Hipoalbuminemia y riesgo de muerte en pacientes críticos en una unidad polivalente

Introducción: La hipoalbuminemia se puede desarrollar en las primeras horas posteriores a una enfermedad aguda y está muy relacionada con un estado inflamatorio activo, independientemente del estado nutricional del paciente. Se ha asociado con la mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con complicaciones postquirúrgicas, pacientes con sepsis y trauma. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre los niveles de hipoalbuminemia y el riesgo de mortalidad del paciente crítico en una unidad polivalente. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, de serie de casos, con 216 pacientes que ingresaron en la unidad. Se analizaron variables demográficas, clínicas, de laboratorio y se aplicó el índice pronóstico APACHE II. Se determinó la concentración de albúmina al ingreso y se clasificó la hipoalbuminemia en leve (30-35 g/L) y moderada/grave (≤ 30 g/L). Resultados: En el estudio fallecieron 28 pacientes, lo que representó un 13 % del total de pacientes ingresados. La albúmina presentó niveles bajos en 118 pacientes (54,6 %), y de estos, 66 (56 %) presentaron cifras inferiores a los 30 g/L; o sea, una hipoalbuminemia moderada o grave. Los pacientes con hipoalbuminemia moderada-grave tuvieron un riesgo de muerte superior (23,5 %) a aquellos con niveles clasificados como leve (15,3 %), diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,034); y en el grupo de pacientes con hipoalbuminemia moderada- grave falleció el 67 %, en relación con el 33 % de los pacientes con niveles clasificados como leve. Conclusiones: La hipoalbuminemia moderada-grave se asocia con el riesgo de mortalidad, independientemente del diagnóstico al ingreso.

Introduction: Hypoalbuminemia can develop in the first hours after an acute illness, and is closely related to an active inflammatory state, regardless of the patient's nutritional status. It has been associated with hospital mortality in patients with post-surgical complications, patients with sepsis and trauma. Objective: To evaluate the association between hypoalbuminemia level and the risk of mortality in critically ill patients in a polyvalent unit. Methods: Observational, descriptive, prospective, case series study, with 216 patients admitted to the unit. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were analyzed and the APACHE II prognostic score was applied. Albumin concentration is calculated on admission and hypoalbuminemia is classified as mild (30-35 g/L) and moderate/severe (≤ 30 g/L). Results: In the study, 28 patients died, which represented 13% of the total number of patients admitted. Albumin levels were low in 118 patients (54.6%), and of these 66 patients (56%) were classified as hypoalbuminemia moderate/severe, with albumin values below 30 g/L. Patients with moderate-severe hypoalbuminemia had a higher risk of death (23.5%) than those patients with levels classified as mild (15.3%), a statistically significant difference (p= 0.034); and in the group of patients with moderate-severe hypoalbuminemia, 67% died, in relation to 33% of patients with levels classified as mild. Conclusions: Moderate-severe hypoalbuminemia is associated with mortality risk, regardless of admission diagnosis.

Six-Year Surveillance of Acquired Bloodstream Infection in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Israel

Objectives: We studied the profile of bloodstream infections (BSI) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and identified predictors of mortality. Methods: The study collected data from hospital records for children younger than 18-years who developed BSI during their PICU stay between 2014 and 2019. Results: In 114 patients, 136 PICU-acquired BSIs with 152 pathogens were documented. The incidence of BSI was 47.12/1000 PICU admissions and 7.95/1000 PICU hospital days. Gram-negative rods accounted for 75% of isolates, Gram-positive cocci accounted for 21.7% of isolates, and fungi accounted for 3.3% of isolated pathogens. ICU mortality was observed in 25 (21.9%) patients with a BSI compared to 94 (3.1%) patients without a BSI (P<0.001). Hemodynamic instability (P=0.014, OR 4.10, 95%CI 1.33-12.66), higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P=0.044), and lower albumin levels (P=0.029) were associated with increased risk of ICU mortality. Conclusion: BSI in the PICU is associated with increased mortality. Early identification and management of risk factors independently associated with poor clinical outcomes in these patients should be aimed to ensure improved survival.

Correlation between serum albumin and outcomes of successful recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum albumin and hypoalbuminemia (HA) and the outcome after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) in patients with stroke caused by acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion.Methods:Stroke patients caused by acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion received EMT treatment at the Department of Emergency Stroke, the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from June 2020 to August 2022 were retrospectively included. The demographic information, baseline clinical data, endovascular treatment parameters, and clinical outcomes of the patients were collected. HA was defined as serum albumin <35 g/L within 24 h of admission, and poor outcome was defined as the modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 90 d after onset. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent influencing factors for poor outcomes. Results:A total of 177 patients were included, with a median age of 66 years, and 126 (71.19%) were males. Thirty-nine patients (22.03%) had HA, and 119 (67.23%) had poor outcomes. The proportion of pulmonary infection in the HA group was significantly higher than that in the non-HA group ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower serum albumin (odds ratio [ OR] 4.102, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.316-16.451; P=0.028), postprocedural neurological deterioration ( OR 6.326, 95% CI 1.263-48.318; P=0.042) and pulmonary infection ( OR 5.873, 95% CI 1.028-24.452; P=0.018) were significantly independently associated with the poor outcomes. Conclusions:The HA group has a higher incidence of postprocedural pulmonary infection. Lower serum albumin, postprocedural neurological deterioration and pulmonary infection are the independent risk factors for the poor outcomes in patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke who had successful recanalization after EMT.

Síndrome Edematoso Generalizado por citomegalovirus

El síndrome edematoso generalizado o anasarca está presente secundario a un desequilibrio de la homeostasis hídrica, electrolítica y osmolar del organismo, En el adulto el estado de anasarca es más frecuente secundario a insuficiencia cardiaca, en pediatría, el edema que se generaliza está asociado con más frecuencia a bajo aporte proteico, baja síntesis de proteínas o debido a perdida de proteínas de origen gastrointestinal o renal. La disminución de la presión oncótica plasmática genera fuga de líquidos a compartimientos intersticiales de forma generalizada y produce edema. Existen múltiples patologías y mecanismos para la producción del edema generalizado; el conocimiento de la fisiopatología de su desarrollo permite un análisis clínico, de laboratorio y de gabinete que orientan al diagnostico. La infección por citomegalovirus es una causa poco frecuente de edema generalizado, reconocer esta entidad y llegar a un adecuado diagnóstico diferencial es el objetivo de esta revisión.

The generalized edematous syndrome or anasarca is present secondary to an imbalance in the body's water, electrolyte and osmolar homeostasis. In adults, the state of anasarca is more frequent secondary to heart failure; in pediatrics, generalized edema is associated with more frequency due to low protein intake, low protein synthesis or due to protein loss of gastrointestinal or renal origin. The decrease in plasma oncotic pressure generates generalized fluid leakage into interstitial compartments and produces edema. There are multiple pathologies and mechanisms for the production of generalized edema; knowledge of the pathophysiology of its development allows a clinical, laboratory and office analysis that guides the diagnosis. Cytomegalovirus infection is a rare cause of generalized edema; recognizing this entity and reaching an appropriate differential diagnosis is the objective of this review.

Association of anemia and hypoalbuminemia with mortality among patients undergoing routine hemodialysis

Background:The progressivity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with several clinical conditions which contribute to high morbidity and mortality, including anemia and hypoalbuminemia. This study aimed to assess the association of anemia and hypoalbuminemia with the mortality of CKD patients undergoing routine hemodialysis (HD) in Siloam Hospital Kupang.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on Indonesia renal registry data system and hospital medical records. We studied the following variables: gender, age, etiology of CKD, vascular access of HD, and prevalence of anemia and hypoalbuminemia. All analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22.Results:There were 128 patients enrolled in this study. Of the total patients who died, most of them died within the first 3 months since the initiation of HD (62.1%). The majority of patients had anemia (67.2%) and hypoalbuminemia (69.5%). The bivariate analysis showed that anemia (p value=0.192), and hypoalbuminemia (p value=0.336) were notstatistically significant associated with mortality among patients undergoing routine HD.Conclusions:Anemia and hypoalbuminemia are not statistically associated with mortality outcome of CKD patients in Siloam Hospital Kupang. However, these conditions may still have prognostic importance for CKD patients undergoing routine HD. Further studies with larger size of cohort and longer period of time are warranted.

Pattern of comorbidities and clinical profile of young adults who died due to severe coronavirus disease: A descriptive study

Introduction: Mortality due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a significant problem among the non-elderly population. Aims: The primary objective was to estimate the prevalence of comorbidities among the deceased in the age group of 18–64 years and the secondary objective, was to describe their clinical profile. Settings and Design: The study setting was a tertiary care center catering to COVID-19 patients. This was a record-based descriptive study. Materials and Methods: Sampling strategy and Sample size: The formula used for sample size calculation is Z2 * P(1 – P) / d2. The sample size required was 97. The study period was from July 1 to November 30, 2021. Data collection: Demographic data including comorbidities, and clinical and laboratory features were studied. The laboratory investigations were done on the day of admission, and either on the last day or one day before death were taken for analysis. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was carried out in IBM SPSS Version 26. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and Correlation tests were used for analysis. Results: The majority of the patients had more than one comorbid condition. The parameters which showed significant variation as the illness progressed were lymphocyte count, total protein, and albumin. Conclusion: Special vigilance should be kept while managing young patients with comorbidities. Lymphocyte count and serum albumin can be helpful in prognostication.

A new biomarker in severe pneumonia associated with coronavirus disease 2019: hypoalbuminemia. A prospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Effective triage and early detection are very important for controlling and treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, the relationships between hypoalbuminemia and other acute-phase reactants in such cases need to be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the importance of albumin levels in cases of severe pneumonia due to COVID-19. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study conducted in Ankara City Hospital (a stage 3 hospital), Turkey. METHODS: Data from 122 patients diagnosed with pneumonia due to COVID-19 who were admitted to this hospital were analyzed statistically in comparison with date from 60 healthy controls. Three groups were established: healthy controls, intubated patients and non-intubated patients. Lung tomography scans from the patients were examined one-by-one. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results were recorded. RESULTS: Albumin levels were statistically significantly lower in the intubated and non-intubated groups than in the control group, in comparing the three groups (P < 0.01). The other acute-phase reactants, i.e. neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein levels, were significantly higher in the intubated and non-intubated groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). Albumin levels were also significantly lower in the intubated group than in the non-intubated group (P = 0.02). No differences were detected with regard to other parameters (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoalbuminemia may constitute a biomarker indicating the severity of pneumonia due to COVID-19.

A study of serum albumin levels in acute coronary syndrome and its correlation with clinical outcome

Background:Coronary artery disease(CAD)is major cause of death and mortality in the developed world. Coronary atherosclerotic disease involves the epicardial coronary arteries and may manifest as an acute or chronic coronary syndrome. Acute coronary syndrome(ACS) arises from atherosclerotic plaque rupture leading to coronary thrombosis and/or spasm. Methods:The present study was conducted in department of medicine, Guru Nanak Dev hospital attached to government medical college, Amritsar from May 2021 to December 2021. This was a prospective observational study in which a total of 50 patients of ACS were enrolled. Serum albumin levels of the patients were recorded and clinical outcomes based on the albumin levels were compared between the patients.Results:The patients with low serum albumin levels had worse outcomes. The mean serum albumin level of STEMI and NSTEMI patients in hypoalbuminemia group was 2.88±0.11 g/dl and 3.15±0.26 g/dl (p=0.047). The mean serum albumin levelof patients having mortality in hypoalbuminemia group was 2.87±0.06 g/dl and those who didn’t have mortality was 3.19±0.21 g/dl (p=0.013). The mean serum albumin level of patients developing new onset heart failure in hypoalbuminemia group was 2.85±0.06 g/dl and those not developing had 3.11±0.19 g/dl (p=0.021).Conclusions:We conclude that ACS patients presenting with hypoalbuminemia are more likely to develop worse outcomes in the form of heart failure, cardiogenic shock and mortality. ACS patients presenting with low serum albumin levels have more chances of developing STEMI.

Relación entre complicaciones postoperatorias e hipoalbuminemia en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello

RESUMEN Introducción: El cáncer de cabeza y cuello es un problema de salud a nivel global. La cirugía oncológica desempeña importantes funciones en la terapéutica del cáncer y las complicaciones son en mayor o menor medida inherentes a ella. Los niveles de albúmina pretratamiento han demostrado tener valor pronóstico en pacientes oncológicos, pero se desconoce la relación entre la hipoalbuminemia y las complicaciones posquirúrgicas en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello. Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre complicaciones posoperatorias e hipoalbuminemia en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, con una muestra de 133 casos, se utilizaron las variables: edad, sexo, hipoalbuminemia, complicaciones y tipo de complicaciones. Se utilizó el test exacto de Fisher y su significación exacta, con un nivel de confianza del 95 %. Para el análisis pronóstico de la relación entre las complicaciones y la hipoalbuminemia se calculó el riesgo absoluto con el odds ratio. Resultados: El 54,8 % correspondió al grupo con más de 60 años, el 75,9 % al sexo masculino, el 20,3 % de los casos tenía hipoalbuminemia y solo presentaron complicaciones el 19,5 %. El riesgo absoluto de complicaciones en los pacientes con hipoalbuminemia fue 1312,5. Conclusiones: La hipoalbuminemia es un factor de mal pronóstico para la aparición de complicaciones postoperatorias en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Head and neck cancer is a global health problem. Cancer surgery plays important roles in cancer therapy and complications are, to a greater or lesser extent, inherent to it. Pretreatment albumin levels have been shown to have prognostic value in cancer patients; but the relationship between hypoalbuminemia and postoperative complications in patients with head and neck cancer is unknown. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between postoperative complications and hypoalbuminemia in patients with head and neck cancer. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out, with a sample of 133 cases, the variables were used: age, sex, hypoalbuminemia, complications and type of complications. Fisher's exact test and its exact significance were used, with a confidence level of 95 %. For the prognostic analysis of the relationship between complications and hypoalbuminemia, the absolute risk was calculated with the odds ratio. Results: 54,8 % corresponded to the group over 60 years old, 75,9 % to the male sex, 20,3 % of the cases had hypoalbuminemia and only 19,5 % presented complications. The absolute risk of complications in patients with hypoalbuminemia was 1312,5. Conclusions: Hypoalbuminemia is a poor prognostic factor for the appearance of postoperative complications in patients with head and neck cancer.

Síndrome nefrótico congénito debutando con enfermedad de cambios mínimos / Congenital nephrotic syndrome debuting with disease of minimal changes

Resumen El síndrome nefrótico es la glomerulopatía primaria más frecuente en pediatría; es una patología que se caracteriza por la presencia de proteinuria, hipoalbuminemia, edema e hipercolesterolemia. Se habla de un neonato con antecedentes de prematuridad y hospitalización al nacer, posterior a múltiples infecciones recurrentes con evolución tórpida durante estancia hospitalaria y edema generalizado, de quien se sospecha tener síndrome nefrótico congénito, apoyándose en resultados paraclínicos positivos y una biopsia renal que reporte enfermedad de cambios mínimos. El síndrome nefrótico congénito es una entidad poco frecuente; sin embargo, presenta alta morbimortalidad, así como diversas formas de presentación clínica e histológica, y su manejo suele ser difícil dada la baja respuesta a corticoides. La presencia del síndrome nefrótico congénito es inusual, no obstante, presenta alta mortalidad y deja muchas secuelas, siendo la enfermedad renal crónica la más temida. Así que resulta importante sospechar en recién nacidos con infecciones recurrentes asociadas a presencia de edema generalizado para iniciar un manejo precoz que pueda ayudar a evitar consecuencias y mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente y su familia.

Abstract Nephrotic syndrome is the most common primary glomerulopathy in pediatrics; it is a pathology characterized by the presence of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hypercholesterolemia. There is talk of a neonate with a history of prematurity and hospitalization at birth, after multiple infections recurrent with torpid evolution during hospital stay and edema generalized, suspected of having congenital nephrotic syndrome, relying on positive paraclinical results and a renal biopsy that reports minimal change disease. Congenital nephrotic syndrome is a rare entity; However, presents high morbidity and mortality, as well as various forms of clinical and histological, and its management is usually difficult given the low response to corticosteroids. The presence of congenital nephrotic syndrome is unusual; however, it presents high mortality and leaves many sequelae, with chronic kidney disease being the most feared. So, it is important to suspect in newborns with infections recurrent associated with the presence of generalized edema to initiate management early that can help prevent consequences and improve the quality of life of the patient and his family. .

Hipoalbuminemia Como Predictor De Mortalidad De Sepsis Por COVID-19. Hospital II Chocope, 2020. / Hypoalbuminemia as a predicator of mortality of sepsis from COVID-19. Hospital II Chocope, 2020.

Se realizó una investigación de tipo correlacional evaluando a 145 pacientes con sepsis por covid-19. Objetivos: Determinar si la hipoalbuminemia es predictor de mortalidad e identificar el valor sérico de albumina más frecuentemente relacionado con la letalidad. Métodos: Se incluyeron a pacientes mayores o igual de 18 años atendidos en el Hospital II Chocope durante mayo a agosto del 2020. Se excluyeron a pacientes con patologías oncológicas, e historias clínicas incompletas. La técnica empleada es la de análisis documental, mediante la revisión de historias clínicas. Resultados: Hubo asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la hipoalbuminemia y mortalidad (p = 0.00), los pacientes con hipoalbuminemia tuvieron 3 veces más riesgo de fallecer. (OR=3.97 IC al 95%). Así mismo, la sensibilidad y especificidad más alta de la prueba fue cuando el punto de corte de la hipoalbuminemia estuvo en 1.38 g/dl. Finalmente, la hipertensión arterial es la enfermedad asociada más frecuente. Conclusiones: la hipoalbuminemia es predictor de mortalidad y a menor valor de albumina mayor mortalidad.

A correlational type investigation was carried out evaluating 145 patients with covid-19 sepsis. Objectives: To determine whether hypoalbuminemia is a predictor of mortality and to identify the serum albumin value most frequently related to lethality. Method: Patients older than or equal to 18 years seen at Hospital II Chocope during May to August 2020 were included. Patients with oncological pathologies and incomplete medical records were excluded. The documentary analysis technique was used, by reviewing medical records. Results: There was a statistically significant association between hypoalbuminemia and mortality (p = 0.00), patients with hypoalbuminemia had 3 times the risk of dying. (OR = 3.97 95% CI). Likewise, the highest sensitivity and specificity of the test was when the cut-off point for hypoalbuminemia was 1.38 g / dl. Finally, the most frequent comorbidity was arterial hypertension. Conclusions: hypoalbuminemia is a predictor of mortality and the lower the albumin value, the higher the mortality.

The role of serum inflammatory markers, albumin, and hemoglobin in predicting the diagnosis in patients admitted to the emergency department with a pre-diagnosis of COVID-19

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Serum inflammatory markers and albumin levels provide an assumption for the severity of COVID-19 infection. Our objective was to investigate the determinant role of serum inflammatory markers, albumin, and hemoglobin (Hb) in predicting the diagnosis in patients with a pre-diagnosis of COVID-19. METHODS: Demographic findings, complete blood count and serum biochemical values of the patients analyzed. RESULTS: Of the patients included in the study, 48 were COVID (+) and 253 were COVID (-). Statistically significant difference was found in terms of hemoglobin, mean platelet volume, and monocyte/eosinophil ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of serum albumin, hemoglobin, monocyte/eosinophil ratio, and mean platelet volume can be predictive factors for diagnosis in patients with COVID-19.

Factores asociados a mortalidad de adultos mayores hospitalizados en un servicio de Medicina Interna

El presente estudio prospectivo de cohorte tuvo como objetivo determinar los factores asociados a la mortalidad de los adultos mayores admitidos en un servicio de Medicina Interna de un hospital público de Lima. Durante el 2019 se evaluaron consecutivamente 360 pacientes mayores de 60 años mediante la aplicación de las herramientas de la Valoración Geriátrica Integral y la revisión de sus historias clínicas. Del total, 45 (12,5%) fallecieron durante el internamiento. En el modelo multivariado, la presencia de delirio al ingreso se asoció con un mayor riesgo de mortalidad hospitalaria (RR = 3,64; IC95%: 1,51-8,76, p = 0,004). Hubo una mayor frecuencia de anemia (p = 0,043), hipoalbuminemia (p = 0,006), úlceras por presión (p = 0,003), comorbilidad alta (p < 0,001), dependencia funcional (p < 0,001) y malnutrición (p = 0,002) entre los pacientes fallecidos respecto a los no fallecidos. Se requieren estudios adicionales en nuestro país para evaluar el valor pronóstico del delirio, otros síndromes geriátricos sobre la mortalidad y otros desenlaces adversos.

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to determine the factors associated with mortality in elders admitted to an Internal Medicine Department of a public hospital in Lima. During 2019, 360 patients over 60 years of age were consecutively evaluated by applying the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment tools and reviewing their medical records. During hospitalization, 45 (12.5%) died. There was a higher frequency of anemia (p = 0.043), hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.006), pressure ulcers (p = 0.003), high comorbidity (p < 0.001), functional dependence (p < 0.001) and malnutrition (p = 0.002) among deceased patients compared to non-deceased. In the multivariate model, the presence of delirium on admission was associated with a higher risk of hospital mortality (RR = 3.64; 95% CI: 1.51 - 8.76, p = 0.004). Additional studies are required in our country to assess the prognostic value of delirium and other geriatric syndromes on mortality and other adverse outcomes.

Role of pre-operative serum albumin level in predicting the post-operative outcomes in gastrointestinal surgery

Background: The prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition in surgical patients is seen in 30-50% of surgical patients with gastrointestinal disease. Malnutrition and hypalbuminaemia contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Serum albumin level is a low-cost key element in nutritional assessment. Clavien-Dindo classification of post-operative complications enables stratification of post-operative complication.Methods: We retrospectively analysed the prospectively maintained data of 136 patients who underwent major gastro intestinal procedures from October 2019 to March 2020. We assessed the pre-operative; intra operative parameters, outcome variables and the postoperative complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo severity, length of ICU stay, length of hospitalization and mortality.Results: Out of the 136 patients (M: F=3:2), the procedures were hepatopancreaticobiliary (n=40), colorectal (n=39), small bowel (n=36) and esophago-gastric (n=19). Pre-operative serum albumin was identified to be single most statistically significant pre-operative variable predicting post-operative complication of Clavien-Dindo severity grade III and above. The ROC curve of the serum albumin level predicting the severe post-operative complication suggested optimal cut off value of 3.1 gm/dl (AUC=0.76; 5% CI=0.64-0.87; p<0.001). Linear regression analysis of serum albumin level predicting the severe post-operative complication suggested good correlation with (r2=0.133; b=0.689; p<0.001). Further analysis of serum albumin level in predicting the length of ICU and the hospital stays suggested a significant negative correlation with both of these dependent outcome variables. The serum albumin level correlated inversely with the length of ICU stay and hospitalization.Conclusions: Low pre-operative albumin (serum level <3.1 gm/dl) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery predicts severe post-operative complications, prolonged ICU and hospital stays.

Hypoalbuminemia in microsurgical flaps of the musculoskeletal apparatus / A hipoalbuminemia em retalhos microcirúrgicos do aparelho musculoesquelético

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate if the levels of serum total protein and serum albumin are risk factors for surgical complications of free flap limb reconstruction. Methods: Consecutive inclusion of all patients undergoing microsurgical flaps for limb reconstruction of complex injuries. We recorded epidemiological and laboratory data, including total proteins and fractions, for descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: Our study analyzed one microsurgical flap from 35 patients that underwent complex injuries of the limbs. In total, 23 patients were men, and mean age of all patients was 35 years. After statistical analysis, no influence of pre or postoperative hypoalbuminemia was observed on the incidence of complications. Patients with hypoalbuminemia had a higher length of stay than those with normal albumin levels (p = 0.008). Conclusion: We observed that 71% of patients had hypoalbuminemia in early postoperative period and we suggest a nutritional support for patients requiring complex traumatic limb reconstruction. Hypoalbuminemia in patients subjected to microsurgical flaps for the treatment of complex traumatic limb injuries did not influence the complications that required surgical reintervention; However, it was associated with prolonged hospital stay. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a influência dos níveis totais de proteína sérica e albumina como fator de risco para complicações de retalhos microcirúrgicos para reconstrução de membros. Métodos: Inclusão consecutiva de todos os pacientes submetidos a retalhos microcirúrgicos para reconstrução de membros de lesões complexas. Foram registrados dados epidemiológicos e laboratoriais, incluindo proteínas e frações totais, para fins estatísticos descritivos e analíticos. Resultados: 35 retalhos microcirúrgicos foram estudados em 35 pacientes com lesões complexas dos membros. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 35 anos, e 23 pacientes eram do sexo masculino. Após análise estatística, não foi observada influência da hipoalbuminemia pré ou pós-operatória na incidência de complicações. Pacientes com hipoalbuminemia permaneceram mais tempo hospitalizados do que aqueles com níveis normais de albumina (p = 0,008). Conclusão: Observamos 71% dos pacientes com hipoalbuminemia no início do período pós-operatório e sugerimos fornecer suporte nutricional para pacientes que necessitam de reconstrução traumática complexa dos membros. A presença de hipoalbuminemia em pacientes submetidos a retalhos microcirúrgicos para o tratamento de lesões traumáticas complexas nos membros não influenciou a presença de complicações que exigiam reintervenção cirúrgica, mas foi associada ao tempo de hospitalização prolongado. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo retrospectivo .

Asociación entre hipoalbuminemia e hipofosfatemia con desnutrición en pacientes con Enfermedad Renal Crónica en hemodiálisis / Association Between Hypoalbuminemia And Hypophosphatemia With Malnutrition In Patients With Chronic Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

Introducción: La malnutrición en los pacientes en hemodiálisis es consecuencia de diversos factorescarenciales e hipercatabólicos y constituye un factor de riesgo de morbimortalidad. Objetivo:Determinar la asociación entre hipoalbuminemia e hipofosfatemia con la escala de valoración globalsubjetiva (VGS) tipo C en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis. Métodos: Estudiotransversal analítico. Se estudiaron pacientes del servicio de hemodiálisis del hospital GuillermoAlmenara. Para la asociación entre variables continuas de malnutrición y los tipos de VGS se utilizóel test de Kruskal-Wallis y prueba de comparaciones múltiples y para las variables categóricashipoalbuminemia (≤3,5 g/dL) e hipofosfatemia (<3 mg/dL) se utilizó el chi cuadrado. Se analizó laasociación con la VGS tipo C. Resultados: Se incluyeron 131 pacientes y la edad mediana fue de 63años. El 34% presentó hipoalbuminemia, 27% presentó hipofosfatemia y el 14% una VGA tipo C. El52% (68) de los pacientes presentó alteración de al menos un biomarcador analizado. Se encontrarondiferencias entre VGS y albúmina (p<0,001) y fósforo (p=0,040). Los pacientes con VGS tipo C tuvieronuna media de albúmina de 3,1±0,74 de fósforo de 2,88±1,54 y tuvieron diferencia significativa encomparación con los de VGS tipo A (p<0,001 y p=0,011, respectivamente). El análisis de chi cuadradotambién demostró asociación significativa entre VGS e hipoalbuminemina (p=0,017) e hipofosfatemia(p=0,050). Conclusión: Existe asociación entre la VGS tipo C e hipoalbuminemia e hipofosfatemia enpacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis.

Introduction: Malnutrition in hemodialysis patients is a consequence of various deficiency andhypercatabolic factors and constitutes a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Objective: Determinethe association between hypoalbuminemia and hypophosphatemia with the Subjective globalassessment (SGA) C in patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study. Patients from the hemodialysis service of the Hospital Guillermo Almenara werestudied. The Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple comparisons test were used for the association betweencontinuous variables of malnutrition and the types of SGA. The square-chi test was used for thecategorical variables hypoalbuminemia (≤3.5 g/dL) and hypophosphatemia (<3 mg/dL). The associationwith SGA C was analyzed. Results: 131 patients were included and the median age was 63 years. 34%had hypoalbuminemia, 27% had hypophosphatemia and 14% had SGA C. 52% (68) of the patientspresented alteration of at least one analyzed biomarker. Differences were found between SGA andalbumin (p<0.001) and phosphorus (p=0.040). Patients with SGA C had a mean albumin of 3.1±0.74 andphosphorus of 2.88±1.54 and had a significant difference compared to those with SGA A (p<0.001 and P= 0.011, respectively). Chi-square analysis also demonstrated a significant association between SGA andhypoalbuminemia (p = 0.017) and hypophosphatemia (p=0.050). Conclusion: There is an associationbetween SGA C and hypoalbuminemia and hypophosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney diseaseundergoing hemodialysis.

A Prospective Study to Understand the Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leak in Small Bowel Anastomosis

Small intestinal anastomosis is a common GI procedure. Anastomotic leaks increase morbidity, mortality and hospital stay in patients undergoing bowel anastomosis. Understanding the risk factors associated with anastomotic leak not only helps to reduce the incidence of leaks but also to identify the patients who are candidates for creation of stomas. The aim of the study is to define the risk factors associated with anastomotic leak following small bowel anastomosis.METHODSA total of 74 patients who underwent small bowel anastomosis in our study period between September 2016 and December 2019 in Karuna Medical College, Palakkad, were prospectively followed up and divided into two groups, leak and non-leak group depending on occurrence of anastomotic leak. Many host and disease related factors known to influence the outcome of anastomosis were recorded in both groups and compared.RESULTSOut of 74 patients, 40 were males and 34 females. 10 patients were aged more than 60 years. 26 of them had perforation and peritoneal contamination. Out of 74, 67 were emergency surgeries and 7 were elective surgeries. 14 patients were anaemic, 19 were hyponatraemic and 12 were hypoalbunemic. In total, 13 patients developed anastomotic leak. Overall mortality and morbidity was 6.7% (5 patients) and morbidity was 40.5% (30 patients). Mortality in anastomotic leak group was 23% (3 patients).CONCLUSIONSHypoalbuminemia (P value- 0.016) and presence of peritoneal contamination (P value= 0.004) were found to significantly increase the risk of anastomotic leak in the present study. In the presence these risk factors, it is better to consider the patient for diverting stoma in emergency setting and consider improving patient nutritional status in elective setting.

Combinación del ácido úrico y albúmina sérica como biomarcadores predictivos de preeclampsia severa / Combination of uric acid and serum albumin as predictive biomarkers of severe preeclampsia

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Establecer si la la combinación de las concentraciones séricas de ácido úrico y albúmina en las semanas 20 a 24 del embarazo es predictora de preeclampsia severa. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles, retrospectivo y observacional, en el que se analizaron las concentraciones de ácido úrico y de albúmina coexistentes en las semanas 20 a 24; posteriormente se compararon las diferencias con pacientes con preeclampsia severa. Se recabaron los datos en Microsoft Excel para Mac versión 2019 y el análisis estadístico se realizó en SPSS para Mac versión 25. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 122 casos y 199 controles. La elevación de las concentraciones de ácido úrico (≥ 4.9 mg/dL) y la hipoalbuminemia (menos de 3.5 mg/dL) tuvieron significación estadística para preeclampsia severa versus el grupo control (p < 0.001). El modelo de regresión logística obtuvo una razón de momios para predecir preeclampsia con datos de severidad de 6.736 (IC95%: 2.5-17.7) para la elevación del ácido úrico y razón de momios de 11.337 (IC95%: 4.5-28.3) para la hipoalbuminemia (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: El aumento en las concentraciones de ácido úrico (medidas entre las semanas 20 a 24 de embarazo) en combinación con la albúmina sérica tiene utilidad predictora de preeclampsia severa. Sin embargo, deben efectuarse más estudios clínicos para comprobar su eficacia y poder reducir la prevalencia de esta enfermedad.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine if the combination of serum uric acid and albumin levels from weeks 20 to 24 of gestation are predictors of severe preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective and observational case-control study was carried out, in which the levels of uric acid and albumin taken during the 20th to 24th week were analyzed and compared with patients who developed severe preeclampsia. The data was collected in Microsoft Excel for Mac version 2019 and the statistical analysis was performed in SPSS for Mac version 25. RESULTS: 122 cases and 199 controls were obtained. Elevation of uric acid levels (≥4.9 mg/dL) and hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 mg/dL) obtained statistical significance for severe preeclampsia compared to the control group (p <0.001). The logistic regression model obtained an OR to predict severe preeclampsia of 6.736 (CI95% 2.5-17.7) for uric acid elevation and OR of 11.337 (CI95% 4.5-28.3) for hypoalbuminemia (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study the statistically significant relationship was observed between the increase in uric acid levels and serum hypoalbuminemia from weeks 20 to 24 as predictive biomarkers of severe preeclampsia. However, more studies should be carried out to verify its clinical utility.

Toxicidad sistémica por anestésicos locales en paciente con hipoalbuminemia severa. Reporte de un caso / Case report Local anesthetic toxicity due to hypoalbuminemia

Local anesthetics are drugs widely used to perform peripheral nerve blocks. Signs and symptoms of toxicity may vary from mild to severe, including neuro and cardiotoxicity, with seizures and cardiac arrest. We present the case of an 85-year-old patient in total left knee replacement plan due to tibial saucer fracture, where systemic toxicity was observed by local anesthetics (LAST) after performing a femoral nerve block guided by neurostimulation and ultrasound with a solution of 20 ml of 0.525% ropivacaine + 0.6% lidocaine. As a positive data, the patient presented severe hypoalbuminemia

Los anestésicos locales son fármacos ampliamente utilizados para realizar bloqueos nerviosos periféricos. Los signos y síntomas de toxicidad pueden variar de leves a severos, incluidas la neuro y cardiotoxicidad, con convulsiones y paro cardíaco. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 85 años de edad en plan de reemplazo total de rodilla izquierda debido a fractura de platillo tibial, donde se observó toxicidad sistémica por anestésicos locales (LAST por su sigla en inglés) después de realizar un bloqueo del nervio femoral guiado por neuroestimulación y ultrasonido con una solución de 20 ml de ropivacaína al 0,525% + lidocaína al 0,6%. Su único antecedente médico era presentar hipoalbuminemia severa.

The clinical study on the relationship between serum albumin concentration and lymphocyte levels in patients with 2019-novel coronavirus pneumonia / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective@#To explore the relationship between different serum albumin and lymphocyte levels in patients with 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) pneumonia (COVID-19).@*Methods@#A retrospective study was performed to identify the characteristics of the clinical data of 205 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized in the Happy Street of Hanchuan People's Hospital, Xiaogan, Hubei Province from January 24 to February 12, 2020, including their general information, serum albumin (ALB) levels, lymphocyte counts (LYM), percentage of lymphocytes (LYM%) and other laboratory parameter levels. Low ALB group and normal ALB group were demarcated by the concentration of 35g/L, further to identify the differences of LYM and LYM% levels and the incidence of LYM and LYM% decline at different ALB levels between groups,as well as the correlation between ALB and LYM, LYM% levels in hypoalbuminemia conditions .@*Results@#17.5% of COVID-19 patients were associated with hypoalbuminemia. The levels of LYM and LYM% in the low ALB group were significantly lower than those in the normal ALB group (P <0.001). The incidence of LYM and LYM% decline in the low ALB group was significantly higher than those in the normal ALB group (P <0.001). The levels of LYM and LYM% in the low ALB group were significantly positively correlated with serum ALB concentrations (P <0.05).@*Conclusions@#The decrease of lymphocyte levels in COVID-19 patients may be correlated to hypoalbuminemia. COVID-19 patients complicated by hypoalbuminemia should be actively intervened to maintain serum albumin in the normal range.