Work

Clinical significance of preoperative nutrition and inflammation assessment tools in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Malnutrition and inflammation are associated with poorer surgical outcomes in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. However, it is still debated which parameters should be used to assess nutritional and inflammatory status. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic role of specific parameters in predicting postoperative outcomes in this specific subgroup of patients. Methods: , albumin value <3.5 g/dL or a combination of the previous two parameters, the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) < 45; inflammation was evaluated using preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) > 5, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) > 150 and Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR) < 5. Statistical analysis was carried out using Univariate and Multivariate Analysis and General Linear Models. Results: = 0.0003). Using general linear models for repeated measures, a preoperative MUST score >1 or albumin levels < 35 mg/dL was associated with lower postoperative erythrocyte cells and hemoglobin levels. Multivariate analysis confirmed MUST score, PNI and NLR as independent prognostic factors for survival or postoperative complications. Conclusion: The presence of preoperative malnutrition and/or inflammation is associated with worse postoperative outcomes in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Early nutritional assessment, including all the above parameters, may allow more tailored intervention to reduce the risk of adverse postoperative outcomes.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1551048