Usefulness of a prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index in pediatric clinical practice.

ABSTRACT

The clinical usefulness of a prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI) was evaluated in 47 hospitalized infants and 72 age-matched controls from 1 mth to 14 yr of age. The PINI formula is a combination of two markers each of infection (C-reactive protein and orosomucoid) and of malnutrition (albumin and transthyretin). Healthy children are identified by a PINI value less than 1 whereas sick patients are characterized by a progressive rise above 1 as the conditions worsens. The PINI scoring system provides the clinician with a sensitive and universal tool, allowing the correct follow-up of both inflammatory and nutritional poles of the disease spectrum. The formula is of particular help in pediatric practice in recognising early subclinical complications and efficacy of specific therapeutic strategies. The micromethod is simple, rapid and may be regularly repeated since it requires only 46 microliters of serum.