Implication of geriatric nutritional risk index on treatment response and long-term prognosis in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy

Purpose Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a simple tool for assessing the nutritional status of the aging population. This study aims to explore the clinical implication of GNRI on treatment response and long-term clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Methods Patients who underwent CRT implantation or upgrade at our hospital were retrospectively included. The association of GNRI and its tertiles with the echocardiographic response, all-cause mortality or heart transplantation, and the first hospitalization due to HF were investigated. Results Totally, 647 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 60 [Interquartile Range (IQR): 52–67] years and mean score of GNRI at 107.9 ± 23.7. Super-response rates increased significantly among the GNRI T1, T2, and T3 groups (25.1%, 29.8% vs. 41.1%, P = 0.002). Patients with higher GNRI were more likely to have better LVEF improvement after multiple adjustments (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.23, P = 0.010). Higher GNRI was independently associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality or heart implantation (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.96, P < 0.001) and HF hospitalization (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95–0.98, P < 0.001). The inclusion of GNRI enhanced the predictability of all-cause mortality based on traditional model, including sex, New York Heart Association functional class, left bundle branch block, QRS reduction, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level (C statistics improved from 0.785 to 0.813, P = 0.007). Conclusion Higher GNRI was associated with better treatment response and long-term prognosis in HF patients with CRT. Evaluation of nutritional status among CRT population is necessary for individualized choice of potential responders.