Schroth J, Weber V, Jones TF, Del Arroyo AG, Henson SM, Ackland GL. Preoperative lymphopaenia, mortality, and morbidity after elective surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Br J Anaesth 2021;
127:32-40. [PMID:
33795133 PMCID:
PMC8258977 DOI:
10.1016/j.bja.2021.02.023]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In the general adult population, lymphopaenia is associated with an increased risk for hospitalisation with infection and infection-related death. The quality of evidence and strength of association between perioperative lymphopaenia across different surgical procedures and mortality/morbidity has not been examined by systematic review or meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases from their inception to June 29, 2020 for observational studies reporting lymphocyte count and in-hospital mortality rate in adults. We defined preoperative lymphopaenia as a lymphocyte count 1.0-1.5×109 L-1. Meta-analysis was performed using either fixed or random effects models. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The I2 index was used to quantify heterogeneity. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality rate and mortality rate at 30 days.
RESULTS
Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis, comprising 4811 patients (age range, 46-91 yr; female, 20-79%). These studies examined preoperative lymphocyte count exclusively. Studies were of moderate to high quality overall, ranking >7 using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Preoperative lymphopaenia was associated with a threefold increase in mortality rate (risk ratio [RR]=3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.19-4.72; P<0.01, I2=0%) and more frequent major postoperative complications (RR=1.33; 95% CI, 1.21-1.45; P<0.01, I2=6%), including cardiovascular morbidity (RR=1.77; 95% CI, 1.45-2.15; P<0.01, I2=0%), infections (RR=1.45; 95% CI, 1.19-1.76; P<0.01, I2=0%), and acute renal dysfunction (RR=2.66; 95% CI, 1.49-4.77; P<0.01, I2=1%).
CONCLUSION
Preoperative lymphopaenia is associated with death and complications more frequently, independent of the type of surgery.
PROSPERO REGISTRY NUMBER
CRD42020190702.
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