2017 Volume 32 Issue 2 Pages 971-976
Background and Objective: In patients with acute inflammation, serum albumin level (Alb), which can reflect severity of inflammation as well as malnutrition risk, falls initially but usually recovers as the disease is cured and the quick recovery of Alb means treatment success. The aim of our study was to determine the predictors of delayed Alb recovery in patients with an inflammatory condition of acute cholecystitis (AC) treated nonoperatively.
Methods: A total of 69 patients (37 men) with AC treated without early surgery were enrolled with mean age 76.4±14.5 (29-99) years. We defined it as Alb recovery when Alb at 10 days after admission was equal or higher than that on admission. The following variables were evaluated as possible predictors: gender; age; Alb, CRP, and WBC counts on admission; severity of AC; comorbidity of diabetes; gallbladder drainage performance; initial infusion calory; and administration of aminoacids infusion.
Results: Fifty-nine patients showed delayed recovery and 10 non-delayed recovery. Between these two groups, age (79.5 years in delayed group; 58.7 years in non-delayed, P < 0.001) and WBC counts (13,573; 10,500, respectively, P = 0.036) were significantly different. Carrying out multivariable analysis, male gender (P = 0.033) and old age (P = 0.004) were proved to be significant predictors of delayed Alb recovery.
Conclusion: Because patients with AC treated nonoperatively who meet these criteria, male gender and old age, tend to undergo delayed Alb recovery, they should receive well-planned, intensive treatment as well as early nutritional support including consultation with a nutritional support team.
