Feasibility and criterion validity of the GLIM criteria in the critically ill: A prospective cohort study

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and validity of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods This was a cohort study involving critically ill patients. Diagnoses of malnutrition by the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and GLIM criteria within 24 h after ICU admission were prospectively performed. Patients were followed up until hospital discharge to assess the hospital/ICU length of stay (LOS), mechanical ventilation duration, ICU readmission, and hospital/ICU mortality. Three months after discharge, the patients were contacted to record outcomes (readmission and death). Agreement and accuracy tests and regression analyses were performed. Results GLIM criteria could be applied to 377 (83.7%) of 450 patients (64 [54–71] years old, 52.2% men). Malnutrition prevalence was 47.8% ( n = 180) by SGA and 65.5% ( n = 247) by GLIM criteria, presenting an area under the curve equal to 0.835 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.790–0.880), sensitivity of 96.6%, and specificity of 70.3%. Malnutrition by GLIM criteria increased the odds of prolonged ICU LOS by 1.75 times (95% CI, 1.08–2.82) and ICU readmission by 2.66 times (95% CI, 1.15–6.14). Malnutrition by SGA also increased the odds of ICU readmission and the risk of ICU and hospital death more than twice. Conclusion The GLIM criteria were highly feasible and presented high sensitivity, moderate specificity, and substantial agreement with the SGA in critically ill patients. It was an independent predictor of prolonged ICU LOS and ICU readmission, but it was not associated with death such as malnutrition diagnosed by SGA.