Nutritional parameters affecting severity of pneumonia and length of hospital stay in patients with pneumococcal pneumonia: a retrospective cross-sectional study

The Impact of Nutritional Markers and Dietary Habits on the Bioimpedance Phase Angle in Older Individuals

Low phase angle (PhA), as determined via bioelectrical impedance analysis, reflects unhealthy aging and mortality. In this study, we assessed whether nutritional status, including serum nutritional markers and dietary habits, is related to PhA in older individuals. We recruited 212 participants (aged ≥ 65 years) who underwent medical health checkups. PhA was measured using a multi-frequency impedance body composition analyzer. Habitual food and nutrient intake was evaluated using a brief, self-administered diet history questionnaire. Low PhA values were defined as ≤4.95 in males and ≤4.35 in females. Males with low PhA had poor exercise habits (p = 0.0429) and a lower body mass index (p = 0.0024). PhA was significantly correlated with serum cholinesterase levels, a nutritional status marker (r = 0.3313, p = 0.0004 in males; r = 0.3221, p = 0.0070 in females). The low-PhA group had significantly lower total energy and carbohydrate intake per ideal body weight (IBW) than the high-PhA group in males (total energy intake:30.2 ± 9.8 and 34.5 ± 9.3 kcal/kg/day, p = 0.0307; carbohydrate intake:15.2 ± 4.9 and 18.0 ± 5.8 kcal/kg/day, p = 0.0157). Total energy intake per IBW (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.94 [0.89-1.00] per 1 kcal/kg/day increase) was independently associated with a low PhA in males. Our study revealed that lower total energy intake independently impacted low PhA in older males.

Severe liver injury affects the outcomes and length of hospital stay in children with community-acquired pneumonia

Background

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the association between liver injury and clinical parameters, outcomes and length of stay (LOS) in hospital in children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

Clinical data and laboratory indicators of 2,573 children with CAP were analyzed. The association between liver injury and clinical parameters, outcomes and LOS was then analyzed.

Results

Higher liver injury class was associated with higher incidence of severe CAP, comorbidities, hypoxia, requirement for mechanical ventilation, 30-day mortality and intensive care unit admission, and higher indicators of inflammation (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and white blood cell count), longer LOS, faster respiratory rate and pulse rate, and lower age, serum albumin levels, monocyte and lymphocyte counts. Severe liver injury was identified as an independent factor for 30-day mortality and prolonged LOS in children with CAP. Higher liver injury class was associated with a lower cumulative survival rate (p=0.0004), and log-rank test for trend was used to demonstrate the association of each injury class with 30-day mortality (p=0.0002).

Conclusions

Several parameters were associated with liver injury in children with CAP. Severe liver injury was found to be an independent factor for 30-day mortality and LOS in children with CAP.

Burden of illness associated with pneumococcal infections in Japan - a targeted literature review

INTRODUCTION

Pneumococcal diseases (PDs) are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the evidence on epidemiology, health economic, and patient-reported outcomes has not been systematically reviewed and published in Japan. This study aimed to assess the burden, treatment adherence and compliance, and serotype distribution associated with PDs in Japan.

METHOD

One hundred and eight studies were identified between January 2005 and June 2020. The identified studies were mostly regional and with a limited scale, clinical settings, and populations.

RESULTS

In 2013-2017, invasive PD incidence rates were 4.98-9.47/100,000 in <4-year-olds, 0.36/100,000 in 5-14-year-olds, 0.46/100,000 in 15-64-year-olds, and 1.50-5.38/100,000 in the elderly. The incidence of invasive PDs in children decreased from 24.6/100,000 in 2008 to 10.7/100,000 in 2013 after the introduction of PCV7 and further declined to 10.3/100,000 in 2014 after PCV13 was introduced. From 2014, the prevalence of PCV13 serotypes decreased across all age groups along with a decrease of PPV23 serotypes, but an increase of PPV23 serotypes not included in PCV13 among adults and the elderly. No study reported health-related quality-of-life data for PDs. In children, direct costs were 340,905-405,978 JPY (3,099-3,691 USD) per pneumococcal bacteraemia, 767,447-848,255 JPY (6,977-7,711 USD) per pneumococcal meningitis, and 79,000 JPY (718 USD) per pneumococcal acute otitis media episodes. In adults and the elderly, the direct cost of pneumococcal pneumonia was 348,280-389,630 JPY (3,166-3,542 USD). The average hospital stay length was 7.2-31.9 days in children, 9.0 days in adults and 9.0-28.7 days in adults and the elderly.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiological burden of PDs remains high in Japan, especially among children and the elderly with invasive PDs accounting for a very small proportion of all PDs. A significant impact of the PCV13 vaccine program was reported, while the PPV23's impact remains unclear. A substantial decrease in quality-adjusted life years in adults and the elderly and a high economic burden may exist.

Malnutrition is associated with hyperinflammation and immunosuppression in COVID-19 patients: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading globally and has caused many deaths. This study investigated, for the first time, COVID-19 patients' nutrition status and its effects on their inflammatory and immune responses.

METHODS

Forty-seven COVID-19 patients were recruited for this prospective study. According to the subjective global assessment at admission, patients were divided into the normal nutrition (NN), risk of malnutrition (RMN), or MN group. Serum cytokines and whole blood T-cell subpopulations were measured to assess the inflammatory and immune responses in COVID-19 patients. Analysis of covariance and χ2 tests were used.

RESULTS

On admission, the incidences of MN and the RMN in COVID-19 patients were 17.0% and 38.3%, respectively. The MN group had a higher proportion with severe/critical COVID-19 and a longer hospitalization duration than the NN group. Serum interleukin (IL) 6 concentrations were elevated in 97.9% of the patients and were the highest in malnourished patients. The IL-4 and IL-10 levels were elevated in 46.8% and 48.9% of the patients, respectively. The proportion of CD8+ T cells was significantly lower in the MN group than in the NN group.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of COVID-19 patients are malnourished or at risk of malnuourishment, especially those with severe disease. MN is associated with hyperinflammation and immunosuppression in COVID-19 patients, and it may contribute to disease progression.

Controlling Nutritional Status score: A novel prognostic marker for patients with community-acquired pneumonia

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic value of malnutrition assessed by Controlling Nutritional Status score in community-acquired pneumonia patients.

Methods:

All adult patients admitted to our emergency department and hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia were prospectively followed-up until hospital discharge or death. Nutritional status was assessed with the Controlling Nutritional Status score, which is based on serum albumin levels, total cholesterol levels, and lymphocyte counts. The primary study endpoint was complicated hospital course defined as need for mechanical ventilation, mortality, or intensive care unit admission.

Results:

Three hundred and five patients (mean age 68.6 ± 11.2 years and 51.8% female) were enrolled, and 40 patients (13.1%) had complicated hospitalizations. Older patients, patients with more comorbidities, and patients with higher Controlling Nutritional Status scores on admission were tended to have a higher rate of complications during their hospitalization. Multivariate analysis showed that older age (odds ratio 2.55, 95% confidence interval 1.41–4.64, p < 0.001), presence of diabetes (odds ratio 1.54; 95% confidence interval 1.09–3.65; p = 0.004), pneumonia severity index ⩾ 3 (odds ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 0.524–3.725, p = 0.035), and Controlling Nutritional Status score > 4 (odds ratio 2.23, 95% confidence interval 1.129–3.657, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of complicated hospitalizations.

Conclusion:

Malnutrition determined by Controlling Nutritional Status score predicts complications in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Establishment and Verification of a Prediction Model for Symptomatic Radiation Pneumonitis in Patients with Esophageal Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy

BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine the value of the significant index in predicting symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (RP) in esophageal cancer patients, establish a nomogram prediction model, and verify the model. MATERIAL AND METHODS The patients enrolled were divided into 2 groups: a model group and a validation group. According to the logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors for symptomatic RP were obtained, and the nomogram prediction model was established according to these independent predictors. The consistency index (C-index) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the accuracy of the model, and the prediction ability of the model was verified in the validation group. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was used for the risk stratification analysis. RESULTS The ratio of change regarding the pre-albumin at the end of treatment (P=0.001), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio during treatment (P=0.027), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at the end of treatment (P=0.001) were the independent predictors for symptomatic RP. The C-index of the nomogram model was 0.811. According to the risk stratification of RPA, the whole group was divided into 3 groups: a low-risk group, a medium-risk group, and a high-risk group. The incidence of symptomatic RP was 0%, 16.9%, and 57.6%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve also revealed that the nomogram model has good accuracy in the validation group. CONCLUSIONS The developed nomogram and corresponding risk classification system have superior prediction ability for symptomatic RP and can predict the occurrence of RP in the early stage.

Nutritional risk screening score as an independent predictor of nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia: a cohort study of 67,280 patients

BACKGROUND

Currently, the association of nutritional risk screening score with the development of nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is unknown. This study investigated whether nutritional risk screening score is an independent predictor of NV-HAP.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted between September 2017 and June 2020 in a tertiary hospital in China. The tool of Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) was used for nutritional risk screening. A total score of ≥3 indicated a patient was "at nutritional risk." Logistic regression was applied to explore the association between the NRS score and NV-HAP.

RESULTS

A total of 67,280 unique patients were included in the study. The incidence of NV-HAP in the cohort for the NRS < 3 and ≥ 3 NRS group was 0.4% (232/62702) and 2.6% (121/4578), respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for all of the covariates, per 1-point increase in the NRS score was associated with a 30% higher risk of NV-HAP (OR = 1.30; 95%CI:1.19-1.43). Similarly, patients with NRS score ≥ 3 had a higher risk of NV-HAP with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.06 (confidence interval (CI): 1.58-2.70) than those with NRS score < 3. Subgroup analyses indicated that the association between the NRS score and the risk of NV-HAP was similar for most strata. Furthermore, the interaction analyses revealed no interactive role in the association between NRS score and NV-HAP.

CONCLUSION

NRS score is an independent predictor of NV-HAP, irrespective of the patient's characteristics. NRS-2002 has the potential as a convenient tool for risk stratification of adult hospitalized patients with different NV-HAP risks.

Current situation and need for prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia in 6- to 64-year-olds in Japan

We conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the reported epidemiology and burden of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumococcal pneumonia (PP) among children and adults aged 6-64 years in Japan. Studies published from Japan between September 2009 and September 2019 and indexed in the MEDLINE/PubMed or ICHUSHI databases were evaluated. A majority of the studies reported overlapping age ranges, including children aged <6 years and adults aged >64 years. According to the national surveillance data, 19% of the IPD cases were patients aged 5-59 years, and an increasing trend in IPD cases was reported from 2013 to 2017. Comorbidities were consistent with those reported by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Deaths from IPD appeared to increase nearly 3-fold between 2013 and 2017. Overall, both 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) coverage was higher for IPD compared with PP. All the serotypes known to be prominent in Japan were also identified as common serotypes (3, 6A, 19A: PCV13 serotypes; 12F: outbreak serotype; 15A, 35B: drug-resistant serotypes). This systematic literature review suggests a substantial burden of IPD and PP in Japanese children and adults aged 6-64 years. The burden of comorbidities, hospitalizations, and mortality was particularly high among adults. Concerted pneumococcal vaccination strategies may help to reduce the incidence and burden of IPD and PP in this large proportion of the Japanese population.

Risk Prediction of Postoperative Pneumonia After Subtotal Esophagectomy Based on Preoperative Serum Cholinesterase Concentrations

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing subtotal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer frequently experience postoperative pneumonia. Development of preoperatively determined predictors for postoperative pneumonia will facilitate identifying high-risk patients and will assist with informing patients about their risk of postoperative pneumonia, enabling physicians to estimate with greater accuracy, will result in tailoring perioperative management.

METHODS

Postoperative pneumonia was defined according to the revised Uniform Pneumonia Score. We analyzed the data for 355 patients to compare 32 potential predictive variables associated with postoperative pneumonia after subtotal esophagectomy.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (11.5%) had postoperative pneumonia. Preoperative cholinesterase (ChE) concentrations demonstrated the greatest area under the curve value (0.662) to predict postoperative pneumonia (optimal cutoff value = 217 IU/l). Univariate analysis identified a continuous value of preoperative ChE concentration as a significant risk factor for postoperative pneumonia (P = 0.0014). Multivariable analysis using factors potentially relevant to pneumonia revealed that preoperative ChE concentration was one of independent risk factors for pneumonia after esophagectomy (P = 0.008). Patients with low ChE concentrations were at increased risk of postoperative pneumonia in most patient subgroups. Moreover, the odds ratios of low ChE concentrations were highest in patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment. A combination of preoperative serum ChE concentrations and Brinkman index stratified patients into low, intermediate, and high risk of postoperative pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that preoperative ChE concentrations, particularly in combination with Brinkman index, may serve simply as a determined predictor of pneumonia after subtotal esophagectomy and may facilitate physicians' efforts to reduce the incidence of postoperative pneumonia.

Predictors of Discontinuance of Oral Feeding in Patients With Advanced Alzheimer Dementia and Aspiration Pneumonia in Japan: A Single-center, Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Difficulty with oral feeding, the most commonly observed complication of Alzheimer disease (AD) in its final stages, occurs in 86% of AD patients and may prevent achievement of oral feeding after aspiration pneumonia. However, no reliable indicators of discontinuance of oral feeding have yet been identified. We therefore aimed to identify predictors of discontinuance of oral feeding in postaspiration pneumonia patients with AD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant clinical and laboratory data of 60 patients with AD admitted to our hospital in Japan for aspiration pneumonia were retrospectively compared between oral feeding and discontinuance groups.

RESULTS

The study groups differed in interval since diagnosis of AD, CURB-65 score, pneumonia severity index score, and proportion of patients who died (higher in the discontinuance group) and body mass index (BMI), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and functional independence measure score (lower in the discontinuance group). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis of all identified independent variables, only CURB-65 and MMSE scores and BMI are significant predictors of discontinuance of oral feeding after aspiration pneumonia in patients with advanced AD.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with advanced AD, discontinuance of oral feeding after aspiration pneumonia may be predicted by CURB-65 and MMSE scores and BMI.

Prognostic Value of Concomitant Bronchiectasis in Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Panbronchiolitis Patients on a Maintenance Therapy with Macrolides

Background

Factors determining the prognosis of diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) remain unclear at present. The objective of this study was to identify the prognostic value of concomitant bronchiectasis in the macrolide treatment efficacy and exacerbation risk in DPB patients.

Methods

Data of patients initially diagnosed with DPB at the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital between January 2007 and December 2017 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the existence of bronchiectasis. Clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, microbiological culture results, as well as exacerbation risks and treatment outcomes, were compared between these two groups. The survival curve and Cox regression analysis models were additionally constructed to further demonstrate the predicting role of bronchiectasis in DPB exacerbation.

Results

Baseline data revealed more respiratory symptoms, lower body mass index (BMI), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) as well as increased isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) in DPB subjects with bronchiectasis than those without. Furthermore, bronchiectasis was associated with a lower rate of responsiveness to macrolides and increased exacerbation frequency during follow-up. The survival curve and Cox regression analysis showed that comorbid bronchiectasis was linked to increased time to episode relapse, which remained significant even after controlling for BMI, FEV1, and P. aeruginosa culture results.

Conclusion

The coexistence of bronchiectasis predicted a poor outcome of maintenance macrolide therapy and an increased exacerbation risk in DPB subjects, possibly through its impacts on nutritional status, pulmonary function, and P. aeruginosa infections.

Retrospective Comparative Study on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Using the Melbourne Group Scale (MGS-2) Diagnostic Criteria

Background

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are associated with poor postoperative survival. However, there are no standard criteria for diagnosis of PPCs. This retrospective study aimed to explore the reliability of the Melbourne Group Scale version 2 (MGS-2) for determining PPCs after OLT.

Material/Methods

A total of 121 patients were divided into 3 groups. In the PPC and non-PPC groups, PPCs were determined to be present or absent in accordance with both the MGS-2 and the conventional broad criteria for diagnosis of PPCs; in the potential-PPC group, PPCs were determined to be present only in accordance with the conventional broad criteria. The perioperative risk factors for PPCs and prognosis of patients in potential-PPC group were all compared with non-PPC groups and PPC groups.

Results

The preoperative characteristics of patients in the potential-PPC group were similar to those in non-PPC group. The length of intensive care unit stay (2.26±0.22 vs. 4.75±0.47 days; P=0.017), duration of hospitalization (33.33±1.70 vs. 48.78±2.53 days; P<0.001), and treatment cost (28.01±1.78 vs. 38.35±1.85×10 000 yuan; P=0.018) were significantly less in the potential-PPC group than in the PPC group. Furthermore, in accordance with the MGS-2 criteria for diagnosis of PPCs, patients with PPCs showed poorer overall survival rates than those without (P=0.038).

Conclusions

The MGS-2 appears to be a more suitable and reliable tool for diagnosis of PPCs and to identify the post-OLT patients with poorer perioperative characteristics and prognosis.

Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) Score Could Be a Predictive Factor for Radiation Pneumonitis in Lung Cancer Patients With Normal Pulmonary Function Treated by Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy and Concurrent Chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the relationship between malnutrition and the severity of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patients with lung cancer with normal baseline pulmonary function and lungs' V20 < 35% treated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 150 patients with lung cancer who received definitive IMRT (≥ 60 Gy) and concurrent chemotherapy were enrolled. In the condition of normal baseline pulmonary function and strict constraints of the irradiation dose to normal lung tissues, we recorded Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score; concurrent chemotherapy; clinical stage; the level of albumin (ALB), hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein; Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) scores; radiation esophagitis grade; V20 of lungs; and mean lung dose. These factors were correlated with RP using univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 150 patients, 12 patients (8.0%) developed Grade 3 to 5 RP, 37 (24.6%) patients developed grade 3 to 5 esophageal toxicity. In univariate analysis, ALB level (P = .002), radiation esophagitis (P < .001), and SGA score (P < .001) were significantly associated with RP. Multivariate analysis revealed that SGA (P < .001) was the independent predictor of RP.

CONCLUSIONS

SGA could be a predictor for RP in patients with lung cancer treated with definitive IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy.

One-fourth of the prisoners are underweight in Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that prisoners are exposed to different health problems, prison health problems are often overlooked by researchers and no previous study has investigated nutritional problems of prisoners in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were collected from 809 prisoners from nine major prison setups in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. A proportional stratified sampling technique was used to select the total number of participants needed from each prison site. The outcome of this study was underweight defined as body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 kg/m². Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify determinants of underweight at a p-value of less than 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of underweight was 25.2% (95% CI; 22.3%- 28.3%). Khat Chewing (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.17, 3.70) and longer duration of incarceration (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.14) were associated with a significantly increased risk of underweight. Additionally, previous incarceration (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 0.99, 2.42) was a relevant determinant of underweight with a borderline significance. In contrast, family support (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.43, 0.85) and farmer occupation (OR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.36, 0.98) compared to those who were unemployed were important protective determinants significantly associated with lower risk of underweight.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the burden of underweight was higher among prisoners in Tigray region who had respiratory tract infections. The study has enhanced our understanding of the determinants of underweight in the prison population. We strongly recommend that nutritional support, such as therapeutic feeding programs for severely or moderately underweight prisoners, and environmental health interventions of the prison setups should be urgently implemented to correct the uncovered nutritional problem and its associated factors for improving the health status of prisoners.

Increasing Serum Albumin Level Shortly After Gastrostomy Tube Insertion Predicts Longer Survival in Elderly Patients With Dementia

GOAL

To identify factors influencing survival after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion in elderly patients with severe dementia.

BACKGROUND

Use of PEG in patients with dementia raises medical and ethical questions.

STUDY

The cohort included 189 patients aged ≥64 years with severe dementia who underwent PEG tube insertion in 2002 to 2011 at a tertiary hospital and were followed through 2014. Data were collected on background diseases, laboratory tests conducted 14 (±10) days before and 90 (±10) days after PEG, and date of death. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed and cumulative survival curves plotted.

RESULTS

Mean baseline serum albumin level was significantly lower in patients who died ≤30 days after PEG (n=32, 16.9%) than patients who survived longer (2.9±0.5 vs. 3.3±0.5 g/dL, P<0.001), and significantly higher in patients who survived 1 year after PEG (n=96, 50.8%) than patients who died earlier (3.4±0.5 vs. 3.1±0.5 g/dL, P=0.002). No significant differences were found for the other laboratory parameters. After adjustment for background diseases, serum albumin level above the median (3.3 g/dL) was the only predictor of survival (hazard ratio 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.72; P<0.001). Patients with stable/increased serum albumin levels at 90 days after PEG (n=80, 42.3%) survived longer than patients with decreased levels. The only predictor of survival after adjustment for age and background diseases was a stable/increased albumin level at 90 days (hazard ratio 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.85; P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival after PEG tube insertion is associated with a higher serum albumin level at baseline and a stable/increased serum albumin level during follow-up.

Hypoalbuminemia Predicts Perioperative Morbidity and Mortality after Infrainguinal Lower Extremity Bypass for Critical Limb Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Poor nutritional status has been associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality in general surgery patients; however, outcomes in vascular surgery patients are unclear. Our goal was to determine the effect of poor nutritional status on perioperative morbidity and mortality after lower extremity bypass (LEB).

METHODS

The 2005-2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was analyzed to determine associated complications, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and readmissions for patients with hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin <3.5 g/dL and <2.8 g/dL) undergoing infrainguinal lower extremity bypass for critical limb ischemia. Multivariable analyses were performed to assess associated risk factors while adjusting for possible confounders.

RESULTS

There were 5,110 LEB identified with an albumin level recorded. There were 2,327 (45.5%) patients with a low preoperative albumin. Patients with a low albumin were more likely to have diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, previous myocardial infarction, renal failure, dialysis dependence, hypertension, history of transient ischemic attack or stroke, steroid use, impaired functional status, dyspnea at rest, anemia, prior operations within 30 days, preoperative wounds or infections, and a tibial target (P < 0.05). Multivariable analyses showed that low albumin was independently associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.3-2.6, P = 0.001), return to the operating room (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6, P < 0.001), and increased LOS (MR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.2, P < 0.001). When compared with patients with normal albumin, patients with more severe hypoalbuminemia, less than 2.8 g/dL, showed further increased risk of mortality (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.6-3.8), return to the operating room (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3-2.0), and prolonged LOS (MR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.2-1.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor preoperative hypoalbuminemia is associated with morbidity and mortality after infrainguinal lower extremity bypass for critical limb ischemia. Evaluation and optimization of nutritional status should be performed preoperatively in this high risk population.