Nutritional Status and Hospitalizations in Cirrhotic Patients: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study Based on the Prognostic Nutritional Index

Background Malnutrition in patients with cirrhosis is significant and is associated with a poor prognosis. The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) is a parameter that reflects nutritional status. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between PNI and hospital length of stay, number of admissions within one year, and the development of complications in cirrhotic patients followed in outpatient clinics. Materials and Methods A total of 125 patients with cirrhosis were retrospectively included. The PNI was calculated based on albumin and lymphocyte counts at the time of diagnosis. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data, as well as the number and duration of hospitalizations and complications within one year, were recorded. The independent effect of PNI on hospitalization was evaluated using multivariate regression and correlation analyses. Results Low PNI values were found to be significantly associated with longer hospital stays, more frequent admissions within one year, and an increased risk of complications (p < 0.001). Independent of age, sex, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Sodium (MELD-Na), PNI was the strongest predictor of both length of stay and number of admissions within one year (β=-0.044 and β=-0.219, respectively; p < 0.001). PNI showed a strong negative correlation with MELD-Na (r=-0.64; p < 0.001) and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) (r=-0.82; p < 0.001) scores. Conclusions PNI is a valuable, easily applicable, and cost-effective biomarker for predicting nutritional status and clinical prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. In clinical practice, early evaluation of the PNI may help identify high-risk patients and facilitate the planning of appropriate nutritional interventions.