Evaluation of Prognostic Nutritional Index of Home Care Patients over 65 years of age
Authors/Creators
- 1. Giresun University, Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Türkiye
Description
Objective: Assessment of nutritional status and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) of frail elderly individuals.
Methods: The retrospective, cross-sectional study was applied to individuals over the age of 65 who were registered with Home Care Services at Giresun University Training and Research Hospital Home Health Services between January and March 2023. Biochemical data and sociodemographic institutional database of registered individuals were created. PNI is classified as high risk with >50%, intermediate risk between 40% and 49%, and low risk below 40%. Medical status, nutritional status and prognostic nutritional index were evaluated.
Results: A statistically weak negative correlation was found between the age of the participants and PNI values (r= -0.228; p=0.012). A statistically positive, moderate correlation was found between the albumin levels of the participants and PNI values (r= 0.558; p=0.003). There was no statistically significant relationship between PNI categories and nutritional status (p=0.459). There was no statistically significant relationship between the PNI values of the participants and other parameters (p>0.050).
Conclusion: In individuals over 65 years of age, we could not determine PNI alone as a suitable tool to assess malnutrition status. Further studies are needed to correlate PNI with nutrition-related parameters such as oral nutrition, nutritional product use, and nutritional adequacy when we evaluate nutritional status.