Can be the Prognostic Nutritional Index a Prognostic Indicator in Lung Transplantation?

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the role of nutritional status in lung transplant candidates in post-transplant mortality and clinical outcomes.
METHODS: 59 patients with end-stage lung diseases were divided into two groups: low prognostic nutritional index (PNI) (Group 1) and high PNI (Group 2). The two groups were compared, and influence factors were analyzed.
RESULTS: PNI scores were grouped into (<43.7) Group 1 and (≥43.7) Group 2. Group 1 (n=29, 50.8%) had significantly higher post-transplant mortality within 1 year compared to Group 2 (n=30, 49.2%) (p=0.027). Post-operative mechanical ventilation day and low PNI score (<43.7) were independent predictors of mortality (OR: 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71–3.54, p=0.001 and OR: 4.25; 95% CI: 1.59–11.33, p=0.004).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that pre-operative nutritional status is a useful indicator of post-transplant mortality risk. We think that the PNI score can be among the standard evaluation tests as a useful test for lung transplant candidates.