Albumin and C-reactive protein levels predict short-term mortality after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in a prospective cohort study

Background Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure with many complications that sometimes can be devastating. To give better advice to patients referred for PEG regarding risk of complications, important risk factors should be known. Objective To evaluate whether age, body mass index, albumin levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, indication for PEG, and comorbidity influence the risk of mortality or peristomal infection after PEG insertion. Design Prospective cohort study from 2005 to 2009. Follow-up 14 days after PEG. Setting University hospital. Patients This study involved 484 patients referred for PEG. Intervention PEG. Main Outcome Measurements Mortality within 30 days and peristomal infection within 14 days after PEG insertion. All risk estimates were calculated with 95% CIs and adjusted for confounding. Results Among 484 patients, 58 (12%) died within 30 days after PEG insertion. Albumin