A Prognostic Nutritional Index < 40 in patients with acute COPD exacerbation was associated with higher hospitalisation (87.9% vs 66.7%; p=0.047) and ICU admission (39.4% vs 7.4%; p=0.009).
Cross-Sectional (n=60)
Does the Prognostic Nutritional Index predict adverse outcomes in patients presenting with acute exacerbation of COPD?
The Prognostic Nutritional Index is a simple biomarker that can predict poor outcomes such as hospitalisation and ICU admission in patients with acute COPD exacerbations.
Absolute Event Rate: 87.9% vs 66.7%
p-value: p=0.047
Abstract Rationale Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition frequently accompanied by acute exacerbations and systemic consequences, including nutritional deterioration. Malnutrition in COPD patients is associated with increased morbidity and adverse outcomes. The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), derived from serum albumin and peripheral lymphocyte counts, reflects nutritional and immunological status and may aid in risk stratification during acute exacerbations. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between PNI levels and clinical outcomes in 60 patients presenting to the emergency department with acute COPD exacerbation between February and April 2024. PNI was calculated using the formula: 10 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 × lymphocyte count (/mm³). Patients were classified as malnourished (PNI 40) or well-nourished (PNI ≥ 40), and clinical, laboratory, and functional variables were compared. Prognostic performance was assessed using ROC curve and LOESS analyses. Results Among the patients, 33 were malnourished and 27 were well-nourished. The malnourished group exhibited higher hospitalisation (87.9% vs 66.7%; p = 0.047), ICU admission (39.4% vs 7.4%; p = 0.009), and longer ICU stays (2.94 ± 5.3 vs 1.15 ± 4.1 days; p = 0.003). The AUC for PNI predicting adverse outcomes was 0.712. LOESS analysis indicated 40 as a potential inflection point. Conclusion These findings suggest that PNI is a simple, objective, and useful biomarker for predicting poor outcomes in patients with acute COPD exacerbations. Its routine use in emergency settings may enhance early risk assessment and clinical decision-making. This abstract is funded by: None.
Taskaraca et al. (Fri,) conducted a cross-sectional in Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=60). Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) < 40 (malnourished) vs. PNI ≥ 40 (well-nourished) was evaluated on Hospitalisation (p=0.047). A Prognostic Nutritional Index < 40 in patients with acute COPD exacerbation was associated with higher hospitalisation (87.9% vs 66.7%; p=0.047) and ICU admission (39.4% vs 7.4%; p=0.009).