Abstract
Background and purpose : In order to help to determine the prognosis of gastrostomy patients, the outcomes of gastrostomy patients were compared to their Onodera prognostic nutritional index (PNI) results.
Method : The subjects included 121 patients who had undergone a PEG procedure from January 2006 to March 2008. Onodera's PNI was calculated at pre-gastrostomy and at discharge from hospital. The relationship of Onodera's PNI results to the gastrostomy patients outcome was determined. The prognosis was confirmed by information of the final hospital visit and telephone communication.
Result : 119 patients were followed for an average of 285.8 ± 210.0 days. The survival rate after gastrostomy was 95% at 30 days, 89% at 90 days, and 50% at 665 days. The survival of the group with a pre-gastrostomy Onodera's PNI of 35 or higher was significantly longer compared to the group with PNI of less than 35. However, even in patients with a pre-gastrostomy Onodera's PNI of less than 35, survival improved if their Onodera's PNI increased to 35 or higher by the time of discharge.
Conclusion : In gastrostomy patients, Onodera's PNI can not be used as an inclusion or exclusion criterion for PEG. However, it is useful for predicting the prognosis.
