Marcadores humorales y estudio ultrasonográfico en pacientes diabéticos con enfermedad hepática por acumulación de grasa / Humoral markers and ultrasonographic study in diabetic patients with liver disease due to fat accumulation

Introducción: La enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica se caracteriza por: una acumulación de grasa en el hígado en forma de triacilglicéridos, ausencia de inflamación, fibrosis y un consumo de menos de 30 grados de alcohol al día. Esta afección se asocia a la diabetes mellitus (sobre todo tipo 2), y se observa un creciente aumento en el número de consultas hospitalarias por esta causa. Objetivo: Determinar la relación de los marcadores humorales y el estudio ultrasonográfico en pacientes diabéticos con enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva y transversal en la Consulta Provincial de Hepatología del Hospital Universitario Clínico-Quirúrgico «Arnaldo Milián Castro», en el período de marzo 2019 a diciembre 2020. El universo de estudio estuvo conformado por 89 pacientes (con edades mayores o iguales a 19 años, de ambos sexos); la muestra estuvo constituida por 66 pacientes que fueron seleccionados por muestreo no probabilístico. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes con edades entre 40 y 59 años, masculinos, de piel blanca, y procedencia urbana. El grado de esteatosis predominante fue el grado 1 (leve). Los marcadores humorales (glicemia, gamma glutamil transpeptidasa, albúmina e índice de Ritis) fueron los más afectados patológicamente. Conclusiones: Los estudios ultrasonográficos mostraron una asociación estadísticamente significativa con alteración de los marcadores humorales de lesión hepática, lo cual puede alertar de una posible evolución desfavorable de esta enfermedad.

Introduction: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by an accumulation of fat in the liver in the form of triacylglycerides, absence of inflammation, fibrosis and a consumption of less than 30 degrees of alcohol per day. This condition is associated with diabetes mellitus (especially type 2), and there is a growing increase in the number of hospital visits for this cause. Objective: to determine the relationship between humoral markers and ultrasonographic study in diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional investigation was carried out in the provincial hepatology consultation at "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical and Surgical University Hospital from March 2019 to December 2020. The study universe consisted of 89 patients (older than or equal to 19 years, of both genders); the sample consisted of 66 patients who were selected by non-probabilistic sampling. Results: white male patients aged between 40 and 59 years living in urban areas predominated. The predominant degree of steatosis was grade 1 (mild). Humoral markers (glycemia, gamma- glutamyl transpeptidase, albumin and De Ritis ratio) were the most pathologically affected. Conclusions: ultrasonographic studies showed a statistically significant association with changes in humoral markers of liver injury, which may alert to a possible unfavorable evolution of this disease.

Effect of controlled loss of 350 ml blood from human body on electrolytes and albumin levels – An observational study done in whole blood donors at a regional blood centre

Background: Researchers have studied the hemodynamic effect of hemorrhage widely but the biochemical alternations after blood loss are less explored. Knowledge about changes in electrolyte values after blood donation may help in assessing the effect on large quantity donations or massive hemorrhage. It may also be beneficial in donor counseling and reassurance. Aims and Objectives: Primary objective of the study was to quantify changes in plasma sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and albumin before and after blood donation. Materials and Methods: Predonation electrolyte and albumin levels were tested in all study subjects as baseline and repeated after 45 min of completed blood donation. Both values were compared with paired t test in SPSS version 17. Results: After 45 min of donating 350 ml whole blood, no significant changes were observed in sodium and potassium levels. Reduction in calcium, magnesium, and albumin was 0.188 mg/dL, 0.0328 mg/dl, and 0.193 g/dl, respectively, which were statistically significant. About 15% of the blood donors were already deficient in magnesium. Conclusions: Calcium, magnesium, and albumin levels were reduced after blood donation but well maintained within the normal level and most of the donors had normal predonation levels. Hence, in large volume or repeated plasma donation and massive blood loss, baseline evaluation, and monitoring of these parameters may be worthwhile.

A Relação entre a Relação Ácido Úrico/Albumina e a Espessura Média-Intimal da Carótida em Pacientes com Hipertensão / The Relationship between Uric Acid/Albumin Ratio and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Hypertension

Resumo Fundamento A hipertensão causa inflamação subendotelial e disfunção na aterosclerose resultante. A espessura média-intimal da carótida (EMIC) é um marcador útil de disfunção endotelial e aterosclerose. A razão ácido úrico/albumina (RUA) emergiu como um novo marcador para prever eventos cardiovasculares. Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi investigar a associação da RUA com a EIMC em pacientes hipertensos. Método Duzentos e dezesseis pacientes hipertensos consecutivos foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a ultrassonografia de carótida para classificar baixos (EMIC < 0,9 mm) e altos (EMIC≥0,9 mm) grupos de EMIC. A capacidade preditiva da RUA para EMIC alta foi comparada com o índice de inflamação imune sistêmica (IIS), razão neutrófilo/linfócito (RNL), razão plaqueta/linfócito (RPL) e razão proteína C reativa/albumina (RCA). Um valor de p bilateral <0,05 foi aceito como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Os pacientes com EMIC alta eram mais velhos e tinham maior RUA, IIS, RNL e RCA do que baixo EMIC. Idade, RUA, IIS, RNL e RCA, mas não RPL, foram associados a EMIC alta. Na análise multivariada, idade, PCR, IIS e RUA foram preditores independentes de EMIC alta. A capacidade de discriminação de RUA foi maior do que ácido úrico, albumina, IIS, RNL e RCA, e RUA teve um ajuste de modelo maior do que essas variáveis. RUA teve maior melhoria aditiva na detecção de EMIC alta do que outras variáveis, conforme avaliado com melhoria de reclassificação líquida, MDI e estatísticas C. RUA também foi significativamente correlacionada com EMIC. Conclusão RUA pode ser usado para prever EMIC alta e pode ser útil para estratificação de risco em pacientes hipertensos.

Abstract Background Hypertension causes subendothelial inflammation and dysfunction in resulting atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a useful marker of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR) has emerged as a novel marker for predicting cardiovascular events. Objective We aimed to investigate the association of UAR with CIMT in hypertensive patients. Methods Two hundred sixteen consecutive hypertensive patients were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent carotid ultrasonography to classify low (CIMT < 0.9 mm) and high (CIMT ≥ 0.9 mm) CIMT groups. The predictive ability of UAR for high CIMT was compared with systemic immune inflammation index (SII), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR). A two-sided p-value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results Patients with high CIMT were older and had higher UAR, SII, NLR, and CAR than low CIMT. Age, UAR, SII, NLR, and CAR, but not PLR, were associated with high CIMT. In multivariable analysis, age, CRP, SII, and UAR were independent predictors of high CIMT. The discrimination ability of UAR was higher than uric acid, albumin, SII, NLR, and CAR, and UAR had a higher model fit than those variables. UAR had higher additive improvement in detecting high CIMT than other variables, as assessed with net-reclassification improvement, IDI, and C-statistics. UAR was also significantly correlated with CIMT. Conclusion UAR might be used to predict high CIMT and might be useful for risk stratification in hypertensive patients.

Clinical significance of sarcopenia in patients undergoing treatment for gastric cancer

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sarcopenia on prognosis in patients with gastric cancer in order to explore the relationship between sarcopenia and postoperative complications as well as durations of hospital stay and intensive care unit. METHODS: A total of 175 patients who visited the oncology clinic between 2017 and 2022 with respect to their radiological images, demographic data, and laboratory parameters were perused. The OsiriX software was used to measure the skeletal muscle area that was divided by the body height in order to obtain the skeletal muscle index. RESULTS: A total of 50.28% of 175 patients (41 females and 134 males, with a mean age of 63.5 years) who met the inclusion criteria in the study were sarcopenic. Significant differences appeared between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients with respect to durations of both hospital stay (p<0.01) and intensive care unit stay (p<0.01) (multivariate analysis). Furthermore, patients with sarcopenia had significantly frequent postoperative complications in comparison with those without sarcopenia. Among the patients with sarcopenia, decreased levels of hemoglobin and albumin as well as lymphocytes were encountered in terms of inflammatory markers; nevertheless, no significant differences were determined among other inflammatory markers. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing treatment for gastric cancer, sarcopenia increases postoperative complications and prolongs hospital and intensive care stays during the treatment process.

Uso de albúmina a largo plazo en el paciente cirrótico. Revisión sistemática / Long-term use of albumin in the cirrhotic patient. Systematic review

Introducción. La cirrosis constituye la etapa final de la enfermedad hepática crónica, con una alta mortalidad, y puede deberse a diferentes etiologías. La albúmina tiene tres indicaciones bien establecidas: la prevención de la disfunción circulatoria inducida por paracentesis, la peritonitis bacteriana espontánea y el síndrome hepatorrenal, sin embargo, su uso a largo plazo es controvertido. El objetivo de esta revisión fue identificar si el uso prolongado de la albúmina tiene efectos beneficiosos en el tratamiento de pacientes cirróticos. Metodología. Se realizaron búsquedas en la base de datos de PubMed, empleando los siguientes términos: ("Liver Cirrhosis"[Mesh]) AND ("Serum Albumin"[Mesh] OR "Serum Albumin, Human"[Mesh]). Se excluyeron los artículos que no cumplieron con la temática y aquellos que tenían más de 5 años de antigüedad, a excepción de aquellos relevantes para la revisión. Resultados. Se ha demos-trado en varios estudios realizados en los últimos 4 años, que la administración prolongada de albúmina reduce la mortalidad en el paciente cirrótico. Además, resulta en una disminución en ingresos hospitalarios por complicaciones de la cirrosis, disminución de la necesidad de para-centesis y menor uso de albúmina para otras indicaciones ya establecidas, lo que contrarresta los costos derivados de la terapia. Conclusión. Se concluye con base en la evidencia presenta-da, que el uso de albúmina a largo plazo podría resultar beneficioso en pacientes con cirrosis hepática descompensada. No obstante, es necesario abordar otros aspectos de la terapia en estudios posteriores

Introduction. Cirrhosis is the final stage of chronic liver disease, has a high mortality and can be due to different etiologies. Albumin has three well-established indications: prevention of circulatorydysfunction induced by paracentesis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome, however, its long-term use is controversial. The objective of this review was to identify if the prolonged use of albumin has beneficial effects in the treatment of cirrhotic patients. Methodology. PubMed database was searched using the following terms: ("Liver Cirrhosis"[Mesh]) AND ("Serum Albumin"[Mesh] OR "Serum Albumin, Human"[Mesh]). Articles that did not meet the topic and those that were more than 5 years old were excluded, except for those relevant to the review. Results.It has been shown in several studies within the previous 4 years, that prolonged administration of albumin reduces mortality in cirrhotic patients. In addition, it results in a decrease in hospital ad-missions due to complications of cirrhosis, a decrease in the need for paracentesis and less use of albumin for other established indications, which offsets the costs derived from therapy. Conclusion. It is concluded based on the evidence presented, that the long-term use of albumin could be beneficial in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. However, other aspects of the therapy need to be addressed in further studies

Plasma Calcium Level and C-Reactive Protein Albumin Ratio Affect Severe Bleeding After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine whether plasma calcium level and C-reactive protein albumin ratio (CAR) as well as other demographic and hematological markers are related in predicting severe bleeding after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: A total of 227 adult patients who underwent CABG at our hospital between December 2021 and June 2022 were prospectively studied. Total amount of chest tube drainage was evaluated within the first 24 hours postoperatively or until the patient was re-explored for bleeding. The patients were divided into two groups - Group 1, patients with low amount of bleeding (n=174), and Group 2, patients with severe bleeding (n=53). Univariate and multivariate regression analyzes were performed to determine independent parameters related to severe bleeding within the first 24 hours after surgery. Results: When the groups were compared in terms of demographic, clinical, and preoperative blood parameters; cardiopulmonary bypass time and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were found to be significantly higher in Group 2 compared to the low bleeding group. In addition, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, calcium, albumin, and CAR were found to be significantly lower in Group 2. In multivariate analysis, calcium, albumin, CRP, and CAR were found to be independent predictors of significant association with excessive bleeding. A cut-off value of 8.7 (94.3% sensitivity and 94.8% specificity) for calcium and 0.155 (75.4% sensitivity and 80.4% specificity) for CAR predicted excessive bleeding. Conclusion: Plasma calcium level, CRP, albumin, and CAR can be used to predict severe bleeding after CABG.

Albumin-Bilirubin Score: A Novel Mortality Predictor in Valvular Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: The heart and liver are two organs that are closely related. The Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) score is a developed scoring system for assessing liver function. The aims of this study were to examine the correlation between preoperative ALBI score and pulmonary artery pressure and to investigate its ability to predict heart valve surgery mortality outcomes. Methods: The data of 872 patients who underwent isolated and combined heart valve surgery from 2014 to 2021 were retrospectively screened. In the preoperative period, 152 patients with laboratory tests including albumin and total bilirubin were found and analyzed retrospectively. Thirteen of these patients were excluded from the study. The remaining 139 patients were included in the analysis. Baseline demographic data, echocardiography data, performance status, laboratory data, operative data, and postoperative status were collected. The optimal cutoff value of preoperative ALBI score was calculated. Results: The cutoff for ALBI scores was calculated as -2.44 to predict in-hospital mortality (sensitivity = 75.0%, specificity = 70%). Based on the cutoff value, 90 patients had a low ALBI score (≤ -2.44, 64.7%) and 49 patients had a high ALBI score (> -2.44, 35.3%). High ALBI score was associated with an increased incidence of acute kidney injury and in-hospital mortality, and a positive correlation was found between ALBI score and pulmonary artery pressure. Conclusion: In patients with valvular surgery, high ALBI score was an independent prognostic factor of in-hospital mortality and acute kidney injury. It is easily measurable and a cost-effective way to predict mortality.

Determining the relationship between serum acute phase reactants and cervical premalignant lesions: a cohort study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Acute phase reactants play a role in the progression and prognosis of many malignant and premalignant tumors. This study investigated the diagnostic value of certain reactants as markers for cervical premalignant lesions. OBJECTIVES: Despite advanced screening and vaccination programs, cervical cancer remains a serious health problem worldwide. We aimed to determine the possible relationship between premalignant cervical disease and serum acute phase reactant levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: This study included 124 volunteers who underwent cervical cancer screening. We divided the patients into three groups according to cervical cytology and histopathological findings as follows: no cervical lesion, low-grade neoplasia, or high-grade neoplasia. METHODS: We included women aged 25-65 years with benign smear or colposcopy results, low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The benign group was based only on cytology findings, whereas the other groups were based on histopathology findings. Demographic data and serum albumin, fibrinogen, ferritin, and procalcitonin levels were evaluated in the three groups. RESULTS: We found significant differences among the three groups in terms of age, albumin level, albumin/fibrinogen ratio, and procalcitonin level. The regression analysis revealed lower serum albumin levels in the low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion groups compared with the benign group. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the importance of serum inflammatory markers in cervical intraepithelial lesions. Our results indicate that serum albumin level, albumin/fibrinogen ratio, procalcitonin level, and neutrophil values differ among cervical intraepithelial lesions.

Values of CD64 index and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in predicting infection after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the value of CD64 index and C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (Alb) ratio (CRP/Alb) in predicting infection after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.Methods:The clinical data of 203 breast cancer patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy from January 2018 to August 2021 in Anhui No.2 Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All cases were divided into infection group (40 cases) and non-infection group (163 cases) according to whether they were infected at the 1st month after operation. On the 1st day after operation, the serum CD64 index was measured by using flow cytometry, the serum CRP and Alb levels were measured by using immunoturbidimetry, and the CRP/Alb was calculated. The values of CD64 index and CRP/Alb in the diagnosis of infection after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer were evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The factors influencing infection after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer were explored by using multivariate logistic regression.Results:The levels of CD64 index, CRP, CRP/Alb in the infection group were higher than those in the non-infection group [5.7±1.1 vs. 1.5±0.3, t = 32.05, P < 0.001; (78±13) mg/L vs. (11±3) mg/L, t = 39.26, P <0.001; 3.09±0.42 vs. 0.36±0.02, t = 57.48, P < 0.001], and the level of Alb in the infection group was lower than that in the non-infection group [(25±3) g/L vs. (32±4) g/L, t = 8.37, P < 0.001]. There were statistically significant differences in the catheterization time, CD64 index and CRP/Alb between the infection group and non-infection group (all P < 0.05); multivariate logistic regression showed that catheterization time >9 d, CD64 index >42.65 and CRP/Alb >1.25 were risk influencing factors of infection after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer (all P < 0.001). The ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of CD64 index in the diagnosis of infection after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer were 0.804, 89.5% and 85.4%, the CRP were 0.712, 70.6% and 76.5%, the Alb were 0.766, 72.4% and 75.4%, and the CRP/Alb ratio were 0.856, 88.0% and 90.5%. Conclusions:The CD64 index and CRP/Alb have certain values in the prediction of infection after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.

Relationship between preoperative serum albumin concentrations and postoperative delirium in patients undergoing total knee/hip arthroplasty / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between preoperative serum albumin concentrations and postoperative delirium (POD) in the patients undergoing total knee/hip arthroplasty.Methods:Five hundred patients of both sexes, aged 50-90 yr, with body mass index of 50-80 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, undergoing elective total knee or hip replacement under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in our hospital from December 2021 to December 2022, were selected. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected after successful subarachnoid puncture for determination of amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42), total tau protein (T-tau) and phosphorylated tau protein (P-tau) concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Confusion Assessment Method and Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale were used to evaluate the occurrence and severity of POD at 1-7 days after surgery (or before discharge), and the patients were divided into POD group and non-POD group (NPOD group). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for POD. The accuracy of plasma albumin concentration and CSF biomarker concentration in predicting POD was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the mediating effect of CSF biomarker was analyzed.Results:A total of 343 patients were finally enrolled in the study, and the incidence of POD was 23.3%. There were statistically significant differences in age, preoperative plasma albumin concentration and Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale score in POD group as compared with NPOD group ( P<0.05). Before and after adjusting for confounding factors, decreased plasma albumin and increased concentrations of P-tau and T-tau in CSF before operation were the risk factors for POD, and increased concentrations of Aβ42, Aβ42/P-tau and Aβ42/T-tau ratio in CSF were protective factors for POD. The area under the ROC curve of preoperative plasma albumin concentrations in predicting POD was 0.668, and the area under the ROC curve of preoperative plasma albumin concentrations combined with CSF biomarker concentrations in predicting POD was 0.810 ( P<0.05). The direct effect of plasma albumin on POD was -0.009 869 2, the total effect was 0.029 443 7, and the mediating effect of P-tau accounted for 33.53% of the total effect. Conclusions:Decreased preoperative plasma albumin concentration is a risk factor for POD, and P-Tau in CSF serves as a key mediator in the relationship between serum albumin concentrations and postoperative delirium in the patients undergoing total knee/hip arthroplasty.

Clinical characteristics of liver function injury in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To investigate the incidence of liver injury in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to explore its impact on the condition and prognosis of patients.Methods:The medical records of 67 patients with COVID-19 who presented with pneumonia hospitalized at Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from February 11 to March 28, 2020 were collected. The results of liver biochemistry and coagulation function test at admission were analyzed. Data were compared by chi-square test, analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results:Among 67 patients, total bilirubin increased in seven (10.4%) patients, which was slightly abnormal, albumin decreased in 36(53.7%) cases, and was below 30 g/L in 15(22.4%) cases, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were elevated in 19(28.4%) and 12(17.9%) cases, respectively. A total of 22(32.8%) cases had elevated ALT and (or) AST. The incidences with elevated ALT and (or) AST in moderate and severe patients were 33.3%(10/30) and 26.9%(7/26), respectively. Five of 11 critical patients had elevated ALT and (or) AST. There was no significant difference among the three groups ( χ2=1.21, P=0.546). Abnormal alkaline phosphatase and (or) γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were observed in 11(16.4%) cases. The prolongation of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) occurred in 10(14.9%) and 17(25.4%) patients, respectively, while most of them were slightly abnormal. Only one patient presented with prolongation of PT and APTT meeting the standard of liver failure. A total of 61.2%(41/67) and 65.7%(44/67) of cases showed increase of fibrinogen and D-dimer, respectively, and 28.4%(19/67) and 19.4%(13/67), respectively increased to an obvious extent. The albumin levels in moderate, severe and critical patients were (37.85±6.19) g/L, (32.96±4.33) g/L and (33.02±3.63) g/L, respectively, which were significantly different ( F=7.36, P=0.001). There were significant differences in PT, APTT, fibrinogen and D-dimer among the three groups ( F=3.22, 3.31, 4.06 and H=17.63, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions:COVID-19 only leads to mild liver injury and has only mild impact on liver function. The decrease of albumin level and the increase of fibrinogen and D-dimer may be early predicting indexes for the disease severity.

Relación entre parasitosis intestinal y parámetros bioquímicos y hematológicos en niños de la comunidad Las Trincheras, Venezuela

Objetivo Relacionar la parasitosis intestinal con los parámetros bioquímicos y hematológicos en niños de la comunidad de Las Trincheras. Métodos Se trató de un estudio de tipo descriptivo-correlacional y diseño de campo, transversal, comparativo en 31 niños seleccionados de forma intencional. Se realizó análisis coproparasitológico directo con solución salina, lugol y Kato. Las proteínas totales y albúmina se determinaron por método colorimétrico. Los parámetros hematológicos fueron evaluados por método manual y el grado de eosinofilia se calculó con base en el valor absoluto de eosinófilos. Resultados El 79,5% (31/39) de los niños estudiados presentaron una o más especies de parásitos con predominio de Blastocystis spp. y Endolimax nana en un 74,2%. Ambos sexos fueron afectados por igual (p>0,05) y mostraron un estado nutricional normal en relación con el IMC/E, principalmente en el grupo de edad de 7 a 10 años. Los valores de proteínas totales, albúmina, hemoglobina, hematocrito y leucocitos fueron normales en la mayoría de los niños. La neutrofilia y linfopenia fue una condición observada en el 45,2% de los poliparasitados mientras que la eosinofilia leve (19,4%) fue mucho más frecuente en los niños monoparasitados. Conclusiones En la muestra de estudio no existe asociación estadísticamente significativa entre los parámetros hematológicos, bioquímicos y la presencia de parasitosis intestinal, no obstante, las variaciones hematológicas, principalmente neutrofilia, linfopenia y eosinofilia leve presentes en los niños poliparasitados por geohelmintos, son un factor asociado a la helmintiasis intestinal y podrían indicar hábitos de fecalismo dentro de la comunidad.

Objective To relate intestinal parasitosis with biochemical and hematological parameters in children from Las Trincheras community. Methods This was a descriptive-correlational study and cross-sectional, comparative field design in 31 children intentionally selected. Direct coproparasitological analysis was performed with saline, lugol and Kato. Total proteins and albumin were determined by colorimetric method. Hematological parameters were evaluated by manual method and the degree of eosinophilia was calculated based on the absolute value of eosinophils. Results 79.5% (31/39) of the children studied presented one or more species of parasites with a predominance of Blastocystis spp. and Endolimax nana in 74.2%. Both sexes were affected equally (p>0.05) and showed a normal nutritional estatus in relation to BMI/A, mainly in the age group of 7 to 10 years. Total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, hematocrit and leukocyte values were normal in most children. Neutrophilia and lymphopenia were an observed condition in 45.2% of polyparasitic, while mild eosinophilia (19.4%) was much more frequent in monoparasitic children. Conclusions In the study sample there is not statistically significant association between hematological and biochemical parameters and the presence of intestinal parasitosis, despite the hematological variations, mainly neutrophilia, lymphopenia, and mild eosinophilia present in children who are polyparasitic by geohelminths, are a factor associated with intestinal helminthiasis and could indicate fecal habits within the community.

Comparison of C-reactive protein and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio in predicting mortality among geriatric coronavirus disease 2019 patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare C-reactive protein and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio performances in predicting mortality of geriatric patients who visited the emergency department. METHODS: The data of patients with COVID-19 and aged 65 years and above, who visited emergency department during the study period, were retrospectively analyzed. The data were obtained from an electronic-based hospital information system. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve were used to assess each cutoff value discriminatory for predicting mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of the population included in this study was 76 (71-82) years, while 52.7% were males. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values for C-reactive protein in terms of mortality were calculated as 71.01, 52.34, and 0.635%, respectively, while the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values for C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio were calculated as 75.74, 47.66, and 0.645%, respectively (p<0.001). In the pairwise comparison for the receiver operating characteristic curves of C-reactive protein and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, no statistically significant difference was found. CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric patients are the "most vulnerable" patient group against the COVID-19. In this study, both C-reactive protein and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio were found to be successful in predicting mortality for geriatric COVID-19 patients.

Low serum levels of vitamin D significantly increase the risk of death in older adults with hip fractures: a prospective cohort / Baixos níveis séricos de vitamina D aumentam significativamente o risco de morte em idosos com fraturas de quadril: coorte prospectiva

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the relationship between 25(OH)D3 levels and fatal outcome in patients over 60 years of age undergoing surgical repair of hip fractures. Methods: prospective cohort of patients undergoing surgical repair of hip fractures. At admission, 25(OH)D3 levels were measured, among other parameters. Patients were followed for at least 1 year, and incident mortality was recorded. Results: 209 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 79.5 ± 7.6 years among survivors and 80.7 ± 8.2 years among those who died in the first postoperative year (p=0.346). The 25(OH)D3 levels of survivors were significantly higher than those of patients who died (p=0.003). After adjusting for confounding variables, 25(OH)D3 levels below 12.5ng/mL were significant risk factors regardless of mortality (adjusted OR: 7.6; 95% CI: 2.35 to 24.56). Conclusions: our data show that serum 25(OH)D3 levels below 12.5ng/mL significantly and independently increased the risk of mortality in the first year after surgical repair of low-energy hip fracture in patients over 60 years of age in the geographic region where this study was conducted. Low albumin also showed a significant association with mortality in these patients. All other factors had no significant associations.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a relação entre os níveis de 25(OH)D3 e o desfecho fatal em pacientes acima de 60 anos submetidos a correção cirúrgica de fratura de quadril. Métodos: coorte prospectiva de pacientes submetidos a correção cirúrgica de fraturas de quadril. À admissão, foram medidos os níveis de 25(OH)D3, entre outros parâmetros. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por, pelo menos, um ano e a mortalidade foi registrada. Resultados: foram incluídos 209 pacientes no estudo, com média de idade de 79,5 ± 7,6 anos entre os sobreviventes e 80,7 ± 8,2 anos entre os que morreram no primeiro ano de pós-operatório (p=0,346). Os níveis de 25(OH)D3 dos sobreviventes foram significativamente maiores do que os dos pacientes que morreram (p=0,003). Após o ajuste para variáveis de confusão, níveis de 25(OH)D3 abaixo de 12,5ng/mL foram fator de risco significativo, independentemente da mortalidade (OR ajustado 7,6; IC 95% 2,35 24,56). Conclusões: níveis séricos de 25(OH)D3 abaixo de 12,5ng/mL aumentaram significativa e independentemente o risco de morte no primeiro ano após o reparo cirúrgico de fratura de quadril de baixa energia em pacientes com mais de 60 anos de idade na região geográfica onde este estudo foi realizado. A albumina baixa também teve associação significativa com a mortalidade nesses pacientes. Todos os outros fatores não tiveram associações significativas.

Sarcopenia y albúmina sanguínea: revisión sistemática con metaanálisis / Sarcopenia and blood albumin: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Resumen La sarcopenia se caracteriza por la pérdida de musculatura durante el envejecimiento, lo que puede traer consecuencias para la salud. Se detecta de diversas formas, una de ellas, el uso de biomarcadores sanguíneos como la albúmina, aunque todavía no se ha establecido dicha asociación de forma definitiva. Esta revisión sistemática y metaanálisis resume el conocimiento sobre la asociación entre sarcopenia y albúmina sérica en los adultos mayores, centrada en la etiología y los factores de riesgo. La revisión se hizo utilizando el programa del Joanna Briggs Institute y la búsqueda incluyó las bases de datos Medline, Embase, CINAHL, y LILACS; la búsqueda manual estuvo a cargo de dos revisores de forma independiente. Para el metaanálisis, se utilizó el programa EpiDat, versión 3.1; las diferencias de medias en los puntajes de albúmina desagregados por sarcopenia se analizaron mediante el modelo de efectos aleatorios. El grado de heterogeneidad se evaluó con la prueba Q de DerSimonian y Laird. Se analizaron 630 artículos, de los cuales 14 se incluyeron en la revisión. En el metaanálisis, se evidenciaron mayores cantidades de albúmina sanguínea en los adultos mayores que no presentaron sarcopenia frente a los que sí, una diferencia con significación estadística. Aunque hay estudios en los que se explora la asociación entre albúmina y sarcopenia, persiste la necesidad de evaluar la asociación entre los marcadores biológicos, comparándolos entre sí para determinar cuáles pueden utilizarse en la detección de sarcopenia en el adulto mayor.

Abstract Sarcopenia is characterized by loss of muscle mass during aging, which can have consequences for the individuals' health. There are many ways to detect it, among them, with the use of blood biomarkers such as albumin, although the association between the two has not been confirmed yet. This review synthesizes the knowledge on the association between sarcopenia and serum albumin among elderly individuals through a systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the etiology and risk factors. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute software for the review and conducted a search in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and LILACS databases while two reviewers conducted an independent manual search. EpiDat, version 3.1 was used for the meta-analysis; mean differences with the albumin scores disaggregated by sarcopenia were analyzed by the random-effects model. The degree of heterogeneity was assessed with the DerSimonian and Laird Q test. We analyzed 630 articles and finally included 14 in the review. Higher blood albumin levels were found in the meta-analysis, which was statistically significant among the elderly adults who did not present sarcopenia compared to those who did. Although there are studies exploring the association between albumin and sarcopenia, there is a need to continue evaluating its association with biological markers and comparing them to verify which can be used to detect sarcopenia among the elderly.

A Associação da Relação Proteína C-Reativa/Albumina em Pacientes com Ectasia da Artéria Coronária Isolada / Association of C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio in Patients with Isolated Coronary Artery Ectasia

Resumo Fundamento A ectasia da artéria coronária (EAC) é definida como a dilatação difusa ou localizada do lúmen da artéria coronária com diâmetro de 1,5 a 2,0 vezes o diâmetro da artéria coronária normal adjacente. A relação proteína C-reativa/albumina (CAR, sigla em inglês) é um marcador inflamatório útil que tem sido documentado em doença arterial coronariana. Objetivo Analisar a associação entre a EAC e a CAR. Métodos Um protocolo caso-controle foi utilizado neste estudo. Foram incluídos 102 pacientesconsecutivos com EAC isolada sem estenose (56 homens e 46 mulheres; idade média de 60,4 ± 8,8 anos). O grupo controle era constituido pelo mesmo número de pacientes pareados por sexo e idade com artérias coronárias normais (55 homens e 47 mulheres; idade média de 61,2 ± 9,1 anos). Características clínicas, achados laboratoriais e histórico de uso de medicamentos foram registrados. Foram realizados teste t de Student, teste U de Mann-Whitney, teste do qui-quadrado, análise de regressão linear e logística. Foi considerado estatisticamente significativo p bilateral < 0,05. Resultados A CAR estava aumentada nos pacientes com EAC em comparação com os controles (32 e 16; p < 0,001). Além disso, foi verificado que a CAR era um preditor independente da EAC (razão de chances = 2,202; intervalo de confiança 95%, 1,184 - 5,365; p < 0,001). Conclusão No presente estudo, determinamos que os níveis da CAR estavam significativamente mais altos no grupo EAC que no grupo controle e a CAR estava significativamente correlacionada com a EAC. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as diffuse or localized dilatation of coronary artery lumen with a diameter of 1.5 to 2.0 times the adjacent normal coronary artery. The C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) is a useful inflammatory marker, which has been documented in coronary artery disease. Objective To analyze the association of CAE and CAR. Methods A case-control protocol was used in this study. We included 102 consecutive patients with isolated CAE without stenosis (56 men and 46 women; mean age 60.4 ± 8.8 years). The control subjects consisted of an equal number of sex and age matched patients with normal coronary arteries (55 men and 47 women; mean age 61.2 ± 9.1 years). Clinical features, laboratory findings, and medication use history were recorded. Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and linear and logistic regression analysis were performed. A 2-sided p < 0.05 was statistically considered significant. Results The CAR was increased in patients with CAE compared to the controls (32 and 16; p < 0.001). In addition, the CAR was found to be an independent predictor of CAE (OR = 2.202; 95% CI 1.184 - 5.365; p < 0.001). Conclusion In the present study, we determined that CAR levels were significantly higher in the CAE group than in the control group, and the CAR was significantly correlated with CAE. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Relationship between preoperative cerebrospinal fluid/serum albumin ratio and postoperative delirium in patients undergoing neuraxial anesthesia / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between preoperative cerebrospinal fluid/serum albumin ratio (Q-alb) and postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing neuraxial anesthesia.Methods:The patients, aged 40-90 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, underwent total knee/hip replacement under combined spinal-epidural block in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020, were collected.After admission to the operating room, venous blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected for determination of cerebrospinal fluid albumin, β-amyloid (Aβ) 1-42, Aβ 1-40, total tau protein (t-Tau), phosphorylated tau protein (p-Tau) and serum albumin levels (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and for calculation of Q-alb.When Q-alb was more than 10.2, the patient was considered to have blood-brain barrier disruption.Mini-Mental State Examination scale was used to evaluate the cognitive level on 1 day before surgery. The development of POD was evaluated using Confusion Assessment Method Chinese Reversion and Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale at 1-7 days after surgery.The patients were divided into POD group (P group) and non-POD (NP group) according to whether POD occurred.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the accuracy of Q-alb in predicting POD. Results:There were 49 cases in each group.Compared with group NP, concentrations of Aβ 1-42 and Aβ 1-40 were significantly decreased, concentrations of t-Tau and p-Tau albumin were increased, the ratio of Q-alb and blood-brain barrier disruption was increased in group P ( P<0.05). Before and after adjusting for confounding factors, Q-alb, cerebrospinal fluid Aβ 1-42, Aβ 1-40, t-Tau and p-Tau levels were risk factors for POD ( P<0.05). There was a positive linear regression relationship between Q-alb and levels of t-Tau and p-Tauin cerebrospinal fluid (t-Tau: β=0.587, P<0.001; p-Tau: β=0.427, P<0.001), and there was a negative linear regression relationship between Q-alb and levels of Aβ 1-42 and Aβ 1-40 in cerebrospinal fluid (Aβ 1-42: β=-0.762, P<0.001; Aβ 1-40: β=-0.531, P<0.001). There was no linear regression relationship between Q-alb and level of p-Tau in group P ( P=0.121). There was no linear regression relationship between Q-alb and level of Aβ 1-40 in group NP ( P=0.467). The results of ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for Q-alb in predicting POD (95% confidence interval) was 0.827 (0.738-0.896). Conclusion:Preoperative higher Q-alb is the risk factor for POD in patients undergoing neuraxial anesthesia, and is more accurate in predicting POD.

Clinical value of serum albumin in the evaluation of left atrial thrombosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum albumin(SA)levels and left atrial thrombosis(LAT)in elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF), and to evaluate the clinical value of SA in predicting LAT in elderly NVAF patients.Methods:Clinical data of 180 elderly patients with NVAF undergone transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether there was thrombosis in the left atrium, patients were divided into the thrombus group(n=42)and the non-thrombus group(n=138). Logistic regression was used to analyze factors related to left atrial appendage thrombosis in NVAF patients.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the value of serum albumin levels in predicting LAT formation in elderly NVAF patients.Results:The duration of AF was longer in the thrombus group than in the non-thrombus group(all P<0.05). C-reactive protein(CRP)levels and platelet(PLT)counts were higher, and SA levels and the international normalization ratio(INR)were lower in the thrombus group than in the non-thrombus group(all P<0.05). The left atrial diameter(LAD)was larger in the thrombus group than in the non-thrombus group( P<0.05). Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that the duration of AF and CRP levels were independent risk factors for LAT( P<0.05), and SA levels and INR were independent protective factors for LAT( P<0.05). ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of SA in predicting LAT was 0.778(95% CI: 0.711-0.837, P<0.001). Conclusions:Low serum albumin levels are closely related to LAT in NVAF patients and can be regarded as a predictor of LAT.Serum albumin levels should be monitored in clinical practice to reduce the incidence of stroke events in patients with AF.

Meta-analysis of correlation between serum albumin content and prognosis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To systematically evaluate the effect of serum albumin content on the prognosis of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods:PubMed, Embase, Cohrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China Journals Full-text Database (CJFD), VIP database and Wanfang Database were used for retrieval from inception to November 10, 2020. Through retrieving Chinese and English literatures, relevant studies on serum albumin content in different types of TBI patients and in severe TBI patients with different prognostic results were included. The difference of serum albumin content in patinets with severe TBI with healthy people and patients with mild illness TBI, and the difference in serum albumin content between patients with good and poor prognosis of severe TBI were observed. At the same time, the differences in serum albumin content between subgroups were evaluated by subgroup analysis of the authors' country, literature quality and severity of the control group according to characteristics that might cause heterogeneity.Results:A total of 9 articles were included in this study, including 1, 438 study subjects. The serum albumin content in patients with severe TBI was significantly lower than that in healthy individuals and patients with mild TBI ( WMD=-6.42, 95% CI -9.95--2.80, Z=3.82, P<0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that serum albumin content in patients with severe TBI was significantly lower than that in healthy people ( WMD=-8.77, 95% CI-10.28--7.25, Z=11.37, P<0.01). Serum albumin content in patients with severe TBI was significantly lower than that in patients with mild TBI ( WMD=-4.07, 95% CI -9.53 -1.39, Z=1.46, P<0.05), suggesting that mild TBI patients are the main source of heterogeneity. The serum albumin content in patients with poor prognosis of severe TBI was significantly lower than that in patients with good prognosis of severe TBI ( WMD=-4.48, 95% CI-7.39--1.58, Z=3.02, P<0.01). Conclusion:Serum albumin content in patients with severe TBI is significantly lower than that in healthy individuals as well as in patients with mild TBI, and low albumin content indicates a poor prognosis in patients with severe TBI.