OBJECTIVE

We intended to investigate the correlation of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and the risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

This study included 2,922 OA patients aged ≥ 60 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018. GNRI was obtained using serum albumin and body weight, with participants stratified into high (≥ 98) and low (< 98) GNRI groups. Cox regressions, survival analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression have been utilized to assess mortality risks. Nonlinear threshold effects were evaluated using piecewise regression. Moreover, subgroup analyses have also been completed based on demographic, lifestyle, and clinical features.

RESULTS

Participants with low GNRI had significantly higher risks of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR = 1.494, 95% CI: 1.192-1.872, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR = 1.592, 95% CI: 1.142-2.219, P = 0.006). RCS analysis presented with a nonlinear J-shaped relationship, with optimal GNRI around 120. Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent associations across age, sex, race, and comorbidity strata.

CONCLUSION

Lower GNRI could independently lead to increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in OA patients, highlighting the importance of nutritional assessment in OA management. As a result, GNRI could serve as a valuable prognostic indicator for identifying high-risk individuals who could benefit from targeted nutritional interventions.