Assessment of sequential serum albumin levels as a prognostic indicator in critically Ill patients admitted to the medical ICU: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital
Author(s): Dr. Mohammed Adil and Dr. Manju B
Abstract: Background: Albumin is the most prevalent plasma protein in humans. It plays a crucial role in maintaining colloid osmotic pressure, functions as a carrier protein, and is involved in metabolic and antioxidant processes.
Aim: To assess the significance of serial serum albumin levels as a prognostic indicator in critically ill patients who have been on mechanical ventilation for five days or longer.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, over a period of one year, involving 100 patients admitted to the Medical ICU who required ventilatory support for a minimum of five days. Serum albumin levels were measured at the initiation of mechanical ventilation and subsequently on days 3, 5, and 10 of their stay.
Results: Of the 100 patients, 64% survived, while 36% died during their hospital stay. Among the survivors, serum albumin levels decreased by 0.72 g/dl from admission to day 10. In contrast, the non-survivors experienced a sharper decline in albumin, with a reduction of 1.25 g/dl over the same period. The fall in albumin levels was more pronounced in non-survivors compared to survivors.
Conclusion: Patients with normal serum albumin levels at the time of admission are more likely to survive and typically spend fewer days on mechanical ventilation compared to those with low albumin levels. A rapid decline in serum albumin is associated with a poor prognosis.
DOI: 10.22271/27069567.2024.v6.i3b.580Pages: 122-125 | Views: 64 | Downloads: 27Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Dr. Mohammed Adil, Dr. Manju B.
Assessment of sequential serum albumin levels as a prognostic indicator in critically Ill patients admitted to the medical ICU: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital. Int J Adv Res Med 2024;6(3):122-125. DOI:
10.22271/27069567.2024.v6.i3b.580