Anthropometric measures and physical examination could be used to assess phenotypic GLIM (Global leadership initiative on malnutrition) criteria in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The assessment of muscle mass using technology-based methods is less commonly performed when applying the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria due to the lack of skilled clinical nutrition practitioners and/or equipment. Based on the predictive validity of poor health outcomes and feasibility in clinical practice, this study aimed to analyze whether the measurement of calf circumference (CC), mid-upper arm circumference (MAC), and the physical examination could be used as substitutes for muscle mass assessment, as well as handgrip strength (HGS) used as a substitution when applying the GLIM criteria in hospitalized HF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From June 2022 to January 2023, a single-center prospective study including 216 patients was performed. Additionally, covariates were identified by a directed acyclic graph. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was also used to analyze and compare the association between poor health outcomes and malnutrition (based on 5 types of GLIM criteria). Cohen-kappa coefficient and TELOS-feasibility score were calculated. The prevalence of malnutrition ranged from 35.2% to 42.6%, depending on the tool used. After adjusting for covariates, malnutrition assessed using CC, MAC, or physical examination within the GLIM criteria was independently associated with poor clinical outcomes (90-day HF-related readmission or all-cause mortality and prolonged hospital stay) but not with HGS.

CONCLUSION

CC, MAC and results from physical examination but not HGS may serve as a substitutive metric of muscle mass contained in the GLIM criteria to diagnose malnutrition and predict poor clinical outcomes among HF patients.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

This study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. (ChiCTR2200057876) on 20 Mar. 2022.