Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score as a Potential Prognostic Indicator of In-Hospital Mortality, Sepsis and Length of Stay in an Internal Medicine Department

Abstract

The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score represents poor nutritional status and has been identified as an indicator of adverse outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic role of the CONUT score on in-hospital outcomes in an Internal Medicine Department. This is a retrospective study analyzing data from 369 patients, divided into four groups based on the CONUT score: normal (0–1), mild–high (2–4), moderate–high (5–8), and marked high (9–12). In-hospital all-cause mortality increased from normal to marked high CONUT score group (2.2% vs. 3.6% vs. 13.4% vs. 15.3%, p < 0.009). Furthermore, a higher CONUT score was linked to a longer length of hospital stay (LOS) (9.48 ± 6.22 vs. 11.09 ± 7.11 vs. 12.45 ± 7.88 vs. 13.10 ± 8.12, p < 0.013) and an increased prevalence of sepsis. The excess risk of a high CONUT score relative to a low CONUT score remained significant after adjusting for confounders (all-cause mortality: OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1–9.7, p < 0.02; sepsis: OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5–4.9, p < 0.01; LOS: OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2–3.9, p < 0.007). The present study demonstrated that an increased CONUT score is related to a higher risk of short-term in-hospital death and complications.

Association between Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score and Body Composition, Inflammation and Frailty in Hospitalized Elderly Patients

“…The data on the association between malnutrition and gender in hospitalized patients are inconsistent. Some studies report a higher prevalence in males, while others indicate a greater risk of undernutrition in females [ 3 , 48 ]. However, other studies did not report differences in sex-related [ 5 , 43 ].…”

“…Malnutrition, especially among hospitalized older individuals, presents a multifaceted challenge with profound implications for health outcomes [ 1 ]. Beyond its conventional association with weight loss, malnutrition is linked to heightened risks, including nosocomial infections, prolonged hospital stays, disability, and, notably, mortality [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. This intricate scenario is further complicated by inflammaging, a pro-inflammatory status associated with aging and shared in numerous pathological states [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Controlling Nutritional Status Score as a Predictor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation Risk in Elderly Patients

“…In fact, we found a higher CONUT score in the FE group than in the IF group. The CONUT score is a simple and reliable screening tool to identify patients with poor nutritional status in both inpatient and outpatient settings [6,28]. There are limited data in the literature regarding the association between the CONUT score and COPD.…”

“…A poor prognosis is often associated with an altered nutritional status. Therefore, assessing the nutritional status of the patient in many diseases is crucial to defining the short-term prognosis and the risk of mortality as well as taking corrective action [6,7]. Data from other studies indicate that 30%-60% of the patients hospitalized with COPD have an impaired nutritional status, depending on the different diagnostic methods and criteria used, and this condition has a negative impact on prognosis, including a higher risk of hospitalization, poor exercise tolerance, severe airflow obstruction, or mortality [8].…”

“…The CONUT score has a high prognostic value in specific populations such as the elderly, cancer patients, gastroenterological, or patients affected by heart failure or ischemic stroke [10,11]. In elderly patients, the CONUT score has demonstrated a high predictive value for a longer length of stay (LOS) and a higher risk of in-hospital mortality without incurring additional costs because the parameters used are often included in routine lab tests performed upon patient admission [6,11].…”