Association of low preoperative serum albumin concentrations and the acute phase response

Objective: To investigate the incidence of a preoperative acute phase response and its association with low albumin concentrations. Design: Prospective open study. Setting: Teaching hospital, Germany. Subjects: 225 patients who were to undergo major abdominal operations, and who had no acute infections. Interventions: Measurements of serum concentrations of albumin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), α‐1 antitrypsin, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Results: Abnormal concentrations of acute phase proteins (indicating an acute phase response) were detected in 43 of 225 patients (19%). The mean (SD) albumin concentration in these patients (35[5]g/L) was lower than that of patients who did not mount an acute phase response preoperatively (40[5]g/L). High concentrations of CRP (≥60mg/L) were associated with low albumin concentrations (33[5]g/L); high α‐1 antitrypsin concentrations (≥4.0g/L) were associated with low albumin concentrations (34[6]g/L); and high IL‐6 concentrations (≥4pg/ml) were associated with low albumin concentrations (37[6]g/L) compared with a mean(SD) albumin concentration of 40(5)g/L in patients who had no evidence of an acute phase response. Conclusion: A metabolic response to disease referred to as an acute phase response may explain low preoperative albumin concentrations. This association interferes with the association of low preoperative albumin concentrations and malnutrition. It is a new aspect of preoperative risk evaluation and may indicate a potential for prevention. Copyright © 1999 Taylor and Francis Ltd.