Comparison of lactate/albumin ratio to lactate and lactate clearance for predicting outcomes in patients with septic shock admitted to intensive care unit: an observational study

Association between lactate-to-albumin ratio and short-term prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure treated with artificial liver support system

BACKGROUND

The impact of lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) on the outcome of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is scant.

AIMS

To investigate the relationship between LAR and short-term prognosis in patients with COSSH (Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B) ACLF.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with COSSH ACLF treated with an artificial liver support system. Restricted cubic splines, linear regression models, and Cox regression models were used to investigate the relationships of LAR with disease severity and 28-day prognosis.

RESULTS

The 28-day transplant-free and overall survival rates in the 258 eligible patients were 76.4% and 82.2%, respectively. The LAR in 28-day transplant-free survivors was lower than that in transplant or death patients [0.74 (0.58-0.98) vs. 1.03 (0.79-1.35), P < 0.001]. The LAR was positively associated with disease severity, 28-day transplant-free survival [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) for transplant or death: 2.18 (1.37-3.46), P = 0.001], and overall survival [adjusted HR (95% CI) for death: 2.14 (1.21-3.80), P = 0.009]. Compared with patients with LAR < 1.01, patients with LAR ≥ 1.01 had poor 28-day prognosis [all adjusted HR (95% CI) > 1, P < 0.05]. Lactate was not a potential modifier of the relationship between LAR and short-term prognosis.

CONCLUSION

LAR was positively associated with disease severity and poor short-term prognosis in patients with COSSH ACLF.

Lactate to Albumin Ratio and Mortality in Patients with Severe Coronavirus Disease-2019 Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit

Aim: This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of lactate/albumin ratio for ICU mortality prediction in a large cohort of patients with severe Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data derived from the COVID-19 dataset for all critically ill patients admitted to an academic ICU. Data were used to determine the relation between lactate/albumin ratio and other laboratory parameters measured on the first day of the ICU stay and to evaluate the prognostic performance for ICU mortality prediction. Results: A total of 805 ICU patients were included, and the median age (IQR) was 67 (57-76) years, with 68% being male. ICU mortality was 48%, and the median lactate/albumin ratio was 0.53 (0.39-0.59). A survival analysis showed that patients with higher lactate/albumin ratio values had significantly lower survival rates (Log Rank p < 0.001). A multivariable analysis revealed that the lactate/albumin ratio was an independent risk factor for ICU mortality with a hazard ratio of 1.39 (CI: 1.27-1.52). The lactate/albumin ratio showed a receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (ROC-AUC) value to predict ICU mortality significantly higher than that of lactate alone (0.71 vs. 0.68, DeLong test p < 0.001). The optimal lactate/albumin ratio cut-off for predicting ICU mortality was 0.57, with 63% sensitivity and 73% specificity. A subgroup analysis revealed that the lactate/albumin ratio was significantly associated with mortality across different patient groups, including age and sex categories, and those with or without hypertension and coronary heart disease. Conclusions: Lactate/albumin ratio is a reliable prognostic marker in critically ill COVID-19 patients and could predict ICU mortality more accurately than lactate alone.

The prognostic utility of Lactate/Albumin*Age score in septic patient with normal lactate level

Background

A previous study has shown that the lactate/albumin*age (LAA) score is useful for predicting mortality in patients with sepsis admitted to the ICU. We aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of the LAA score in patients with sepsis who presented to the emergency department (ED).

Methods

This retrospective observational study used data from the Korean Shock Society Registry collected between January 2017 and December 2021. The prognostic performance of the LAA score for predicting the 28-day mortality was evaluated. Lactate and albumin levels were measured immediately after arrival to the ED.

Results

Of the 5346 patients with sepsis, data from 3240 were analyzed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the LAA score (0.737, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.716-0.757), was higher than that of lactate (0.699, 95 % CI 0.677-0.720, p < 0.001), lactate/albumin (LA) ratio (0.730, 95 % CI 0.709-0.751, p = 0.016), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (0.698, 95 % confidence interval 0.676-0.720, p = 0. 004), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores (0.672; 95 % confidence interval 0.649-0.694, p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off value for the LAA score was 119.9. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis according to the optimal cutoff value, the 28-day mortality rates were higher in the high LAA score group (log-rank test, p < 0.001). The LAA score was independently associated with 28-day mortality in the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model (adjusted hazard ratio 2.07, 95 % CI 1.76-2.43, p < 0.001). In the normal (<2 mmol/L) lactate group, the AUROC value for LAA score was higher than LA ratio (normal group 0.674 vs 0.634, p < 0.004). In patients over 65 years old, LAA score (0.731) showed a higher AUROC value than LA ratio (0.725). (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The LAA score may be used as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with sepsis in the emergency department. Our results show that it performs better than serum lactate alone, LA ratio, and SOFA and APACHE II scores. While this suggests that the LAA could provide clinicians with a useful tool for timely early intervention and care planning in patients with a poor prognosis, further validation in large multicenter prospective studies are necessary to confirm its reliability and practicality as a readily available and objective biomarker.

Kinetics of the Lactate to Albumin Ratio in New Onset Sepsis: Prognostic Implications

The lactate to albumin ratio (LAR) has been associated with the severity and outcome of critical illness and sepsis. However, there are no studies on the kinetics of the LAR during the early phase of sepsis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the LAR and its kinetics in critically ill patients with new onset sepsis regarding the severity and outcome of sepsis. We prospectively enrolled 102 patients with sepsis or septic shock within 48 h from diagnosis. LARs were recorded at inclusion in the study and one week later. Patients were followed for 28 days. LAR was significantly lower one week after enrollment compared to baseline in all patients (p < 0.001). LARs were significantly higher in patients with septic shock and in nonsurvivors compared to patients with sepsis and survivors, respectively, both at inclusion (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and at one week later (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). LARs at baseline were positively associated with the severity of sepsis (APACHE II: r = 0.29, p = 0.003; SOFA: r = 0.33, p < 0.001) and inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein (r = 0.29, p < 0.1), procalcitonin (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), interleukin 6 (r = 0.28, p = 0.005) interleukin 10 (r = 0.3, p = 0.002) and suPAR (r = 0.28, p = 0.004). In addition, a higher LAR, but not its kinetics, was an independent predictor of 28-day mortality (at inclusion: HR 2.27, 95% C.I. 1.01-5.09, p = 0.04; one week later: HR: 4.29, 95% C.I. 1.71-10.78, p = 0.002). In conclusion, the LAR may be a valuable prognostic indicator in critically ill patients with sepsis at admission and one week later.

Prognostic Value of the Lactate/Albumin Ratio for 28-Day Mortality in Pediatric Septic Shock: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background Septic shock remains a leading cause of mortality in children. The lactate/albumin ratio (LAR) has emerged as a potential prognostic marker for mortality in septic shock, yet most existing research focuses on adults, with limited data available for pediatric populations, particularly in Vietnam. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the prognostic utility of the LAR in predicting 28-day mortality among children aged two months to 15 years with septic shock in Vietnam. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study involving children diagnosed with septic shock at the largest pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, from July 2022 to June 2024. Clinical and laboratory parameters, including lactate and albumin levels, were measured at the time of septic shock diagnosis. Patients were followed for 28 days, with outcomes categorized as either survival or mortality. The prognostic performance of LAR was assessed through its discrimination and calibration capabilities. Results The 28-day mortality rate was 63.4%. LAR was significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for LAR was 0.91, indicating superior discriminatory power compared to lactate alone and comparable to albumin. Using a Youden index-derived cut-off of 1.84, LAR demonstrated a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 80%. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank testing revealed significantly lower survival probabilities in children with LAR ≥1.84 (p < 0.05). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test confirmed good calibration of LAR in mortality prediction (p > 0.05). Conclusion The lactate/albumin ratio exhibits excellent discriminatory and calibration properties, making it a valuable tool for predicting 28-day mortality in pediatric septic shock. This ratio should be considered for routine use in clinical practice to improve prognostic assessments in this vulnerable population.

Enhancing SAPS-3 Predictive Accuracy with Initial, Peak, and Last Lactate Measurements in Septic Shock

Background/Objectives: Septic shock is a severe condition with high mortality necessitating precise prognostic tools for improved patient outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the collective predictive value of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS-3) and lactate measurements (initial, peak, last, and clearance rates within the first 24 h) in patients with septic shock. Specifically, it sought to determine how these markers enhance predictive accuracy for 28-day mortality beyond SAPS-3 alone. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 66 septic shock patients at two ICUs of Vienna General Hospital (2017-2019). SAPS-3 and lactate levels (initial, peak, last measurement within 24 h, and 24 h clearance) were obtained from electronic health records. Logistic regression models were constructed to identify predictors of 28-day mortality, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed predictive accuracy. Results: Among 66 patients, 36 (55%) died within 28 days. SAPS-3 scores significantly differed between survivors and non-survivors (76 vs. 85 points; p = 0.016). First, last, and peak lactate were significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors (all p < 0.001). The combination of SAPS-3 and first lactate produced the highest predictive accuracy (AUC = 80.6%). However, 24 h lactate clearance was not predictive of mortality. Conclusions: Integrating SAPS-3 with lactate measurements, particularly first lactate, improves predictive accuracy for 28-day mortality in septic shock patients. First lactate serves as an early, robust prognostic marker, providing crucial information for clinical decision-making and care prioritization. Further large-scale studies are needed to refine these predictive tools and validate their efficacy in guiding treatment strategies.

Lactate Profile Assessment-A Good Predictor of Prognosis in Patients with COVID-19 and Septic Shock Requiring Continuous Renal Therapy

INTRODUCTION

Lactate is a useful prognostic marker, as its level increases in hypoxic tissue and/or during accelerated aerobic glycolysis due to excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation and decreased lactate clearance. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Bundle 2018 Update suggests premeasurement of lactate within 2-4 h so that physicians perform, assist, administer, and introduce lactate-guided resuscitation to reduce mortality due to sepsis.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients with septic shock who underwent continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for acute kidney injury were enrolled in this observational study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, and patients were divided into two groups: survivors and non-survivors.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lactate levels at 24 h after initiation of CRRT treatment, but not lactate levels at intensive care unit (ICU) admission, were associated with mortality. Lactate clearance was associated with lower mortality among the survivors (OR = 0.140) at 6 h after ICU admission and late mortality (OR = 0.260) after 24 h. The area under the ROC curves for mortality was 0.682 for initial lactate; 0.797 for lactate at 24 h; and 0.816 for lactate clearance at 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Our result reinforces that the determination of lactate dynamics represents a good predictor for mortality, and serial lactate measurements may be more useful prognostic markers than initial lactate in patients with septic shock.

The role of lactate-to-albumin ratio to predict 30-day risk of death in patients with sepsis in the emergency department: a decision tree analysis

BACKGROUND

Accurately estimating the prognosis of septic patients on arrival in the emergency department (ED) is clinically challenging. The lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) has recently been proposed to improve the predictive performance of septic patients admitted to the ICU.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess whether the LAR could be used as an early prognostic marker of 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis in the ED.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted in the ED of the Hospital of Merano. All patients with a diagnosis of sepsis were considered. The LAR was recorded on arrival in the ED. The primary outcome measure was mortality at 30 days. The predictive role of the LAR for mortality was evaluated with the area under the ROC curve, logistic regression adjusted for the Charlson Comorbidity Index value, National Early Warning Score, and Sequential Organ Failure score, and with decision tree analysis.

RESULTS

459 patients were enrolled, of whom 17% (78/459) died at 30 days. The median LAR of the patients who died at 30 days (0.78 [0.45-1.19]) was significantly higher than the median LAR of survivors (0.42 [0.27-0.65]) (p < 0.001). The discriminatory ability of the LAR for death at 30 days was 0.738, higher than that of lactate alone (0.692), and slightly lower than that of albumin alone (0.753). The decision trees confirmed the role of the LAR as an independent risk factor for mortality.

CONCLUSION

The LAR can be used as an index to better predict the 30-day risk of death in septic patients.

Association between lactate-to-albumin ratio and 28-days all-cause mortality in patients with sepsis-associated liver injury: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The mortality rate of sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI) is relatively high, but there is currently no authoritative prognostic criterion for the outcome of SALI. Meanwhile, lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) has been confirmed to be associated with mortality rates in conditions such as sepsis, heart failure, and respiratory failure. However, there is a scarcity of research reporting on the association between LAR and SALI. This study aimed to elucidate the association between LAR and the 28-day mortality rate of SALI.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, data were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (v2.2). Adult patients with SALI were admitted to the intensive care unit in this study. The LAR level at admission was included, and the primary aim was to assess the relationship between the LAR and 28-day all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 341 patients with SALI (SALI) were screened. They were divided into a survival group (241) and a non-survival group (100), and the 28-day mortality rate was 29.3%. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that for every 1-unit increase in LAR, the 28-day mortality risk for SALI patients increased by 21%, with an HR of 1.21 (95% CI 1.11 ~ 1.31, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that in patients with SALI, a higher LAR is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality within 28 days of admission. This suggests that LAR may serve as an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in SALI patients.

The lactate to albumin ratio linked to all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with septic myocardial injury

Background

The lactate to albumin ratio (LAR) has emerged as a promising prognostic marker in critically ill patients. Despite its potential utility, the prognostic value of LAR in septic myocardial injury (SMI) remains uncertain.

Methods

This study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of LAR in SMI through a retrospective cohort analysis of data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) (v1.4) database. The study included intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted patients (age ≥18 years) diagnosed with SMI. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 704 patients were included in the study, of which 59.10% were male. Hospital mortality and ICU mortality rates were recorded at 29.97% and 22.87%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate Cox proportional risk analysis demonstrated that LAR was independently associated with an increased risk of both hospital mortality (HR, 1.39 [95% CI: 1.24-1.56] P < 0.001) and ICU mortality (HR, 1.46 [95% CI: 1.29-1.65] P < 0.001). Furthermore, the generalized additive model (GAM) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model indicated a linear relationship between LAR and mortality rates in the ICU and hospital.

Conclusions

The LAR may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in critically ill patients with SMI. High LAR levels are associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality and can help identify individuals with high mortality rates. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of using LAR as a tool for risk stratification and management of critically ill patients with SMI.

Effect Observation of Optimized Individualized Nursing Care Applied to ICU Patients with Severe Pneumonia

PURPOSE

This study aims to observe the effect of optimized individualized nursing care applied to intensive care unit (ICU) patients with severe pneumonia (SP).

METHODS

440 patients with SP admitted to the ICU of our hospital from January 2019 to June 2020 were provided with routine nursing care (group A), and 550 patients with SP admitted from July 2020 to December 2021 were provided with optimized individualized nursing care (group B). The blood lactate index and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) scores before and after care were compared between the two groups. The WBC count recovery time, mechanical ventilation time, antipyretic time, and length of hospital stay of the two groups were recorded. The complication rate of the two groups during the nursing care period was compared. The prognosis effect of the two groups after 6 and 12 months of discharge was followed up with the Seattle angina pectoris questionnaire (SAQ).

RESULTS

After care, the lactate level and lactate clearance rate were higher in both groups than before care, and the lactate level in group B was lower than that in group A and the lactate clearance rate was higher than that in group A (P < 0.05). After care, APACHE II scores were lower in both groups than before care, and lower in group B than in group A (P < 0.05). After care, the WBC count recovery time, mechanical ventilation time, antipyretic time, and length of hospital stay were shorter in group B than in group A (P < 0.05). During the nursing care period, the complication rate was lower in group B (5.82%) than in group A (11.59%) (P < 0.05). 6 and 12 months after discharge, the SAQ scores were higher in group B than in group A (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Optimized individualized nursing care applied to ICU SP patients can effectively improve the patients' physiological indicators, reduce complications, improve the prognosis of quality of life, and have a positive effect on the patients' speedy recovery.