The Significance of an Initial Controlling Nutritional Status Score in Predicting the Functional Outcome, Complications, and Mortality in a First-Ever Ischemic Stroke
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background and Purpose: Nutritional status can influence the outcomes and mortality of various diseases. The association between initial nutritional status and ischemic stroke outcomes, however, remains poorly understood. This study investigated whether the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score at admission could predict functional recovery, complications, and survival following an ischemic stroke. Methods: We enrolled a total of 938 patients experiencing their first acute ischemic stroke and categorized them into three groups based on their CONUT score at admission: CONUT 0–1, CONUT 2–4, and CONUT 5–12. The CONUT score was assessed using the serum albumin, total cholesterol, and lymphocyte count. We evaluated the incidence of complications during their hospital stay. Outcomes, including the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), Functional Ambulatory Classification (FAC), and mortality, were assessed at baseline, as well as at three and six months post-stroke. Results: CONUT scores were significantly associated with functional outcomes (mRS, FIM, and FAC) and mortality during the six-month follow-up period post-stroke (all p < 0.05). The CONUT 5–12 group exhibited significantly poorer improvements in mRS, FIM, and FAC scores (all p < 0.05) and a lower survival rate (p < 0.01) during the six-month follow-up compared to the CONUT 0–1 and CONUT 2–4 groups. Additionally, the incidence of pneumonia, urinary tract infections, pressure sores, falling injuries, and fractures was significantly higher in the CONUT 5–12 group than in the other groups (all p < 0.01). Conclusions: CONUT scores at admission are associated with functional recovery, mortality, and the incidence of complications following a first-ever ischemic stroke. Consequently, the early identification of patients at risk of malnutrition via CONUT scores can be crucial in enhancing patient assessment after an acute stroke.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu16203461
Institutions: Yonsei University, Eulji University, Yonsei University Health System, Eulji University Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Gachon University, Chungnam National University, Konkuk University, Konkuk University Medical Center, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University, Wonkwang University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju National University, Chonnam National University, Hallym University, Ewha Womans University, Sungkyunkwan University, Samsung Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,296
OpenAlex ID: W4403400227