Correlation between prognostic nutritional index and occlusal status in gastric cancer

Objective Systemic inflammatory responses in cancer patients are important factors for nutrition and prognosis. This study evaluates the association between tooth loss, occlusal status, and prognostic nutritional index (PNI). Methods A total of 93 patients with gastric cancer were included. These parameters were investigated the following: stage, body mass index (BMI), total lymphocyte count, C‐reactive protein (CRP), PNI, and albumin (ALB). Patients were divided into three groups by Eichner classification (group A had contact in four support zones; group B had in one to three zones or in anterior region; and group C had no contact). PNI assumed 40 or less undernutrition. Multiple regression analysis was performed (PNI, dependent variable; Eichner index, main independent variable), using four independent variables (sex, age, BMI, and CRP) as adjustment factors. Results The mean ± SD PNI in groups A, B, and C was 43.0 ± 4.7, 41.7 ± 5.2, and 36.7 ± 7.7, respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between the number of teeth, both ALB, and PNI. ALB and PNI differed significantly between groups A and C (ALB, p = .0003; PNI, p = .005). Conclusion We recommend a preoperative dental evaluation for assessing the nutritional status of patients with gastric cancer.