The GLIM criteria for defining malnutrition can predict physical function and prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease

Background & aims: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) published a new international standard for defining malnutrition in 2018. The GLIM criteria were compared with the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) criteria in relation to physical function and mortality risk in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: A total of 921 CVD patients >= 20 years old (67.8 +/- 13.4 years, 631 men) hospitalised for heart failure, acute coronary syndrome and other conditions were stratified according to the presence or absence of malnutrition according to the GLIM and ESPEN criteria. Physical function was assessed by measuring grip strength, 6-minute walking distance and quadriceps isometric strength before hospital discharge, and the endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results: During the median follow-up period of 2.3 years (interquartile range, 0.9-3.5 years), 194 deaths occurred in the study population. Malnutrition defined by the GLIM criteria was significantly associated with low physical function. Malnutrition defined by both the GLIM and ESPEN criteria was significantly related to all-cause mortality (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Malnutrition defined according to the GLIM criteria was a predictor of both low physical function and mortality in patients with CVD. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A study comparing GLIM and ESPEN criteria for defining malnutrition in cardiovascular disease patients found that malnutrition defined by GLIM criteria was associated with low physical function and increased mortality risk. Malnutrition defined by both GLIM and ESPEN criteria was significantly related to all-cause mortality.