Prognostic Nutritional Index as a New Prediction Tool for All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Undergoing Endovascular Therapy.

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI) represents a complex manifestation of peripheral artery disease distinguished by symptoms such as ischemic rest pain, non-healing ulcers on the lower limb or foot, and the development of gangrene. CLTI is associated with a high risk of limb amputation, decreased quality of life, and substantial morbidity and mortality. The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), which is calculated using albumin and lymphocyte levels, reflects the immunological and nutritional status. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between PNI levels and mortality among patients diagnosed with CLTI who underwent endovascular therapy.

Methods: Individuals diagnosed with CLTI who received endovascular therapy below the knee in our tertiary care center were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups: survivors and non-survivors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to detect independent predictors of mortality and using Cox regression model, we assessed the relationship between PNI and mortality. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: The study comprised 113 patients diagnosed with PAD who underwent EVT. The non-survivor group (42 patients) was older (62.9±10.9 vs. 67.7±9.9, p=0.045) and had a higher prevalence of chronic renal failure (22.5% vs. 42.9%, p=0.023) and congestive heart failure (8.5% vs. 21.4%, p:0.049) than the survivor group (71 patients). The median PNI value was lower in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (35.9±5 vs 38.2±4.4, p=0.012). Cox regression analyses showed that Low PNI was associated with increased mortality (HR=0.931, CI=0.872-0.995, p=0.035). PNI cut-off of 37.009 showed 64.3% sensitivity, 64.8% specificity, and AUC of 0.642 for predicting all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis supported higher PNI correlating with better survival.

Conclusion: The Prognostic Nutritional Index was independently associated with mortality among individuals diagnosed with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.