patients, those with severe disease state or the female group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with IBD, Ca deficiency is an independent factor for high malnutrition risk.

Malnutrition: muscle wasting, inflammation, RDW, and their relation with adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to explore red cell distribution width (RDW) as a surrogate marker of inflammation, alone and in conjunction with muscle wasting to predict malnutrition-related adverse outcomes. METHODS: This was a single-center observational study including adult hospitalized patients. Demographic variables, malnutrition criteria, and RDW were captured within 24 hours of hospital admission. Correlation tests and regression models were performed between these variables (RDW and muscle wasting) and adverse outcomes (in-hospital mortality and unplanned transfer to critical care areas (CCA). RESULTS: Five hundred and forty-five patients were included in the final analysis. Muscle wasting showed an independent association with adverse outcomes in every regression model tested. RDW alone showed fair predictive performance for both outcomes' significance and the adjusted model with muscle wasting showed association only for unplanned transfer to CCA. CONCLUSION: RDW did not improve the prediction of adverse outcomes compared to muscle wasting assessed by physical examination and simple indexes for acute and chronic inflammation. Malnourished patients presented higher RDW values showing a possible metabolic profile (higher inflammation and lower muscle). It is still unknown whether nutrition support can influence RDW value over time as a response marker or if RDW can predict who may benefit the most from nutritional support.

OBJETIVO: Explorar el ancho de distribución eritrocitaria (ADE) como un marcador subrogado de inflamación, individualmente y en conjunto con el desgaste muscular, para predecir resultados adversos asociados a la desnutrición. MÉTODO: Estudio unicéntrico, observacional, incluyendo pacientes adultos hospitalizados. Se capturaron variables demográficas, criterios de desnutrición y el ADE en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso. Se realizaron pruebas de correlación y modelos de regresión entre dichas variables (ADE y desgaste) y resultados adversos (mortalidad hospitalaria y traslado no planeado a áreas críticas). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 545 pacientes. El desgaste muscular mostró asociación independiente con los resultados adversos en cada modelo. El ADE individualmente mostró un desempeño aceptable para la predicción de ambos resultados, y en modelos ajustados con desgaste muscular mostró asociación únicamente con traslado no planeado a áreas críticas. CONCLUSIONES: El ADE no mejoró la predicción de resultados adversos comparado con el desgaste muscular por exploración física e índices simples de inflamación. Los pacientes con desnutrición presentaron mayores valores de ADE, mostrando un posible perfil metabólico (mayor inflamación y menos músculo). Aún se desconoce si el soporte nutricional puede influenciar el ADE como un marcador de respuesta o si puede predecir una respuesta favorable al soporte nutricional.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte count as an alternative to body mass index for screening malnutrition in older adults living in the community.

PURPOSE: Accurate height and weight measurement can be challenging in older adults and complicates nutritional status assessment. Other parameters like the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the lymphocyte count (LC) could be an option to these measurements. We aimed to test these variables as subrogates of body mass index (BMI) or calf-circumference (CC) for malnutrition screening in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis from the Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento (SABE) survey from Ecuador (2009). Includes data on demographics, health-related factors, physical assessments, and complete blood count, allowing to calculate NLR and LC to be used as part of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), instead of the BMI. Consequently, 4 models were included: standard MNA, MNA-CC, MNA-NLR and MNA-LC. Finally, age, sex, and comorbidities were considered as confounding variables. RESULTS: In our analysis of 1,663 subjects, 50.81% were women. Positive correlations with standard MNA were found for MNA-NLR (Estimate = 0.654, p < 0.001) MNA-CC (Estimate = 0.875, p value < 0.001) and MNA-LC (Estimate = 0.679, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots showed the smallest bias in MNA-CC. Linear association models revealed varying associations between MNA variants and different parameters, being MNA-NLR strongly associated with all of them (e.g. Estimate = 0.014, p = 0.001 for albumin), except BMI. CONCLUSION: The newly proposed model classified a greater number of subjects at risk of malnutrition and fewer with normal nutrition compared to the standard MNA. Additionally, it demonstrated a strong correlation and concordance with the standard MNA. This suggests that hematological parameters may offer an accurate alternative and important insights into malnutrition.