Publication:

Serum albumin as predictor of post-operative morbidity and mortality

Background Protein energy malnutrition affects every organ system. So correct assessment of nutritional status is important as malnourishment is a risk factor for morbidity and morality in surgical patients. In our study, serum albumin has been taken as parameter for nutritional assessment.

Methods Study is conducted on 50 patients admitted in Department of General Surgery, Dr. Sampurnanand Medical College and associated Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India for surgeries during January 2014-December 2015. Data was analyzed using Z-test and Fischer exact t-test and p value was calculated. P value <0.05 is considered statistically significant.

Results Patients with serum albumin <3gm/dl had more complications with maximum number of complications in age group of 41-60 year group. This finding was statistically significant.

Conclusions Low serum albumin patients has more post-operative complication than those with normal level and so is a good indicator of post-operative morbidity and mortality.