Poor nutritional status is associated with other geriatric domain impairments and adverse postoperative outcomes in onco-geriatric surgical patients â A multicentre cohort study

Background Nutritional status (NS), though frequently affected in onco-geriatric patients, is no standard part of a geriatric assessment. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between a preoperatively impaired NS and geriatric domain impairments and adverse postoperative outcomes in onco-geriatric surgical patients. Methods 309 patients â ¥70 years undergoing surgery for solid tumours were prospectively recruited. Nine screening tools were preoperatively administered as part of a geriatric assessment. NS was based on BMI, weight loss and food intake. Odds ratio's (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using logistic regression analysis. The occurrence of 30-day adverse postoperative outcomes was recorded. Results At a median age of 76 years, 107 patients (34.6%) had an impaired NS. Decreased performance status and depression were associated with an impaired NS, when adjusted for tumour characteristics and comorbidities (ORPS>13.46; 95% CI 1.56â 7.67. ORGDS>52.11; 95% CI 1.05â 4.26). An impaired NS was an independent predictor for major complications (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.6â 6.8). Ten out of 11 patients who deceased had an impaired NS. Conclusion An impaired NS is prevalent in onco-geriatric patients considered to be fit for surgery. It is associated with decreased performance status and depression. An impaired NS is a predictor for adverse postoperative outcomes. NS should be incorporated in a geriatric assessment.