Association between GLIM‐defined malnutrition and hospitalizations in kidney transplant candidates: A post hoc analysis of a cohort study

Background Malnutrition is frequent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has a negative impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess the value of the Global Leadership Initiative for Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria to predict hospitalizations and mortality in candidates to kidney transplant during their first year on the waiting list. Methods This was a post hoc analysis of 368 patients with advanced CKD. The main study variables were malnutrition, according to the GLIM criteria; number of hospital admissions during the first year on the waiting list; and mortality at the end of follow‐up. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and binary logistic regression were performed, adjusting for age, frailty status, handgrip strength, and Charlson Index as potential confounders. Results The prevalence of malnutrition was 32.6%. Malnutrition was associated with increased risk of hospitalizations during the first year on the waiting list (odds ratio [OR] = 3.33 [95% CI = 1.34–8.26]), which persisted after adjustment for age and frailty status (adjusted OR = 3.61 [95% CI = 1.38–10.7]), age and handgrip strength (adjusted OR = 3.39 [95% CI = 1.3–8.85]), and age and Charlson Index (adjusted OR = 3.25 [95% CI = 1.29–8.13]). Conclusion Malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria was highly prevalent in patients with CKD and was associated with a threefold increased risk of hospitalizations during the first year on the waiting list; these associations remained significant after adjusting for age, frailty status, handgrip strength, and comorbidities.