Association of nutritional risk index with severe infection in patients with acute kidney injury

Abstract

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the association between the nutritional risk index (NRI) and severe infection in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methodology: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 102 AKI patients admitted to and treated in our hospital between May 2022 and May 2024. An infection group (n = 39) and a non-infection group (n = 63) were established based on the presence and absence of severe infection.

Results: NRI was smaller in the infection group than in the non-infection group (p < 0.05). In comparison with the non-infection group, the infection group displayed elevations in proportions of cases with age (≥ 60 years old), body mass index (BMI) (≤ 20 kg/m²), diabetes mellitus, catheter indwelling site (femoral vein), catheter indwelling time (> 7 days), albumin (ALB) (< 35 g/L) and hemoglobin (Hb) (< 70 g/L), as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (p < 0.05). NRI was a protective factor against severe infection in AKI patients [odds ratio (OR) < 1, p < 0.05], while age (≥ 60 years old), BMI (≤ 20 kg/m²), diabetes mellitus, catheter indwelling site (femoral vein), catheter indwelling time (> 7 d), ALB (< 35 g/L), Hb (< 70 g/L), and CRP and IL-6 levels were risk factors for severe infection in such patients (odds ratio > 1, p < 0.05). The area under the Receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) of NRI for predicting severe infection in AKI patients was 0.863 (0.781-0.946).

Conclusions: NRI has a close association with severe infection in AKI patients, and a low NRI suggests an increased risk of severe infection.