Baseline nutritional risk predicts 90-day outcome after mechanical thrombectomy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Malnutrition impacts 30-50% of acute ischemic stroke patients, correlating with complications and mortality.
• Prognostic impact of malnutrition in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large-vessel occlusion (LVO) is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if baseline nutritional status, via the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, predicts 90-day functional outcome and mortality after MT for LVO.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 385 LVO patients treated with MT.
• Nutritional status evaluated using the CONUT score (continuous and categorical).
• Primary outcomes: poor functional outcome (mRS 3-6) and 90-day mortality; logistic regression used.

Main Results:

• Higher CONUT scores correlated with worse 90-day functional outcomes (mRS).
• CONUT score independently predicted poor functional outcome (aOR 1.195) and mortality (aOR 1.258).
• CONUT inclusion improved risk stratification beyond clinical-radiological models.

Conclusions:

• Baseline CONUT score is an independent predictor of 90-day disability and mortality post-MT for LVO.
• Routine CONUT assessment can enhance risk stratification and guide nutritional interventions.
• Prospective studies are needed to confirm if nutritional interventions improve outcomes in high-CONUT patients.