DOES PATIENT MORTALITY INCREASE WITH LOW ALBUMIN LEVELS IN SEPTIC SHOCK?

Abstract

Aims: Severe sepsis and septic shock have been increasingly threatening hospitalized patiens, particularly surgical and intensive care unit patients. Despite all struggles, septic shock mortality levels are no lower than 40-60 %. Although numerous meta-analyses have shown that albumin treatment in septic shock definitely increases mortality, a final shared view among clinicians is not available. In this study, the relationship between albumin levels and CRP and APACHE-II scores and its effect on mortality in septic shock patients have been studied. Methods: Data belonging to 30 (17 males and 13 females) patients who are being followed up with the diagnosis of septic shock have been scanned retrospectively. The effect of albumin levels on mortality in septic shock patients have been studied. Results: A significant relationship between a decrease in the albumin levels and elevated CRP and APACHE-II scores have been found. Albumin levels being above 2,5 mg/dl indicates patient survival with %90 sensitivity, as well as albumin levels being under 1,8 mg/dl indicates a patient mortality with %98 specificity. Conclusion: Albumin, which would be applied in a planned way to septic shock patients, may contribute positively to mortality and morbidity

Keywords

• Intensive care unit, septic shock, albumin