Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI)
The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) was designed to indicate the risk of a poor outcome after surgery based upon an assessment of nutritional status:
PNI = 158 - 16.6(Alb) - 0.78(Ts) - 0.20(Trn) - 5.8(DH)
Where:
PNI = The percentage risk of complications after surgery,
Alb = Serum albumin concentration (g/dL),
Ts = Triceps skinfold thickness (mm),
Trn = Serum transferrin concentration (mg/dL), and
DH = Delayed hypersensitivity reaction (no reaction = 0, < 5mm induration =1, and > 5mm induration = 2).
Reference
Dempsey DT, Buzby GP, Mullen JL. Nutritional assessment in the seriously ill patient. J Am Coll Nutr 1983; 2: 15-22.
