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Introduction: Patients with septic shock face an elevated risk of mortality compared to those with sepsis. Several biomarkers, including lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, and lactate/albumin (L/A), have been associated with increased mortality in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to assess the relationship between sepsis, septic shock, and mortality, as well as the need for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients. Demographic, sepsis severity factors, and biomarkers are examined. Methods: A retrospective case series from June 2020 to March 2021 included 490 patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Time-to-event analyses were conducted for mechanical ventilation and mortality. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ .0038. Serum lactate, albumin, lactate/albumin ratio, C-reactive protein, platelet levels, and three sepsis severity scales, (CCI, SOFA, APACHE IV) were assessed. Results: Sepsis was identified in 352 patients (71.8%), while 138 had septic shock. Patients with septic shock were more likely to require invasive ventilator support. Factors associated with a higher risk of intubation included higher APACHE IV scores, elevated serum albumin levels, and increased L/A ratio. L/A ratio and serum lactate levels demonstrated the best diagnostic accuracy for mechanical ventilation (AUC, 0.964 and 0.946, respectively), mortality (AUC, 0.926 and 0.887, respectively). Discussion: Increased C-reactive protein, combined with increased serum lactate and a high lactate/albumin ratio, may assist clinicians in identifying COVID-19 patients at risk of mechanical ventilation and mortality upon admission. Optimal cut-off values for lactate (1.45-1.65 mmol/L) and L/A ratio (0.413) can aid in prioritizing medical care for at risk COVID-19 patients.

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INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Sodium can be measured with direct or indirect methods; abnormal plasma total protein concentration can impact on sodium measured by indirect ion-selective electrodes (ISE). Serum sodium is an important item to determine the Model for End Stage Liver Disease Sodium (MELD-Na) score, commonly used for liver graft allocation. Patients with cirrhosis usually have hypoproteinemia. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference between the MELD-Na scores calculated based on the results of two different serum sodium ISE: indirect and direct. METHODS: This was a retrospective study; we included 166 patients that underwent liver transplant assessment, and that had paired (i.e. same date and time) direct and indirect sodium determinations. We calculated the MELD-Na scores with both sodium determinations, and we compared them. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between MELD-Na scores; the mean difference was 0.4±1.3. If MELD-Na score had been determined by the sodium measured by the direct ISE, 69 patients (42%) would have stayed in the same place on the waiting list, 67 patients (40%) would have moved up, and 30 patients (18%) would have moved down. CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant difference between the MELD-Na scores calculated based on the two different sodium concentrations, which would theoretically result in changes in the order of the waiting list. This finding should prompt studies to assess if MELD-Na calculated based on direct methods has a better performance to predict clinically relevant outcomes.

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Introducción: La hipoalbuminemia se puede desarrollar en las primeras horas posteriores a una enfermedad aguda y está muy relacionada con un estado inflamatorio activo, independientemente del estado nutricional del paciente. Se ha asociado con la mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con complicaciones postquirúrgicas, pacientes con sepsis y trauma. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre los niveles de hipoalbuminemia y el riesgo de mortalidad del paciente crítico en una unidad polivalente. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, de serie de casos, con 216 pacientes que ingresaron en la unidad. Se analizaron variables demográficas, clínicas, de laboratorio y se aplicó el índice pronóstico APACHE II. Se determinó la concentración de albúmina al ingreso y se clasificó la hipoalbuminemia en leve (30-35 g/L) y moderada/grave (≤ 30 g/L). Resultados: En el estudio fallecieron 28 pacientes, lo que representó un 13 % del total de pacientes ingresados. La albúmina presentó niveles bajos en 118 pacientes (54,6 %), y de estos, 66 (56 %) presentaron cifras inferiores a los 30 g/L; o sea, una hipoalbuminemia moderada o grave. Los pacientes con hipoalbuminemia moderada-grave tuvieron un riesgo de muerte superior (23,5 %) a aquellos con niveles clasificados como leve (15,3 %), diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,034); y en el grupo de pacientes con hipoalbuminemia moderada- grave falleció el 67 %, en relación con el 33 % de los pacientes con niveles clasificados como leve. Conclusiones: La hipoalbuminemia moderada-grave se asocia con el riesgo de mortalidad, independientemente del diagnóstico al ingreso.

Introduction: Hypoalbuminemia can develop in the first hours after an acute illness, and is closely related to an active inflammatory state, regardless of the patient's nutritional status. It has been associated with hospital mortality in patients with post-surgical complications, patients with sepsis and trauma. Objective: To evaluate the association between hypoalbuminemia level and the risk of mortality in critically ill patients in a polyvalent unit. Methods: Observational, descriptive, prospective, case series study, with 216 patients admitted to the unit. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were analyzed and the APACHE II prognostic score was applied. Albumin concentration is calculated on admission and hypoalbuminemia is classified as mild (30-35 g/L) and moderate/severe (≤ 30 g/L). Results: In the study, 28 patients died, which represented 13% of the total number of patients admitted. Albumin levels were low in 118 patients (54.6%), and of these 66 patients (56%) were classified as hypoalbuminemia moderate/severe, with albumin values below 30 g/L. Patients with moderate-severe hypoalbuminemia had a higher risk of death (23.5%) than those patients with levels classified as mild (15.3%), a statistically significant difference (p= 0.034); and in the group of patients with moderate-severe hypoalbuminemia, 67% died, in relation to 33% of patients with levels classified as mild. Conclusions: Moderate-severe hypoalbuminemia is associated with mortality risk, regardless of admission diagnosis.

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One hundred and sixty-six cats from two animal shelters were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR) and parasitological tests (PA) for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. Among them, 15% (25/166), 53.6% (89/166), 3.6% (06/166) and 1.8% (03/166) were positive by ELISA, IFAT, both PCRs and PA, respectively. The sequencing of ITS-1 PCR amplicons revealed a 100% match with Leishmania infantum. After the Leishmania spp. survey, 12 cats were selected and divided into two groups for clinical, hematological, and biochemical analysis: six L. infantum positive cats (G1) and six Leishmania spp. negative cats (G2). All the cats were negative for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). A statistical analysis indicated significantly low platelet counts and significant hyperproteinemia associated with hypoalbuminemia in positive cats (p<0.05). Our results suggest that in endemic areas, cats with clinical signs of feline leishmaniosis (such as skin lesions, weight loss and/or enlarged lymph nodes) and that exhibit hematological and biochemical changes, such as low platelet counts and hyperproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia, should be tested for Leishmania spp. infection.(AU)

Cento e sessenta e seis gatos de dois abrigos foram submetidos ao diagnóstico de Leishmania spp. por ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), reação em cadeia pela polimerase convencional (cPCR) e quantitativa (qPCR) e métodos parasitológicos (PA). Destes, 15% (25/166), 53,6% (89/166), 3,6% (06/166) e 1,8% (03/166) foram positivos por ELISA, RIFI, as duas PCRs e PA, respectivamente. O sequenciamento dos produtos amplificados da PCR ITS-1 foi 100% idêntico à Leishmania infantum. Após o inquérito, 12 gatos foram selecionados para compor dois grupos para análises de hematologia e bioquímica: 6 gatos positivos para L. infantum (G1) e 6 gatos Leishmania spp. negativos (G2). Todos os gatos foram negativos para o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e o da leucemia felina (FeLV). Foi observada uma diminuição na contagem de plaquetas e uma hiperproteinemia e hipoalbuminemia significativas em gatos positivos (p<0,05). Esses resultados sugerem que, em áreas endêmicas, os gatos com sinais clínicos de leishmaniose felina (tais como lesões dermatológicas, perda de peso e/ou linfonodos aumentados), associados a alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas, como contagem reduzida de plaquetas e hiperproteinemia com hipoalbuminemia, devem ser testados para leishmaniose felina.(AU)

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El síndrome edematoso generalizado o anasarca está presente secundario a un desequilibrio de la homeostasis hídrica, electrolítica y osmolar del organismo, En el adulto el estado de anasarca es más frecuente secundario a insuficiencia cardiaca, en pediatría, el edema que se generaliza está asociado con más frecuencia a bajo aporte proteico, baja síntesis de proteínas o debido a perdida de proteínas de origen gastrointestinal o renal. La disminución de la presión oncótica plasmática genera fuga de líquidos a compartimientos intersticiales de forma generalizada y produce edema. Existen múltiples patologías y mecanismos para la producción del edema generalizado; el conocimiento de la fisiopatología de su desarrollo permite un análisis clínico, de laboratorio y de gabinete que orientan al diagnostico. La infección por citomegalovirus es una causa poco frecuente de edema generalizado, reconocer esta entidad y llegar a un adecuado diagnóstico diferencial es el objetivo de esta revisión.

The generalized edematous syndrome or anasarca is present secondary to an imbalance in the body's water, electrolyte and osmolar homeostasis. In adults, the state of anasarca is more frequent secondary to heart failure; in pediatrics, generalized edema is associated with more frequency due to low protein intake, low protein synthesis or due to protein loss of gastrointestinal or renal origin. The decrease in plasma oncotic pressure generates generalized fluid leakage into interstitial compartments and produces edema. There are multiple pathologies and mechanisms for the production of generalized edema; knowledge of the pathophysiology of its development allows a clinical, laboratory and office analysis that guides the diagnosis. Cytomegalovirus infection is a rare cause of generalized edema; recognizing this entity and reaching an appropriate differential diagnosis is the objective of this review.

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Background: Preoperative optimization in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion is essential to limit the number and severity of postoperative complications. Here, we, additionally, evaluated the impact of hypoalbuminemia on morbidity and mortality after posterior spinal fusion surgery. Methods: This retrospective analysis was performed using data from a prospective multicentric database (ACSNSQIP:2015-2020) regarding patients undergoing posterior spinal fusions. Factors studied included; baseline demographics and 30-day postoperative complications (i.e., reoperations, readmissions, and mortality rates). Results: There were 6805 patients who met the inclusion criteria. They averaged 62 years of age and had an average BMI of 30.2. Within the 30-day postoperative period, 634 (9.3%) sustained complications; 467 (6.9%) were readmitted, 263 (3.9%) required reoperations, and 37 (0.5%) expired. Although multiple preoperative risk factors were analyzed, hypoalbuminemia, severe hypoalbuminemia, and dialysis were the strongest independent risk factors associated with complications (i.e., reoperations, readmissions, and mortality). Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia, severe hypoalbuminemia, and dialysis were significant predictors for morbidity and mortality after posterior spinal fusion surgery.

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Background: We analyzed the role of hypoalbuminemia, dialysis, and other risk factors that increase morbidity/ mortality following surgery for primary pyogenic spinal infections (PSIs). The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) that included 627 patients was utilized as our database. Methods: Primary spinal surgery for spondylodiscitis was evaluated in a ACS-NSQIP database involving 627 patients between 2010 and 2019. Outcome assessment included evaluation of 30-day postoperative morbidity, and mortality rates. Results: Within 30 postoperative days, complications occurred in 14.6% (92/627) of patients; 59 (9.4%) required readmission, and 39 (6.2%) required additional surgery. The most common complications were: wound infections, pneumonia, septic shock, and death (1.8%). Hypoalbuminemia (i.e., significantly associated with unplanned readmission and reoperation), and dialysis were the two major risk factors contributing to increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Among 627 ACS-NSQIP patients undergoing primary surgery for PSIs, hypoalbuminemia and dialysis were associated with higher risks of major perioperative morbidity (i.e., within 30 postoperative days - mostly readmissions and reoperations) and mortality.

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ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Effective triage and early detection are very important for controlling and treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, the relationships between hypoalbuminemia and other acute-phase reactants in such cases need to be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the importance of albumin levels in cases of severe pneumonia due to COVID-19. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study conducted in Ankara City Hospital (a stage 3 hospital), Turkey. METHODS: Data from 122 patients diagnosed with pneumonia due to COVID-19 who were admitted to this hospital were analyzed statistically in comparison with date from 60 healthy controls. Three groups were established: healthy controls, intubated patients and non-intubated patients. Lung tomography scans from the patients were examined one-by-one. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results were recorded. RESULTS: Albumin levels were statistically significantly lower in the intubated and non-intubated groups than in the control group, in comparing the three groups (P < 0.01). The other acute-phase reactants, i.e. neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein levels, were significantly higher in the intubated and non-intubated groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). Albumin levels were also significantly lower in the intubated group than in the non-intubated group (P = 0.02). No differences were detected with regard to other parameters (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoalbuminemia may constitute a biomarker indicating the severity of pneumonia due to COVID-19.

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STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: Thus, this study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of a patient sample that underwent spinal surgery regarding their nutritional and vitamin D status. METHODS: Serum albumin and vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels were measured in patients with different spinal surgical approaches and various pathologies at a single institution. 112 patients were retrospectively identified for inclusion and stratified by age into 4 age groups and by pathology. The nutritional status of the patients was classified in vitamin D inadequacy (< 30ng/mL), vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/mL), and hypoalbuminemia (<3.5g/dL). Data was analyzed comparing vitamin D, and albumin means considering gender, age group, and pathologies. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (25.2%) patients had hypoalbuminemia. There was no difference between gender (p = 0.988); there was a significant decrease in albumin concentration increasing the age (p < 0.001). The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia was significantly higher in patients with trauma, tumor and infection than in those patients with degenerative and deformity diseases (p = 0.003). The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy was 33.7%, and that of deficiency was 62.2%, while severe deficiency (< 10 ng/mL) in 16.3%. The vitamin D concentration was significantly different among the pathologies (P = 0.047), the lower concentration occurring in patients with tumor. CONCLUSION: Older patients, as well as patients with tumor and infectious pathologies, seem to have a higher prevalence of hypoalbuminemia, inferring malnutrition. There was a low epidemic level of vitamin D concentration, almost all patients presenting some degree of hypovitaminosis D, independent of age, gender and nutritional status.