Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications in Crohn's disease patients with normal BMI: A cohort study. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ge, Xiaolong; Liu, Huaying; Tang, Shasha; Wu, Yan; Pan, Yipeng; Liu, Wei; Qi, Weilin; Ye, Lingna; Cao, Qian; Zhou, Wei
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery. Volume 79(2020)
• Page Start: 294
• Page End: 299
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Crohn's disease -- Body mass index -- Postoperative complications -- Risk factors -- Albumin; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.05.064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9191

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Malnutrition is universal in Crohn's disease (CD). The body mass index (BMI) is used to assess nutritional status to predict postoperative complications in CD patients. However, some CD patients have a normal BMI. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for postoperative complications in CD patients with normal preoperative BMI values. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 315 CD patients who underwent surgical treatment between December 2012 and January 2020. Patient data were collected from a prospectively maintained database. The risk factors for postoperative complications in CD patients with normal BMI values were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: In total, 315 eligible patients were included. The incidence of postoperative complications was 30.8%, consisting of 22.5% mild complications and 18.4% major complications. The albumin level, the C-reactive protein level, laparoscopic surgery, and operative time were significantly associated with postoperative outcomes. Multivariate analysis showed that a low preoperative albumin level (P = 0.013, OR = 2.991, 95% CI: 1.255–7.131) was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications in CD patients with normal BMI values. Conclusions: A low preoperative albumin level was a risk factor for postoperative complications in CD patients with normal BMI values. Although some patients have a normal BMI, clinicians should still consider the preoperative albumin level in CD patients to evaluate their nutritional status and provide timely intervention to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. Highlights: The study focused CD patients with normal BMI undergoing surgery. The incidence of overall complications in CD patients with normal BMI was 30.8%. Clinicians should consider preoperative albumin level in CD patients with normal BMI to evaluate their nutritional status.