Category: Clinical biomarkers

While traditionally viewed as a nutritional marker, low serum albumin in clinical settings is more often linked to inflammation than poor protein intake. This reality challenges the belief that albumin is a good short-term indicator of protein status, particularly in hospitalized or acutely ill patients.

Initially developed in 1980 to evaluate nutritional conditions and surgical risk in gastrointestinal surgery, the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has since proven to be a valuable tool in various clinical settings. This simple biomarker reflects a patient’s nutritional and immune status, both of which are critical determinants of health and recovery.

Research indicates that malnourished patients often exhibit a significantly higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) than well-nourished individuals, reflecting underlying systemic inflammation. This simple and affordable marker, derived from a standard blood test, offers healthcare providers a valuable tool for assessing nutritional status, especially in at-risk populations like the elderly.

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was originally developed in the 1980s for surgical patients and has since expanded as a predictor of outcomes across various diseases. This simple blood-test-based index helps clinicians assess a patient's combined nutritional and immune status, offering critical insights into their risk of adverse outcomes associated with malnutrition.