This meta-analysis of six studies (4,242 patients) examines the predictive value of GNRI for postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia. The study found a significant association between lower GNRI scores and increased risk of POD.
Key findings:
Patients with moderate-to-high GNRI had 2.04 times higher risk of POD compared to those with lower GNRI scores (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.58–2.64, p < 0.001).
Age-specific results:
Patients aged 60–75 years had a 1.98 times higher risk of POD (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.49–2.62, p < 0.001).
Patients aged 75+ years had an even greater risk (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.38–5.64, p = 0.004).
GNRI was a strong predictor of POD for non-cardiovascular surgeries, but the effect was not statistically significant for cardiovascular surgeries.
The study concludes that preoperative GNRI assessment can help identify elderly patients at high risk for POD, allowing for early nutritional interventions.
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