Importance of the evaluation of serum albumin concentration in postoperative period of patients submitted to major surgeries

Abstract

-Background -The prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition in surgical patients is high, ranging from 10% to 54%. The correct assessment of the nutritional status of such patients is crucial since malnourishment is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Aim -To assess the effect of surgical trauma in serum albumin concentration during the immediate postoperative period of major surgeries. Methods -The study was conducted on 100 randomly chosen adult patients submitted to elective major surgeries, classified according to sex, age and skin color. Blood samples for the determination of serum albumin concentrations were obtained on the days before and after the surgical procedure. Results -There was a reduction in serum albumin from 3.72 ± 0.47 to 2.83 ± 0.71 g/dL (P< 0.0001) with no difference in sex or skin color for major surgeries. With respect to age groups, a greater drop in albumin was observed among patients aged over 65 years, followed by younger patients (< 45 years), and finally by patients aged 45 to 65 years. Conclusion -Major operations lead to acute reduction in albumin concentration in the immediate postoperative period, and it was more intense in patients aged over 65 years.RESUMO -Racional -A prevalência de desnutrição energético-protéica em pacientes cirúrgicos é alta, variando entre 10% a 54%. A correta avaliação do estado nutricional desses pacientes é crucial uma vez que a desnutrição é um fator de risco para a morbidade e mortalidade. Objetivo -Avaliar o efeito do trauma cirúrgico na concentração sérica de albumina, durante o período pós-operatório imediato de operações de grande porte. Métodos -O estudo foi conduzido em 100 pacientes escolhidos aleatoriamente adultos submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos de grande porte, classificados de acordo com sexo, idade e cor da pele. As amostras de sangue para a determinação da concentração sérica de albumina foram obtidas nos dias antes e após o procedimento cirúrgico. Resultados -Houve diminuição da albumina sérica de 3,72 ± 0,47-2,83 ± 0,71 g / dL (P <0,0001), sem diferença de sexo ou cor da pele para operações de grande porte. Com relação à faixa etária, a maior queda da albumina foi observada entre os pacientes com idade superior a 65 anos, seguidos pelos pacientes mais jovens (<45 anos) e, finalmente, pacientes com idade entre 45-65 anos. Conclusão -As grandes operações levam à diminuição aguda na concentração de albumina no pós-operatório imediato, que foi mais intensa nos pacientes com idade superior a 65 anos.

Is performing joint arthroplasty surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic safe?: A retrospective, cohort analysis from a tertiary centre in NCR, Delhi, India

“…Laboratory parameters like haemoglobin, total protein and serum albumin were evaluated. 18 Patients were examined by the anaesthesia assessment team using COVID appropriate behavior, personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention guidelines.…”

“…Some patients requiring close monitoring in the post-operative period or those with multiple comorbidities were shifted to ICU for observation and stabilization. Hematological investigations were scrutinized specifically for haemoglobin and serum albumin 18 . If found deficit, appropriate treatment was initiated in time to reduce the risk of postoperative complications.…”

Albumin as Prognostic Value in Hospitalised Patients

“…[7][8][9][10][11] A sincere effort has been made in this study to understand the relations of the serum albumin level and its effects on the prognosis of the disease and outcome of the surgery if the patient is undergoing any. This study is intended to help the physician, surgeon, and general practitioners to understand and intervene in the event and thus help the patient to recover earlier and in a better way.…”