[Interest of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index for mortality prediction in hemodialysis patients: preliminary study]

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a simple and quantitative method (based on three objective measurements: weight, height, albumin) for screening patients at risk for malnutrition. However no data are available regarding its relation with mortality in Caucasian hemodialysis patients. We tested the predictive value of GNRI on mortality in a hemodialysis population followed up prospectively for 18 months.

A total of 46 stable prevalent (mean age: 76 ± 11 years, range: 42-95) hemodialysis patients from one center were included in the study. GNRI with other nutritional parameters were evaluated for all patients.

Sixteen patients (35%) died during the 18 months of follow-up. Multiple logistic model showed that GNRI and Charlson co-morbidity score were significant predictors of mortality. Age and gender were not significant.

Our preliminary study carried out on a series of prevalent hemodialysis patients suggests that GNRI is predictor of mortality. To recommend the use of this index for the screening of hemodialysis patients with malnutrition at risk of mortality, our results should be confirmed by a large cohort study.