Anthropometric measures and physical examination could be used to assess phenotypic GLIM (Global leadership initiative on malnutrition) criteria in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The assessment of muscle mass using technology-based methods is less commonly performed when applying the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria due to the lack of skilled clinical nutrition practitioners and/or equipment. Based on the predictive validity of poor health outcomes and feasibility in clinical practice, this study aimed to analyze whether the measurement of calf circumference (CC), mid-upper arm circumference (MAC), and the physical examination could be used as substitutes for muscle mass assessment, as well as handgrip strength (HGS) used as a substitution when applying the GLIM criteria in hospitalized HF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: From June 2022 to January 2023, a single-center prospective study including 216 patients was performed. Additionally, covariates were identified by a directed acyclic graph. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was also used to analyze and compare the association between poor health outcomes and malnutrition (based on 5 types of GLIM criteria). Cohen-kappa coefficient and TELOS-feasibility score were calculated. The prevalence of malnutrition ranged from 35.2% to 42.6%, depending on the tool used. After adjusting for covariates, malnutrition assessed using CC, MAC, or physical examination within the GLIM criteria was independently associated with poor clinical outcomes (90-day HF-related readmission or all-cause mortality and prolonged hospital stay) but not with HGS. CONCLUSION: CC, MAC and results from physical examination but not HGS may serve as a substitutive metric of muscle mass contained in the GLIM criteria to diagnose malnutrition and predict poor clinical outcomes among HF patients. REGISTRATION NUMBER: This study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. (ChiCTR2200057876) on 20 Mar. 2022.