Pre-operative serum albumin concentration as a predictor of mortality and morbidity following cardiac surgery

Pre-operative Serum Albumin as a Predictor of Adverse Outcomes in Open Abdominal Surgery: A Retrospective Study in Central Queensland

Purpose Hypoalbuminemia, which is indicative of protein-energy malnutrition, is linked to increased morbidity and mortality in acute surgical patients due to increased catabolism. This study evaluates the relationship between preoperative serum albumin levels and postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent open abdominal surgery. Methodology We used the Operating Room Management Information System (ORMIS) and coding to retrospectively find a complete list of surgeries from January 2021 to June 2023 using the term "laparotomy" and "open surgery". Patient demographics, comorbidities, pre-operative serum albumin, laboratory parameters, surgical category, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and death up to postoperative day 30 were collected. Serum albumin less than 35g/L is considered as hypoalbuminemia in this study. Results A total of 182 patients were analyzed, with 101 having hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin<35 g/L) and 81 having normal albumin levels (serum albumin≥35 g/L). Patients with hypoalbuminemia had significantly lower haemoglobin levels (126 g/L vs. 142 g/L, p<0.001) and higher American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) scores, with more patients classified as ASA 4 and 5 (33.7% and 12.9% vs. 14.8% and 9.9%, p=0.024). The median hospital stay was longer in the hypoalbuminemia group (10 vs. 7 days, p=0.006). Wound dehiscence was more frequent (11.9% vs. 2.5%, p=0.018), and mortality was significantly higher (11.9% vs. 3.7%, p=0.046), highlighting the association between low preoperative albumin and worse surgical outcomes. Conclusions Preoperative serum albumin effectively predicts surgical outcomes after open abdominal surgery. It serves as a valuable, cost-effective risk predictor that should be further explored for integration into preoperative assessments.

Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) As a Preoperative Screening Tool in Predicting Clinical Outcomes of Postoperative Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Patients

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to evaluate the role of nutritional indices such as Onodera's prognostic nutrition index (PNI), World Health Organization (WHO)-based anthropometric measurements such as weight for age (w/a), height for age, weight for height, and perioperative serum albumin levels in the determination of postoperative clinical outcomes in pediatric patients who undergo surgery for congenital cardiac defects and surgical complexity (risk-adjusted congenital heart surgery score) and its correlation with postoperative course.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 108 post-pediatric cardiac surgery patients under the age of 18 months were enrolled between January 2023 and August 2023. Through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis we have found the cutoff value for PNI is ≤66.5 and >66.5. The above mentioned parameters were analyzed for postoperative clinical outcomes such as length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of hospital stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

Significant negative correlation was found between length of ICU stay and hospital stay with lower PNI (P = .019 and <.001, respectively.). Analysis of low versus high PNI groups was suggestive of a remarkable increase in mechanical ventilation time (P = .03), length of ICU stay (0.01), and hospital stay (P ≤ .001) in the low PNI group. Lower WHO-based w/a Z score was found to be significantly associated with low PNI (<66.5), after adjusting for preoperative albumin, postoperative albumin drop, and C-reactive protein (odds ratio = 1.411 per unit 0.28 increment in W/azs, P = .004).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative Onoderas PNI is an effective and efficient tool for predicting postoperative clinical morbidity in pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart surgery.

Performance of the comprehensive nutrition screening index in predicting mortality after cardiac surgery

Malnutrition is a significant risk factor for postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The Seoul National University Hospital-Nutrition Screening Index (SNUH-NSI) is an automated screening tool designed to comprehensively assess malnutrition risk. However, its predictive value in patients undergoing cardiac surgery remains unvalidated. This study included adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery at a tertiary teaching hospital between May 2008 and December 2019. Patients were classified as low-, intermediate-, or high-risk for malnutrition based on the SNUH-NSI. The association between malnutrition risk and postoperative cumulative all-cause mortality was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression analysis. The predictive ability of the SNUH-NSI was compared with conventional nutritional indices. Compared to the low-risk group, both the high-risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.19-3.19; P < 0.001) and intermediate-risk groups (adjusted HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.31-1.82; P < 0.001) demonstrated a significantly elevated risk of cumulative all-cause mortality. The multivariable model incorporating SNUH-NSI demonstrated moderate but superior predictive performance compared to that of other conventional nutritional indices. Preoperative malnutrition assessed by the SNUH-NSI was found to be a significant predictor of mortality following cardiac surgery. Implementing the SNUH-NSI for automated preoperative malnutrition screening could be an efficient and cost-effective approach.

The effect of albumın and total proteın values as nutrıtıonal markers after Fontan surgery on prognosıs

INTRODUCTION

Children with CHD develop heart failure due to increased pulmonary blood flow, cyanosis, and pulmonary hypertension. The metabolic needs of these children differ from those of healthy children, and malnutrition is common. Protein-losing enteropathy has been reported in 5 to 13% of patients after the Fontan procedure. Serum albumin and total protein levels, which are indicators of the quality of post-operative care, can be useful tools for monitoring and examining the intensive care treatment strategies of these patients. In our retrospective study, the effects of albumin and total protein values, which are two of the markers that give us an idea about diet, nutritional status, and inflammation, on the prognosis of children who underwent the Fontan procedure were investigated.

METHOD

In our study, 127 patients who underwent Fontan procedure in our clinic between 2012 and 2021 were analysed retrospectively. Of the patients, 52.7% (n = 67) were male and 47.3% (n = 60) were female. The mean age is 5.83 ± 4.63 years. Patients who underwent albumin replacement were not included in the study.

RESULTS

Although the relationship between pre-operative albumin and total protein values and post-operative mortality was not statistically significant, the inverse correlation of post-operative albumin 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-day values and post-operative total protein 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-day values with mortality was found to be statistically significant. In addition, we found that mortality was statistically high in patients whose total protein amount was below 6.65 mg/dl in the early post-operative period.

CONCLUSION

Albumin and total protein, whose blood levels can vary with diet, can be used as predictors in the early post-operative prognosis of Fontan patients. In addition, when we examined the exitus patients, it was observed that the total protein amount was below 6.65 mg/dl on the post-operative 1st day. Based on this, we think that a diet with high protein content before surgery will help reduce post-operative early mortality.

Bayesian networks identify determinants of outcomes following cardiac surgery in a UK population

BACKGROUND

Traditional risk stratification tools do not describe the complex principle determinant relationships that exist amongst pre-operative and peri-operative factors and their influence on cardiac surgical outcomes. This paper reports on the use of Bayesian networks to investigate such outcomes.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected from 4776 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery at a single UK institute between April 2012 and May 2019. Machine learning techniques were used to construct Bayesian networks for four key short-term outcomes including death, stroke and renal failure.

RESULTS

Duration of operation was the most important determinant of death irrespective of EuroSCORE. Duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was the most important determinant of re-operation for bleeding. EuroSCORE was predictive of new renal replacement therapy but not mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Machine-learning algorithms have allowed us to analyse the significance of dynamic processes that occur between pre-operative and peri-operative elements. Length of procedure and duration of cardiopulmonary bypass predicted mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery in the UK. Bayesian networks can be used to explore potential principle determinant mechanisms underlying outcomes and be used to help develop future risk models.

Impact of Sarcopenia on Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Sarcopenia is an objective marker of poor outcome following cardiac surgery through median sternotomy. However, the clinical impact of sarcopenia after minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has not been well established. This study aimed to analyze the influence of sarcopenia on the early and late outcomes following MICS. We retrospectively examined 1248 patients who underwent MICS via right mini-thoracotomy or upper sternotomy between February 2009 and April 2020. Patients older than 65 years who underwent preoperative computed tomography were enrolled. Sarcopenia was defined as the lowest sex-specific quartile of the body surface area adjusted psoas muscle area. The early operative and late survival outcomes were compared, and the predictor of late composite outcome was analyzed using Cox proportional regression model. Early and late composite outcomes in both groups were also compared. A total of 367 patients were classified into the sarcopenia (n = 92) or non-sarcopenia (n = 275) group. Patients in the sarcopenia group were older, and had lower preoperative hemoglobin and albumin levels. They had higher estimated surgical mortality, but similar early mortality and major morbidity. The survival and late composite outcome were comparable between the two groups. Sarcopenia was neither an independent predictor of late death nor a composite outcome in the multivariable model. After MICS, patients with sarcopenia displayed comparable perioperative outcomes and survival. The clinical impact of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes might be alleviated by MICS and early recovery protocol after MICS. MICS could be a reasonable approach for elderly patients with sarcopenia.

Postoperative cardiac troponin I as an indicator of surgical outcomes: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac surgeries are generally associated with high morbidity and mortality. To prevent any adverse outcomes, it is crucial to identify patients at risk of developing postoperative complications and initiate relevant therapeutic interventions. Several biomarkers are used to determine postoperative myocardial injury but they either lack sensitivity and specificity or are elevated for a short time. In this systematic review, we evaluate postoperative troponin I as a predictor of postoperative myocardial infarction, mortality, and hospital and Intensive Care Unit stay.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A thorough literature search was conducted over PubMed, clinicaltrials. gov, and the Cochrane library from inception till May 24, 2022 using relevant keywords, and only articles that met the pre-defined criteria were recruited.

RESULTS

Following a comprehensive literature search, a total of 359 articles were obtained. Following a rigid screening and full-length review, only 13 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included. The recruited studies evaluated data from a total of 12,483 individuals and assessed troponin I as a predictor of at least one outcome.

CONCLUSION

Troponin I has the potential to be used as a stand-alone predictor of surgical outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting and valvular surgeries. However, supplementing it with other markers and scores offers the best chance at timely diagnosing any complications.

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis

The preoperative serum albumin level has been shown to be associated with adverse postoperative complications, meaning that hypoalbuminemia may also be a risk factor. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of serum albumin levels with survival and complication rates after cardiac surgery. Relevant articles were identified through seven databases. Twenty studies with 22553 patients (hypoalbuminemia group, n = 9903; normal group, n = 12650) who underwent cardiac surgery met the inclusion criteria after screening. The primary outcomes were that hypoalbuminemia was significantly correlated with serious long-term all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.95 [1.54-2.48]; P < 0.00001) and increased mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 1.91 [1.61-2.27], P < 0.00001). Hypoalbuminemic patients with cardiopathy were more likely to suffer postoperative complications (bleeding, infections, renal injury, and others) than those whose serum albumin levels were normal. Furthermore, hypoalbuminemia increased the time in the intensive-care unit (ICU) (mean difference [MD] = 1.18 [0.49-1.87], P = 0.0008), length of hospital stay (LOS) (MD = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.88-4.80, P < 0.00001), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPB) (MD = 12.40 [1.13-23.66], P = 0.03). Hypoalbuminemia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery appears to have a poor all-cause mortality or increased risk of complications. Adjusted perioperative serum albumin levels and treatment strategies for this high-risk population have the potential to improve the survival.

Predictive value of hypoalbuminemia and severe hypoalbuminemia in oncologic spine surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of a prospectively collected national database.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of hypoalbuminemia on outcomes in surgical spine oncology patients.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

It is well documented that patients with hypoalbuminemia (albumin <3.5) have significantly higher rates of surgical morbidity and mortality than patients with normal albumin (>3.5 g/dl). We evaluated outcomes for metastatic oncologic spine surgery patients based on pre-operative albumin levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for metastatic spine disease were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2006 to 2016. Three groups were established: patients with normal albumin (>3.5 g/dl), mild hypoalbuminemia (2.6 g/dl - 3.4 g/dl), and severe hypoalbuminemia (<=2.5 g/dl). A multivariate analysis was used to assess the association between albumin levels and mortality within 30 days of surgical intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 700 patients who underwent surgery for metastatic spinal disease and had pre-operative albumin levels available were identified; 64.0% had normal albumin (>3.5 g/dl), 29.6% had mild hypoalbuminemia, and 6.4% had severe hypoalbuminemia. The overall 30-day mortality was 7.6% for patients with normal albumin, 15.9% for patients with mild hypoalbuminemia, and 44.4% for patients with severe hypoalbuminemia. On multivariate analysis, patients with mild hypoalbuminemia (OR 1.7 95% CI: 1.0-3.0 p = 0.05) and severe hypoalbuminemia (OR 6.2 95% CI: 2.8-13.5 p < 0.001) were more likely to expire within 30 days compared to patients with preoperative albumin above 3.5 g/dl.

CONCLUSION

In this study, albumin level was found to be an independent predictor of 30-day mortality in patients who underwent operative intervention for metastatic spinal disease. Patients with severe hypoalbuminemia had a 7-fold increased risk when compared with those who had normal albumin. While these findings need to be validated by future studies, we believe they will prove useful for preoperative risk stratification and surgical decision-making.

The influence of postoperative albumin levels on the outcome of cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

The prognostic role of low postoperative serum albumin levels (SAL) after cardiac surgery (CS) remains unclear in patients with normal preoperative SAL. Our aim was to evaluate the influence of SAL on the outcome of CS.

METHODS

Prospective observational study. Patients undergoing CS with normal preoperative SAL and nutritional status were included and classified into different subgroups based on SAL at 24 h after CS. We assessed outcomes (i.e., in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications and long-term survival) and results were analyzed among the different subgroups of SAL.

RESULTS

We included 2818 patients. Mean age was 64.5 ± 11.6 years and body mass index 28.0 ± 4.3Kg·m^- 2. 5.8%(n = 162) of the patients had normal SAL levels(≥35 g·L^- 1), 32.8%(n = 924) low deficit (30-34.9 g·L^- 1), 44.3%(n = 1249) moderate deficit (25-29.9 g·L^- 1), and 17.1%(n = 483) severe deficit(< 25 g·L^- 1). Higher SAL after CS was associated with reduced in-hospital (OR:0.84;95% CI:0.80-0.84; P = 0.007) and long-term mortality (HR:0.85;95% CI:0.82-0.87;P < 0.001). Subgroups of patients with lower SAL showed worst long-term survival (5-year mortality:94.3% normal subgroup, 87.4% low, 83.1% moderate and 72.4% severe;P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed higher in-hospital mortality, sepsis, hemorrhage related complications, and ICU stay in subgroups of patients with lower SAL. Predictors of moderate and severe hypoalbuminemia were preoperative chronic kidney disease, previous CS, and longer cardiopulmonary bypass time.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of postoperative hypoalbuminemia after CS is frequent and the degree of hypoalbuminemia may be associated with worst outcomes, even in the long-term scenario.

Perioperative serum albumin and its influence on clinical outcomes in neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a multi-centre retrospective study

Hypoalbuminemia is associated with morbidity and mortality in critically ill children. In this multi-centre retrospective study, we aimed to determine normative values of serum albumin in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease, evaluate perioperative changes in albumin levels, and determine if low serum albumin influences post-operative outcomes. Consecutive eligible neonates and infants who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at one of three medical centres, January 2012-August 2013, were included. Data on serum albumin levels from five data points (pre-operative, 0-24, 24-48, 48-72, 72 hours post-operative) were collected. Median pre-operative serum albumin level was 2.5 g/dl (IQR, 2.1-2.8) in neonates versus 4 g/dl (IQR, 3.5-4.4) in infants. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as &lt;25th percentile of these values. A total of 203 patients (126 neonates, 77 infants) were included in the study. Post-operative hypoalbuminemia developed in 12% of neonates and 20% of infants; 97% occurred in the first 48 hours. In multivariable analysis, perioperative hypoalbuminemia was not independently associated with any post-operative morbidity. However, when analysed as a continuous variable, lower serum albumin levels were associated with increased post-operative morbidity. Pre-operative low serum albumin level was independently associated with increased odds of post-operative hypoalbuminemia (OR, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.01-13.29) and prolonged length of hospital stay (RR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.08-1.82). Lower 0-24-hour post-operative serum albumin level was independently associated with an increased duration of mechanical ventilation (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.12-1.64). Future studies should further assess hypoalbuminemia in this population, with emphasis on evaluating clinically meaningful cut-offs and possibly the use of serum albumin levels in perioperative risk stratification models.

Serum Albumin Trend Is a Predictor of Mortality in ICU Patients With Sepsis

INTRODUCTION

Patients admitted to the hospital with sepsis are 8 times more likely to die than patients with other diagnoses. There is no diagnostic test that clearly identifies the presence of the dysregulated host response that is central to sepsis. Researchers have identified serum albumin as a possible predictor of mortality in a number of critically ill patient populations. However, these studies primarily focus on the levels on admission, neglecting the clinically significant decrease that occurs subsequently. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the trend of serum albumin over time and mortality in adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with sepsis.

METHODS

This retrospective, correlational study used existing medical record data. All patients admitted to the ICU at a Midwestern regional medical center with a primary sepsis diagnosis were included in the initial sample. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the ability of serum albumin to predict mortality.

RESULTS

Serum albumin trend, admission serum albumin level, and lowest serum albumin level were significant unique predictors of mortality. The probability of survival decreases by 70.6% when there is a strong negative trend in serum albumin level, by 63.4% when admission serum albumin is ≤2.45 g/dl, and by 76.4% when the lowest serum albumin is ≤1.45 g/dl.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians are encouraged to measure serum albumin levels in patients with sepsis. Low serum albumin levels and a strong negative trend in serial measurements should instigate aggressive monitoring and treatment in this population.

Standardization of perioperative care facilitates safe discharge by postoperative day five after pancreaticoduodenectomy

INTRODUCTION

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a complex surgical procedure associated with high morbidity and prolonged length of stay. Enhanced recovery after surgery principles have reduced complications rate and length of stay for multiple types of operations. We hypothesized that implementation of a standardized perioperative care pathway would facilitate safe discharge by five days after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy 18 months prior to and 18 months following implementation of a perioperative care pathway at a quaternary center performing high volume pancreatic surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (mean age 63 ± 10 years, 52% female), 81 before and 64 following pathway implementation, and the groups were similar in terms of preoperative comorbidities. The percentage of patients discharged within 5 days of surgery increased from 36% to 64% following pathway implementation (p = 0.001), with no observed differences in post-operative serious adverse events (p = 0.34), pancreatic fistula grade B or C (p = 0.28 and p = 0.27 respectively), or delayed gastric emptying (p = 0.46). Multivariate regression analysis showed length of stay ≤5 days three times more likely after pathway implementation. Rates of readmission within 30 days (20% pre- vs. 22% post-pathway (p = 0.75)) and 90 days (27% pre- vs. 36% post-pathway (p = 0.27)) were unchanged after pathway implementation, and were no different between patients discharged before or after day 5 at both 30 days (19% ≤5 days vs. 23% ≥ 6 days (p = 0.68)) and 90 days (32% ≤5 days vs. 30% ≥ 6 days (p = 0.81)).

CONCLUSIONS

Standardizing perioperative care via enhanced recovery protocols for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy facilitates safe discharge by post-operative day five.

Nutrition and Clinical Outcomes of Nutrition Support in Multidisciplinary Team for Critically Ill Patients

BACKGROUND

To examine the outcomes of the implementation of a multidisciplinary nutrition support team (NST) that included a pharmacist for critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected from electronic medical records and compared between the pre-NST group (n = 73) and post-NST group (n = 75). Patients were included if they received enteral or parenteral nutrition support for at least 72 hours in the ICU of an approximately 900-bed, top-tier university medical center. The percentage of goal kcal, the percentage of goal protein, serum albumin level, total lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein, duration of mechanical ventilation use, hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, and mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the percentage of goal kcal (66.9% ± 25.9% vs 86.2% ± 27.5%; P < 0.001) and the percentage of goal protein (67.0% ± 29.9% vs 81.7% ± 30.7%; P < 0.05) between the pre-NST and post-NST groups. A higher percentage of goal kcal was associated with a significant decrease in the ICU LOS (P < 0.05) and hospital LOS (P < 0.05). The percentage of goal kcal was associated with mortality rate (odd ratio, 0.977; 95% confidential interval, 0.959-0.996; P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a multidisciplinary NST service for critically ill patients was associated with higher percentages of goal kcal and goal protein, as well as a shortened duration of mechanical ventilation use. Higher energy supply was associated with a reduced mortality rate.

Nutrition Screening vs Nutrition Assessment: What's the Difference?

Screening and assessment imply different processes, with the former indicating risk factors for a deprived nutrition condition and the latter providing the nutrition diagnosis. Both should be routinely performed at hospital admission according to recommended guidelines; however, this is not the reality worldwide, and undernutrition remains highly prevalent in the hospital setting. Therefore, the objective of the current review is to delve into the principles leading to nutrition status deficiencies and how they should be addressed by screening and assessment. A critical appraisal for the reasons associated with the misunderstanding between screening and assessing is proposed without further discussing the many available screening tools while approaching some of the assessment instruments.

Impacts of albumin synergized with hydroxyethyl starch on early microvascular albumin leakage after major abdominal surgery in rabbits

PURPOSE

To investigate the impacts of albumin synergized with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) on early microvascular albumin leakage after major abdominal surgery in rabbits.

METHODS

Forty male Japanese rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the saline group, the albumin group, and the Syn group (hydroxyethyl starch+albumin). The latter three groups were performed gastrectomy plus resection of pancreatic body and tail and splenectomy. The serum albumin concentration was detected before and 48h after surgery, and the conditions of mesenteric microvascular leakage in these 4 groups were observed under microscope 48 h after surgery to calculate the leakage rate.

RESULTS

Compared with the saline group, the albumin group and the Syn group exhibited significantly increased serum albumin concentrations 48h after surgery (P<0.05). The albumin leakage rate was the most obvious in the albumin group, followed by the saline group, while that in the Syn group was the minimal, and there existed significant differences among these groups (P<0.05) .

CONCLUSION

Simple administration of albumin in the early stage after major abdominal surgery could increase the albumin leakage, while the synergization of albumin and hydroxyethyl starch could reduce the albumin leakage.

Predictors of total morbidity burden on days 3, 5 and 8 after cardiac surgery

Background

Post-operative morbidity affects up to 36% of cardiac surgical patients. However, few countries reliably record morbidity outcome data, despite patients wanting to be informed of all the risks associated with surgery. The Cardiac Post-Operative Morbidity Score (C-POMS) is a new tool for describing and scoring (0–13) total morbidity burden after cardiac surgery, derived by noting the presence/absence of 13 morbidity domains on days 3, 5, 8 and 15. Identifying modifiable C-POMS risk factors may suggest targets for intervention to reduce morbidity and healthcare costs. Thus, we explored the association of C-POMS with previously identified predictors of post-operative morbidity.

Methods

A systematic literature review of pre-operative risk assessment models for post-operative morbidity was conducted to identify variables associated with post-operative morbidity. The association of those variables with C-POMS was explored in patients drawn from the original C-POMS study (n = 444).

Results

Seventy risk factors were identified, of which 56 were available in the study and 49 were suitable for analysis. Numbers were too few to analyse associations on D15. Thirty-three (67.3%) and 20 (40.8%) variables were associated with C-POMS on at least 1 or 2 days, respectively. Pre-operative albumin concentration, left ventricular ejection fraction and New York Heart Association functional class were associated with C-POMS on all days. Of the 16 independent risk factors, pre-operative albumin and haemoglobin concentrations and weight are potentially modifiable.

Conclusions

Different risk factors are associated with total morbidity burden on different post-operative days. Pre-operative albumin and haemoglobin concentrations and weight were independently predictive of post-operative total morbidity burden suggesting therapeutic interventions aimed at these might reduce both post-operative morbidity risk and health-care costs in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13741-017-0060-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lower Serum Albumin Shortly After Admission Predicts Prolonged Hospital Stay in Younger Burn Patients

The purpose of this study was to assess whether albumin levels could be used to aid in the prediction of hospital stay in adult burn patients. A retrospective review of burn patients from 2009 to 2014 was used. Demographic, injury details, albumin levels within 72 hours of admission, and clinical outcomes were recorded. The abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI) was calculated for each patient. Hospital stay >3 weeks was defined as "prolonged stay." Since albumin showed a significant interaction with age, patients were divided into two groups based on a median age of 40 years. Albumin, total BSA, and ABSI were each used as predictors, and the area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated. A composite score was created for the ≤ 40 years age group using ABSI and albumin levels to predict an increased length of stay. Thirty-eight of 198 (19.2%) patients had a stay >3 weeks. The AUCs for albumin level, total BSA, and ABSI alone in younger patients were 0.97, 0.97, and 0.96, respectively. Among patients older than 40, the AUC values were substantially lower indicating lower predictive value. The probability of prolonged stay for patients with albumin level ≥ 2.4 g/dl was low (.8%) compared with those with albumin level <2.4 g/dl (96.5%). Adding ABSI to this model increased predictive accuracy. Albumin level obtained within 72 hours of admission was an effective predictor of prolonged hospital stay in adult burn patients ≤ 40 years.

Is low serum albumin associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery?

A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The clinical question investigated was: is low serum albumin associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery? There were 62 papers retrieved using the reported search strategy. Of these, 12 publications embodied the best evidence to answer this clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of the publication, patient group investigated, study design, relevant outcomes and results of these papers were tabulated. This paper includes a total of 12 589 patients, and of the papers reviewed, 4 were level 3 and 8 level 4. Each of the publications reviewed and compared either all or some of the following postoperative complications: mortality, postoperative bleeding requiring reoperation, prolonged hospital stay and ventilatory support, infection, liver dysfunction, delirium and acute kidney injury (AKI). Of the studies that examined postoperative mortality, all except for three established a significant multivariate association with low preoperative albumin level. Some scepticism is required in accepting other results that were only present in univariate analysis. While three studies examined multiple levels of serum albumin, most dichotomized the serum albumin levels into normal and abnormal groups. This led to differing classifications of hypoalbuminaemia, ranging from less than 2.5 to 4.0 g/dl. The available evidence, however, suggests that low preoperative serum albumin level in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is associated with the following: (i) increased risk of mortality after surgery and (ii) greater incidence of postoperative morbidity. While the evidence supports the use of preoperative albumin in assessing post-cardiac surgery complications, a specific level of albumin considered to be abnormal cannot be concluded from this review.

Colorectal surgical mortality and morbidity in elderly patients: comparison of POSSUM, P-POSSUM, CR-POSSUM, and CR-BHOM

PURPOSE

This study aims to compare the predictive value of POSSUM, P-POSSUM, CR-POSSUM and CR-BHOM in colorectal surgical mortality and morbidity in patients over 80 years old.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational longitudinal study. A total of 991 patients who underwent major colorectal surgery between 2008 and 2012 in a secondary hospital in Portugal were screened, and 204 who were over 80 years old were included. Subgroup analysis was performed for malignant/benign disease and emergent/elective surgery. The main outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity with Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ 2.

RESULTS

Of the 204 patients included in this study, 155 had malignant disease, and 65 underwent emergent procedures. Overall average age was 84.3 ± 3.9 years (range 80-100). Overall surgical mortality and morbidity were 18.6% (n = 38) and 52.4% (n = 87), respectively. Expected mortality followed the order P-POSSUM<CR-POSSUM<CR-BHOM (p < 0.001), and expected morbidity followed the order POSSUM<CR-BHOM (p < 0.001) in all groups. All scores were higher in the emergent surgery group compared with elective surgery (p < 0.05). All scores had sensitivity below 60%. Physiology scores were higher among patients with surgical mortality (p < 0.05), with no differences in operative scores.

CONCLUSIONS

In our population, CR-POSSUM was the best predictor of surgical mortality. POSSUM and P-POSSUM underestimated surgical mortality and morbidity, and CR-BHOM overestimated surgical mortality, being however the best predictor of morbidity. Nevertheless, none of the scores showed sufficient discriminatory power to have clinical application value. Moreover, our results suggest that, in elderly patients, it is the patient's health status and not the type of surgery that is mainly responsible for the surgical outcome.

What is the best predictor of mortality in perforated peptic ulcer disease? A population-based, multivariable regression analysis including three clinical scoring systems

BACKGROUND

Mortality rates in perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) have remained unchanged. The aim of this study was to compare known clinical factors and three scoring systems (American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), Boey and peptic ulcer perforation (PULP)) in the ability to predict mortality in PPU.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a consecutive, observational cohort study of patients surgically treated for perforated peptic ulcer over a decade (January 2001 through December 2010). Primary outcome was 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 172 patients were included, of whom 28 (16 %) died within 30 days. Among the factors associated with mortality, the PULP score had an odds ratio (OR) of 18.6 and the ASA score had an OR of 11.6, both with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79. The Boey score had an OR of 5.0 and an AUC of 0.75. Hypoalbuminaemia alone (≤37 g/l) achieved an OR of 8.7 and an AUC of 0.78. In multivariable regression, mortality was best predicted by a combination of increasing age, presence of active cancer and delay from admission to surgery of >24 h, together with hypoalbuminaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia and increased creatinine values, for a model AUC of 0.89.

CONCLUSION

Six clinical factors predicted 30-day mortality better than available risk scores. Hypoalbuminaemia was the strongest single predictor of mortality and may be included for improved risk estimation.