Geriatric nutritional risk index in prediction of muscular strength of elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis

Purpose Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is one of the new tools to determine nutritional status in the elderly. This study assessed the association between GNRI and muscular strength through handgrip strength (HGS) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study assessed 110 hemodialysis patients at Guilan, North of Iran, (mean age of 70.3 +/- 6.93), 57 men and 53 women through simple random sampling. Demographic characteristics, GNRI, and HGS of patients were determined. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent t test, AVOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear multiple regression tests. Results The mean values of the GNRI and HGS were 93.90 +/- 11.06 and 14.82 +/- 3.72, respectively. Finally, it was identified that there is a direct and significant association between GNRI and HGS (p = 0.001, r = 0.734). Linear multiple regression showed that GNRI is an independent predictor of HGS (Adj.R-2 = 0.67, beta(GNRI) = 8.13). Conclusion GNRI can be used as a predictor of muscular strength in hemodialysis patients.