Subjective Global Assessment–Dialysis Malnutrition Score and arteriovenous fistula outcome: A comparison with Charlson Comorbidity Index

Introduction: Malnutrition is a well-recognized risk factor for all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, its role for arteriovenous fistulas outcome has not been exhaustively investigated. Our aim was to point out the impact of Subjective Global Assessment–Dialysis Malnutrition Score as independent predictor of arteriovenous fistulas thrombosis (vascular access thrombosis) and/or significant stenosis (vascular access stenosis). In addition, we compared it with the widespread Charlson Comorbidity Index. Methods: We assessed 57 hemodialysis patients for a 2-year interval and evaluated the incidence of vascular access thrombosis and/or stenosis. Linear regression analysis was used to test the relation of variables with Subjective Global Assessment–Dialysis Malnutrition Score at baseline. Logistic and Cox regression analysis evaluated markers as predictors of both vascular access thrombosis and stenosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to compare area under the curve values of Subjective Global Assessment–Dialysis Malnutrition Score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and modified Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results: Age and Charlson Comorbidity Index were positively related to Subjective Global Assessment–Dialysis Malnutrition Score: B = 0.06 (95% CI = 0.01; 0.11) and B = 0.31 (95% CI = 0.01; 0.63). Higher albumin and normalized protein catabolic rate levels had a protective role against vascular access failure: OR = 0.67 (95% CI = 0.56; 0.81) and OR = 0.46 (95% CI = 0.32; 0.67), respectively. Higher Subjective Global Assessment–Dialysis Malnutrition Score and Charlson Comorbidity Index values were significant risk factors: HR = 1.42 (95% CI = 1.04; 1.92) and HR = 1.48 (95% CI = 1.01; 2.17), respectively. Area under the curve of Subjective Global Assessment–Dialysis Malnutrition Score was significantly higher than those of both Charlson Comorbidity Index and modified Charlson Comorbidity Index: 0.70 (95% CI = 0.50; 0.88) versus 0.61 (95% CI = 0.41; 0.80) and 0.55 (95CI% = 0.41; 0.70). Conclusion: Subjective Global Assessment–Dialysis Malnutrition Score, as well as Charlson Comorbidity Index, are useful tools to predict vascular access failure and should be carefully and periodically evaluated in order to check significant variations that may compromise vascular access survival.