Abstract
Background: The incidence of sepsis following gastrointestinal surgery remains high, despite advancements in treatment over recent decades. One significant factor contributing to this condition is preoperative albumin levels. Hypoalbuminemia can impair the immune response, potentially increasing susceptibility to postoperative complications. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein released in response to cytokine stimulation during infection, ischemia, trauma, and other inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative albumin transfusion on the postoperative CRP-to-albumin ratio in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical observational study included patients aged 20-60 years who underwent elective gastrointestinal surgery, had preoperative albumin levels of 2.0-2.7 g/dl, and surgeries lasting 2-4 hours. Exclusion criteria included patients with liver disease, sepsis, or blood loss exceeding 20% of estimated blood volume (EBV). Participants were divided into two groups: Group A, which received 25% albumin transfusion, and Group B, which did not. Albumin and CRP levels were measured 24 hours postoperatively.
Results: A total of 51 patients were included: 26 in Group A and 25 in Group B. Preoperative albumin levels were significantly higher in Group A compared to Group B (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in other baseline characteristics between the groups. Postoperative CRP/albumin ratios showed no significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusion: Preoperative albumin transfusion in patients with hypoalbuminemia may increase preoperative albumin levels; however, its effect on reducing the postoperative CRP/albumin ratio remains uncertain.
Shila Suryani, MM Rudi Prihatno, Aditya P. Kartinofan, Iwan Dwi Cahyono, Wisnu B. Pramono
