Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia Research Articles

Incidence, associated factors, and outcomes of acute kidney injury following placement of antibiotic bone cement spacers in two-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection: a comprehensive study.

Two-stage exchange with placement of antibiotic cement spacer (ACS) is the gold standard for the treatment of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), but it could cause a high prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the results of the current evidence on this topic are too mixed to effectively guide clinical practice. We retrospectively identified 340 chronic PJI patients who underwent the first-stage exchange with placement of ACS. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guideline was used to define postoperative AKI. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to determine the potential factors associated with AKI. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic were conducted to summarize the knowledge in the current literature further. In our cohort, the incidence of AKI following first-stage exchange was 12.1%. Older age (per 10 years, OR= 1.509) and preoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR= 3.593) were independent predictors for postoperative AKI. Eight AKI patients progressed to chronic kidney disease after 90 days. A meta-analysis including a total of 2525 PJI patients showed the incidence of AKI was 16.6%, and AKI requiring acute dialysis was 1.4%. Besides, host characteristics, poor baseline liver function, factors contributing to acute renal blood flow injury, and the use of nephrotoxic drugs may be associated with the development of AKI. However, only a few studies supported an association between antibiotic dose and AKI. AKI occurs in approximately one out of every six PJI patients undergoing first-stage exchange. The pathogenesis of AKI is multifactorial, with hypoalbuminemia could be an overlooked associated factor. Although the need for acute dialysis is uncommon, the fact that some AKI patients will develop CKD still needs to be taken into consideration.

An abdominal wound dehiscence of emergency explorative laparotomy and their management at tertiary care centre: an observational study

Background: Wound dehiscence is a very troublesome sequel of impaired wound healing. Despite of medical advances frequency of wound dehiscence in emergency laparotomy remains high due to multiple factors together predisposes. Better understanding of common mechanisms and highly contributing factors will help to keep high risk patients under strict surveillance to reduce the incidence of wound dehiscence. Methods: The observational study was carried out in 167 patients of above 14 years age at the department of General surgery, SMIMER hospital, Surat between November 2018 to October 2020 Result: 22.15% patients developed wound dehiscence, mean age in dehiscence group was 39.27±9.65 years. Abdominal pain was found in all the patients 100% followed by vomiting 28.74% and fever 13.17%. However, Fever (2.37±1.95 days vs 1.55±1.78 days) and Abdominal distention (1.05±1.06 days vs 0.47±0.87) have statistical significance between Wound Dehiscence and No Wound Dehiscence regarding chief complaints. As a treatment of wound dehiscence, 2 (5.40%) had Re-exploration and 6 (16.21%) had Re-exploration and Tension Suturing in complete wound dehiscence patient group and 29 (78.39%) had Secondary suturing found in partial wound dehiscence. 5.40% of mortality found in Wound Dehiscence group. Conclusions: Significant risk factors for abdominal wound dehiscence identified in this study are presenting complains like fever and abdominal distension, pre-operative hypoalbuminemia, pre-operative anemia, leucocytosis, renal dysfunction, intra-abdominal sepsis. Use of subcutaneous negative tube is protective for the condition. Hollow viscus perforation patients showed higher vulnerability for wound dehiscence.

Association Between Preoperative Angioembolization and Bleeding Complications in Patients With Benign Liver Tumors: Analysis of a National Database

IntroductionThe role of angioembolization (AE) in patients with benign liver diseases is an area of active research. This study aims to assess any difference in liver resection outcomes in patients with benign tumors dependent on utilization of preoperative AE. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective liver resections for benign liver tumors was performed using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2014-2019). Only tumors of 5 cm in size or more were included in the analysis. We categorized the patients based on preoperative AE (AE + versus AE -). The primary outcome measured included bleeding complications within 72 h. The secondary outcomes were to determine predictors of bleeding. ResultsAfter propensity score matching, there were 103 patients in both groups. There was no difference in intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusions within 72 h of surgery (14.6% versus 12.6%; P = 0.68), reoperation (1.9% versus 1.9%; P = 1), or mortality (1.0% versus 0.0%; P = 1) between the two groups. Multivariate regression analysis revealed an open surgical approach (odds ratio [OR]: 4.59 confidence interval [CI]: 2.94-7.16), use of Pringle maneuver (OR: 1.7, CI: 1.26-2.310), preoperative anemia (OR: 2.79, CI: 2.05-3.80), and preoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR: 1.53 [1.14-2.05]) were associated with the need for intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusions within 72 h of surgery. ConclusionsPreoperative AE was not associated with reducing intraoperative or postoperative bleeding complications or blood transfusions within 72 h after surgery.

Incisional Hernia Following Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Incidence and Risk Factors at a Tertiary Care Centre.

(1) Background: Incisional hernia (IH) is one of the most common complications following open abdominal surgery. There is scarce evidence on its real incidence following pancreatic surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence and the risk factors associated with IH development in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). (2) Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing PD between 2014 and 2020 at our centre. Data were extracted from a prospectively held database, including perioperative and long-term factors. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to detect those factors potentially associated with IH development. (3) Results: The incidence of IH was 8.8% (19/213 patients). Median age was 67 (33-85) years. BMI was 24.9 (14-41) and 184 patients (86.4%) underwent PD for malignant disease. Median follow-up was 23 (6-111) months. Median time to IH development was 31 (13-89) months. Six (31.5%) patients required surgical repair. Following univariate and multivariate analysis, preoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.24-9.16, p = 0.01) and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.06-8.14, p = 0.049) were the only factors independently associated with the development of IH. (4) Conclusions: The incidence of IH following PD was 8.8% in a tertiary care center. Preoperative hypoalbuminemia and obesity are independently associated with IH occurrence following PD.

Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia and Development of Surgical Site Infection and Anastomotic Leakage in Emergency Colorectal Surgery

Background: Although hypoalbuminemia is a well-known predictor of postoperative complications, including surgical site infection (SSI) and anastomotic leakage (AL) in gastrointestinal surgery patients, which requires necessary interventions before surgery, there is limited opportunity for preoperative optimization and intervention in emergency colorectal surgeries. Objectives: Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between preoperative serum albumin levels and the development of SSI and AL in emergency colorectal surgery patients. Methods: In this cohort study, patients who underwent emergency colorectal surgery during 17 months, were assessed. Albumin level was measured before surgery, and patients were followed for 1 month after surgery to identify the development of SSI and AL. Results: In total, 173 patients were enrolled in the study, but data analysis was performed on 170 patients. They were divided into hypoalbuminemia group (n=98, 57.6%) and non-hypoalbuminemia group (n=72, 42.4%). The mean ages of patients in each group were 57.17±16.19 and 51.61±16.14 years old, respectively (P=0.028). The AL was observed in 4 (2.4 %) patients; 3 patients in the hypoalbuminemia group and one patient in the non-hypoalbuminemia group (P=0.205, relative risk=2.33, 95% CI: 0.42-12.82). The SSI was observed in 13 patients (7.6%) during the 1-month follow-up; 8 patients (5.1%) had superficial SSI and 5 (3.2%) had deep ones. Albumin level was significantly lower in patients with AL (2.9±0.48), compared to those without AL (3.6±0.7 g/dL). Moreover, albumin level was higher in patients with SSI (3.11±0.62), compared to patients without SSI (3.6±0.7 g/dL). The incidence of complications, either AL or SSI, was significantly higher in hypoalbuminemia patients, compared to non-hypoalbuminemia patients (P=0.017, Odds Ratio=4.24, 95% CI: 1.29-13.9). Adjusted OR for age was 3.82 (95% CI: 1.15-12.75, P=0.029); therefore, a 13.5% reduction in OR indicated that age is a confounding factor. Conclusion: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia was significantly associated with post-development of complications in emergency colorectal surgery and older age and lower preoperative albumin levels may serve as valuable indicators for the identification of patients at higher risk of complications.

Studying the co-relation of preoperative serum albumin levels in emergency surgeries with rate of postoperative wound site infection

: Hypoalbuminemia is a good marker of malnutrition. The objective is to analyze and correlate the rates of wound site infection in patient undergoing emergency surgery with preoperative serum albumin levels.: A prospective study of 98 patients who underwent emergency surgery between January 2021 to June 2021 in the Department of General Surgery, Tezpur medical college and hospital, Assam were considered for the study.Serum albumin was determined preoperatively in all patients. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin level of less than 3g/dl. Thirty day postoperative complication were analyzed. Wound site infection was confirmed by either by purulent discharge from the wound site or organism identified by aseptically obtained specimen from the superficial incision or from subcutaneous tissue by a culture based microbiological testing.: A total of 98 patients who underwent emergency surgeries were studied. Out of 98 patients, 49 patients had normal Serum albumin levels and 49 patients had albumin levels of less than 3g/dl were included in the hypoalbuminemic group, Overall in the group of normal serum albumin level(n=49), patient with wound site infection were(n= 04) and patient without wound site infections were (n=45). In the group with level of albumin less than 3g/dl (n=49), patient with wound site infections (n=39), without wound site infections (n=10). After a chi-square test analysis with yates correction is 47.90.: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is an independent risk factor and a predictor of postoperative wound site infections in patients undergoing emergency surgery. Identification and optimization of nutritional status prior to surgery may improve surgical outcomes

Is preoperative hypoalbuminemia or hypoproteinemia a reliable marker for anastomotic leakage risk in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program?

PurposePreoperative hypoalbuminemia has traditionally been used as a marker of nutritional status and is considered a significant risk factor for anastomotic leak (AL).MethodsThe Westmead Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (WERAS) prospectively collected database, consisting of 361 patients who underwent colorectal surgery with primary anastomosis, was interrogated. Preoperative serum albumin and protein levels (measured within 1 week of surgery) were plotted on receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) and statistically analyzed for cutoff values, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV).ResultsThe incidence of AL was 4.4% (16/361). Overall mortality was 1.4% (5/361), 6.3% (1/16) in the AL group, and 1.2% (4/345) in the no AL group. The median preoperative albumin and protein level in the AL group were 39 g/L and 75 g/L, respectively. The median preoperative albumin and protein level in the no AL group were 38 g/L and 74 g/L, respectively. The Mann–Whitney U test showed no statistically significant difference in albumin levels (p = 0.4457) nor protein levels (p = 0.6245) in the AL and no AL groups. ROC curves demonstrated that preoperative albumin and protein levels were not good predictors of anastomotic leak. Cutoff values for albumin (38 g/L) and protein (75 g/L) both had poor PPV for AL (4.8% and 3.8% respectively).ConclusionIn patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery as part of an ERAS program, preoperative serum albumin and protein levels are not reliable in predicting AL. This may be because of nutritional supplementation provided as part of an ERAS program may correct nutritional deficits to protect against AL or that low albumin/protein is not as robust a marker of AL as previously reported.

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia and postoperative acute kidney injury in adult patients after elective on-pump cardiac surgery

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background An earlier published prospective cohort study evaluating the impact of malnutrition on cardiac surgery outcomes showed serum albumin ≤42 g/dL to be associated with a poor prognosis [1]. However, the association with kidney outcomes was not studied. The adverse effect of preoperative hypoalbuminemia on postoperative kidney injury and its cut-off value in on-pump cardiac surgery patients is still controversial [2]. Methods A retrospective matched case-control study based on the secondary analysis of the open-access dataset [3] was conducted. The research hypothesis was that preoperative hypoalbuminemia is independently associated with a higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring postoperative new-onset dialysis. We defined cases as patients treated with new-onset dialysis for AKI and controls as those who did not. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin of ≤42 g/L based on findings from the original study. The dataset counted 1178 adults from multiple centers who underwent elective cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) cardiac surgery in 2011. We excluded patients with missing data and compared key demographic and medical history characteristics. Following the hypothesis, subjects were matched on the type of surgery they received (coronary, valvular, or combined) in a multiple conditional logistic regression model that included the hypoalbuminemia status, diabetes history, CPB time, and logistic EuroScore. Additionally, univariate regression with and without conditional matching was performed. Results In total, 831 (39 cases and 792 controls) subjects were included. Subjects shared similar demographics and medical history. Expectedly, cases had prolonged CPB and aortic cross-clamp time. The median CPB time in cases and controls was 120 and 79 min, respectively (p=0.001). The median aortic cross-clamp time was 79 in cases and 54 in controls (p=0.001). Hypoalbuminemia was observed in 18 cases (46%) in cases compared to 241 (30%) in controls (p=0.038). Multiple conditional regression demonstrated that the risk of postoperative AKI requiring dialysis was not associated with preoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR 1.43, [0.70, 2.89]). Similarly, univariate conditional regression showed no association (OR 1.84 [0.95, 3.53]). Only univariate unmatched regression resulted in statistical significance(OR 1.96 [1.03, 3.74]). The higher logistic EuroScore (OR 1.11, [1.06, 1.15]) and the longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.01, [1.01, 1.02]), but not the history of diabetes (OR 0.61, [0.19, 1.88]), increased the odds of renal replacement therapy requirement. Conclusion In our study, preoperative hypoalbuminemia was not independently associated with a higher risk of postoperative AKI requiring new-onset dialysis after elective on-pump cardiac surgery. Patients who required dialysis had lower preoperative albumin levels, but the association between hypoalbuminemia ≤ 42 g/L and kidney outcomes could be confounded.

Is preoperative sarcopenia associated with postoperative complications after pelvic exenteration surgery?

PurposePelvic exenteration (PE) involves radical surgical resection of pelvic organs and is associated with considerable morbidity. Sarcopenia is recognised as a predictor of poor surgical outcomes. This study aimed to determine if preoperative sarcopenia is associated with postoperative complications after PE surgery.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients who underwent PE with an available preoperative CT scan between May 2008 and November 2022 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and St. Andrews Hospital in South Australia. Total Psoas Area Index (TPAI) was estimated by measuring the cross-sectional area of the psoas muscles at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on abdominal CT, normalised for patient height. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on gender-specific TPAI cut-off values. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for major postoperative complications with a Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade ≥ 3.ResultsIn total, 128 patients who underwent PE were included, 90 of whom formed the non-sarcopenic group (NSG) and 38 the sarcopenic group (SG). Major postoperative complications (CD grade ≥ 3) occurred in 26 (20.3%) patients. There was no detectable association with sarcopenia and an increased risk of major postoperative complications. Preoperative hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.01) and a prolonged operative time (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with a major postoperative complication on multivariate analysis.ConclusionSarcopenia is not a predictor of major postoperative complications in patients undergoing PE surgery. Further efforts aimed specifically at optimising preoperative nutrition may be warranted.

A Single Centre Experience with Pre-Operative Markers in the Prediction of Outcomes after Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background and AimThe C-reactive protein to albumin ratio, albumin-bilirubin index and platelet-albumin-bilirubin index have emerged as prognostic scores in hepatocellular carcinoma, although their clinical utility remains unclear, with ongoing investigation in multiple patient populations. This study aims to report survival outcomes and evaluate these indices in a cohort of patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in a tertiary Australian centre. MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed data from the Department of Surgery at Austin Health and electronic health records (Cerner corporation). The impact of pre, intra and post-operative parameters on post-operative complications, overall and recurrence free survival were analyzed. Results163 liver resections were performed in 157 patients between 2007 and 2020. Post-operative complications occurred in 58 patients (35.6%), with pre-operative albumin < 36.5 g/L (3.41(1.41–8.29),p = 0.007) and open liver resection (3.93(1.38–11.21),p = 0.011) demonstrating independent predictive significance. 1,3 and 5-year overall survival was 91.0%, 76.7% and 66.9% respectively, with a median survival time of 92.7 months (81.3–103.9). Hepatocellular carcinoma recurred in 95 patients (58.3%) with a median time to recurrence of 27.8 months (15.6–39.9). 1,3 and 5 year recurrence-free survival rates were 94.0%, 73.7% and 55.1% respectively. Pre-operative C-reactive protein-albumin ratio > 0.034 was significantly associated with reduced overall (4.39(1.19–16.16),p = 0.026) and recurrence-free (2.53(1.21–5.30),p = 0.014) survival. ConclusionC-reactive protein-albumin ratio > 0.034 is a strong predictor of poor prognosis following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, pre-operative hypoalbuminemia was associated with post-operative complications, and future studies are required to assess the potential benefits of albumin replacement in reducing post-surgical morbidity.

Expert Consensus on the Use of Human Serum Albumin in Adult Cardiac Surgery.

Expert Consensus on the Use of Human Serum Albumin in Adult Cardiac Surgery.

Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia Is Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Gynaecologic Malignancy – A Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveOur objective was to evaluate the significance of reduced preoperative albumin levels on short-term (90-day and 1-year) mortality in patients undergoing surgery for gynaecologic malignancy in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, patients with gynaecologic malignancies who had surgery performed at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2016, were identified. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to evaluate the association between preoperative serum albumin and 90-day and 1-year mortality. Analysis was conducted with albumin initially as a continuous variable, and subsequently as a categorical variable after clinically relevant threshold levels were identified. ResultsA total of 2183 patients were included in our analysis. Of the study population, 51.8% had a preoperative serum albumin level of <35 g/L. Two critical inflection points in mortality rate by serum albumin level were found. Mortality was significantly highest in patients with an albumin level <20 g/L (90-day mortality 17.2%, 1-year mortality 31.9%) and next highest in patients with an albumin level of 20–25 g/L (90-day mortality 2.7%, 1-year mortality 12.0%), compared to patients with a level of >25 g/L (90-day mortality 0.9%, 1-year mortality 3.9%). In both univariable and multivariable analyses, preoperative hypoalbuminemia was significantly and independently associated with increased 90-day and 1-year mortality (P < 0.001). ConclusionPreoperative hypoalbuminemia is independently associated with increased mortality. Patients with gynaecologic malignancies undergoing surgery and who have a preoperative serum albumin level of <20 g/L are at a very high risk of short-term mortality.

The Association of Pre-operative Serum Albumin Levels and Post-operative In-Hospital Death in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgeries in Thailand: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Pre-operative hypoalbuminemia is known to predict negative outcomes for patients undergoing major surgeries. However, various cut-off points for starting exogenous albumin have been recommended. This study investigated the association between pre-operative severe hypoalbuminemia, in-hospital death, and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. A retrospective cohort study using a database analysis was undertaken on hospitalized patients who underwent major gastrointestinal surgery. The pre-operative serum albumin level was classified into three groups: severe hypoalbuminemia (<2.0 mg/dL) and non-severe hypoalbuminemia (≥2.0-3.4 g/dL) and normal level (3.5-5.5 g/dL). To compare between different cut-offs, a sensitivity analysis using another albumin level classification as severe hypoalbuminemia (<2.5 mg/dL) and non-severe hypoalbuminemia (≥2.5-3.4 g/dL) and normal level (3.5-5.5 g/dL) was applied. The primary outcome was post-operative in-hospital death. Propensity-score adjusted regression analyses were applied. A total of 670 patients were included. Their average age was 57.4 ± 16.3 years, and 56.1% were men. Only 59 patients (8.8%) had severe hypoalbuminemia. Overall, a total of 93 in-hospital deaths (13.9%) occurred among all included patients, but there were 24/59 (40.7%) deaths among patients with severe hypoalbuminemia, 59/302 (19.5%) deaths among patients with non-severe hypoalbuminemia, and 10/309 (3.2%) deaths among patients with normal albumin level. The adjusted odds ratio for post-operative in-hospital death comparing patients with severe hypoalbuminemia and patients with normal albumin level was 8.11 (3.31-19.87; p < 0.001), while the odds ratio for in-hospital death comparing patients with non-severe and patients with normal albumin level was 3.89 (1.87-8.10; p < 0.001). A sensitivity analysis showed similar findings, the odds ratio for in-hospital death for severe hypoalbuminemia (cut-off as <2.5 g/dL) was 7.44 (3.38-16.36; p < 0.001), while the odds ratio for in-hospital death for severe hypoalbuminemia (cut-off as 2.5-3.4 g/dL) was 3.02 (1.40-6.52; p = 0.005). Severe pre-operative hypoalbuminemia in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. The risk of death for patients with severe hypoalbuminemia was relatively similar when using different cut-offs such as <2.0 and <2.5 g/dL.

Association of Frailty and Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia with the Risk of Complications, Readmission, and Mortality After Spine Surgery

Frailty status and hypoalbuminemia have been associated with higher rates of complications after spine surgery. However, the combination of both conditions has not been fully analyzed. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of frailty and hypoalbuminemia on the risk of complications after spine surgery. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2009 to 2019 was used. Frailty status was calculated using the modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5). Patients were classified into nonfrail (mFI= 0), pre-frail (mFI= 1), and frail (mFI ≥2) groups and also based on albumin levels into normal (≥3.5 g/dL) and hypoalbuminemia groups (<3.5 g/dL). The latter group was also subclassified into mild and severe hypoalbuminemia groups. Multivariable analysis was used. A Spearman ρ correlation between albuminemia and mFI-5 was also performed. A total of 69,519 patients (36,705 men [52.8%] and 32,814 women [47.2%]) with a mean age of 61.0 ± 13.2 years were included. Patients were classified as nonfrail (n= 24,897), pre-frail (n= 28,897), and frail groups (n= 15,725). Hypoalbuminemia was significantly higher in the frail group (11.4%) compared with the nonfrail group (4.3%). An inverse correlation was observed between albumin levels and frailty status (ρ= -0.139; P < 0.0001). Frail patients with severe hypoalbuminemia had significantly higher risk of complications (odds ratio [OR], 5.0), reoperation (OR, 3.3), readmission (OR, 3.1), and mortality (OR, 31.8) compared with patients without hypoalbuminemia. The combination of frailty and hypoalbuminemia significantly increases the risk of complications after spine surgery. The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia in the frailty group was significantly higher than in nonfrail patients (11.4% vs. 4.3%). Both conditions should be evaluated preoperatively.

Risk of Surgical Intervention in Children with Diagnoses of Cancer and Preoperative Malnutrition: A National Analysis

Perioperative nutrition is a critical component of appropriate healing and recovery after surgery. We sought to identify perioperative risk in children with cancer and low preoperative hypoalbuminemia undergoing surgical intervention. We queried the 2015-2019 NSQIP-Peds datasets for children with a primary diagnosis of renal or hepatic malignancy undergoing surgical resection. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated for comparative risk between patients with low albumin (albumin<3.0g/dL) and normal albumin within 30 days of their surgical procedure. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to identify perioperative risk in patients with hypoalbuminemia. We identified 360 children with primary diagnosis of hepatic malignancy and 896 children with renal malignancy undergoing surgical resection. Of these, 77 children had hypoalbuminemia. Patients with renal or hepatic malignancy diagnosis and low albumin levels were more likely to experience postoperative dehiscence, need for TPN at discharge, postoperative bleeding or transfusion, unplanned reoperation, and unplanned readmission, based on univariate analysis (all P>0.05). Postoperative bleeding, need for nutritional support at discharge, and unplanned readmission were each associated with hypoalbuminemia. We demonstrate that low preoperative albumin is associated with significant perioperative risk. More attention should focus on perioperative nutritional status of children with cancer who are undergoing major resections.

Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia Not Associated With Total Ankle Arthroplasty Outcomes.

This study aims to investigate the effect of hypoalbuminemia on the rates of 30-day complication, readmission, and reoperation following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2007 to 2019 to identify 710 TAA patients. Patients were then stratified into normal (n = 673) or low (n = 37) albumin groups. Demographics, medical comorbidities, concomitant procedures, hospital length of stay, and 30-day complication, readmission, and reoperation rates were compared between groups. Preoperative serum albumin level was also used as a continuous variable when analyzing postoperative outcomes. The overall cohort was predominantly male (51.5%), and the mean age was 65.02 (range, 45-87) years. We found there to be no statistically significant difference in demographics between cohorts. However, hypoalbuminemia patients were significantly more likely to use long-term steroids for a chronic condition (normal = 6.1%, low = 18.9%; P = .009). Additionally, there was no difference in 30-day complication (normal = 3.0%, low = 0.0%; P = .618), readmission (normal = 2.4%, low = 0.0%; P = .632), and reoperation (normal = 1.0%, low = 0.0%; P = 1.000) rates between groups. The results of this study show that malnourished patients are not at an increased risk of 30-day complication, readmission, or reoperation following TAA despite having a worse preoperative comorbidity profile. Level III, Retrospective cohort study.

Hypoalbuminemia and colorectal cancer patients: Any correlation?: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In malnourished patients with colorectal cancer, hypoalbuminemia is common and was proposed to determine the postoperative outcome of colorectal surgery. Mounting articles published but have not been evaluated. We aim to assess the predictive value of preoperative hypoalbuminemia in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. We performed a literature search from PubMed, Euro PMC, and Cochrane with the terms serum albumin, hypoalbuminemia, prognosis, outcome, colorectal cancer, and neoplasm. We also hand-searched and included any relevant papers. Hypoalbuminemia is defined as plasma albumin level < 3.5 mg/dL. We restricted the included studies to English language and adults undergoing colectomy, laparotomy, laparoscopy, or abdominoperineal resection. Any types of articles were included, except an abstract-only publication and those that did not report the key exposure or outcome of interest. The key exposures were mortality, hospitalization time, and morbid conditions (thrombosis, surgical site infection, sepsis, and wound events). We pooled the odds ratio from each included literature as effect size. The Newcastle Ottawa scale and GRADE were used to determine the quality of each included study. Hereof 7 observational studies (236,480 individuals) were included. Our meta-analysis found that preoperative hypoalbuminemia can predict the postoperative outcome in colorectal cancer patients. Individuals with hypoalbuminemia were not associated with 30-day mortality (risk ratio [RR] 2.05 [0.72, 5.86], P = .18, I2 = 99%) but were associated with morbidity (RR 2.28 [1.78, 2.93], P < .00001, I2 = 87.5%), surgical complication (RR 1.69 [1.34, 2.13], P < .00001, I2 = 98%), and hospitalization (RR 2.21 [1.93, 2.52], P < .00001, I2 = 0%). According to newcastle ottawa scale, the included studies are of moderate to sound quality. The current systematic review and meta-analysis showed that preoperative hypoalbuminemia was significantly associated with morbidity, length of stay, and surgical complication but not mortality.

Hypoalbuminemia as a Predictor of Mortality, Disability, and Readmission in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis.

This was a retrospective cohort study. The objective of this study was to clarify the association between preoperative albumin status and mortality and morbidity in lumbar spine surgery. Hypoalbuminemia is a known marker of inflammation and is associated with frailty. Hypoalbuminemia is an identified risk factor for mortality following spine surgery for metastases, yet has not been well studied among spine surgical cohorts outside of metastatic cancer. We identified patients with preoperative serum albumin laboratory values who underwent lumbar spine surgery at a US public university health system between 2014 and 2021. Demographic, comorbidity, and mortality data were collected along with preoperative and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Any cause readmission within 1 year of surgery was recorded. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as <3.5g/dL in serum. We examined the Kaplan-Meier survival plots based on serum albumin. Multivariable regression models were used to identify the association between preoperative hypoalbuminemia with mortality, readmission, and ODI, while controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, procedure, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Of 2573 patients, 79 were identified as hypoalbuminemic. Hypoalbuminemic patients had a significantly greater adjusted risk of mortality through 1 year (odds ratio=10.2; 95% CI: 3.1-33.5; P <0.001), and 7 years (hazard ratio=4.18; 95% CI: 2.29-7.65; P <0.001). Hypoalbuminemic patients had ODI scores 13.5 points higher (95% CI: 5.7-21.4; P <0.001) at baseline. Adjusted readmission rates were not different between groups through 1 year (odds ratio=1.15; 95% CI: 0.5-2.62; P =0.75) or through full surveillance (hazard ratio=0.82; 95% CI: 0.44-1.54; P =0.54). Preoperative hypoalbuminemia was strongly associated with postoperative mortality. Hypoalbuminemic patients did not have demonstrably worse outcomes in their functional disability beyond 6 months. Within the first 6 months following surgery, the hypoalbuminemic group improved at a similar rate to the normoalbuminemic group despite having a greater preoperative disability. However, causal inference is limited in this retrospective study.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Bypass Surgery In Patients Having Pre-Operative Hypoalbuminemia.

Hypoalbuminemia commonly occurs in cardiac patients, especially in elderly patients and those with chronic congestive heart failure, and it has been associated with adverse events such as atrial fibrillation. The study aimed to determine the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery (CABG) with pre-operative hypoalbuminemia in a major cardiac surgery institute in Karachi, Pakistan. This descriptive cross-sectional study included patients of any gender, aged between 30-80 years, who underwent CABG surgery and had hypoalbuminemia at the time of pre-operative assessment. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as a serum albumin level less than 3.8 mg/dL (normal range: 3.8-4.5 mg/dL). We recorded routine daily 12-lead ECGs and monitored the occurrence of POAF within 72 hours of surgery. A total of 144 patients were included in the study, of which 77.8% (112) were male, and the mean age was 58.1±8.4 years. The average serum albumin levels before surgery were 3.5±0.2 mg/dL. The majority of patients, 71.5% (103), had three-vessel disease (3VD), and 20.8% (30) had 3VD with left main (LM) disease. Hypertension was observed in 70.1% (101) of the patients, diabetes in 52.1% (75), and prolonged CBP time in 61.8% (89). The frequency of POAF was 10.4% (15), and it was significantly higher in non-hypertensive and non-diabetic patients, with a crude odds ratio of 4.19 [1.39-12.65] and 8.47 [1.84-39.09], respectively. The study found that approximately one in every ten patients undergoing CABG experienced POAF. Surprisingly, the rate of POAF was higher among non-hypertensive and non-diabetic patients.

Preoperative Malnutrition and Metabolic Markers May Predict Periprosthetic Fractures in Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundPeriprosthetic fractures are a devastating complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and are associated with significantly higher mortality rates in the postoperative period. Given the strain that periprosthetic fractures place on the patient as well as the healthcare system, identifying and optimizing medical comorbidities is essential in reducing complications and improving outcomes. MethodsAll THA with primary indications of osteoarthritis from 2007 to 2020 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Demographic data, preoperative laboratory values, medical comorbidities, hospital course, and acute complications were collected and compared between patients with and without readmission for a periprosthetic fracture. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine associated independent risk factors for periprosthetic fractures after index THA. ResultsThe analysis included 275,107 patients, of which 2539 patients were readmitted for periprosthetic fractures. Patients with postoperative fractures were more likely to be older (>65 years), females, BMI >40, and increased medical comorbidities. Preoperative hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and abnormal estimated glomerular filtration rates were independent risk factors for sustaining a periprosthetic fracture and readmission within 30 days. Modifiable patient-related factors of concurrent smoking and chronic steroid use at the time of index THA were also independent risk factors for periprosthetic fractures. Inpatient metrics of longer length of stay, operative time, and discharge to rehab predicted postarthroplasty fracture risk. Readmitted fracture patients subsequently had increased risks of developing a surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, and requiring blood transfusions. ConclusionsPatients with hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and abnormal estimated glomerular filtration rate are at increased risk for sustaining periprosthetic fractures after THA. Preoperative optimization with close monitoring of metabolic markers and modifiable risk factors may help not only prevent acute periprosthetic fractures but also associated infection and bleeding risk with fracture readmission.