Abstract
Introduction
Several systemic parameters can affect the rate of complications in spinal surgeries and then have influence in the clinical outcomes. Among these parameters the nutritional status, which may be detected by the serum albumin concentration, is primordial. The vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone with important function at the bone metabolism and homeostasis, also diminishing surgical complications as bone mineral density compromises fixation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiologic profile of a Brazilian population sample specifically undergoing spinal surgery about malnourishment, identified by hypoalbuminemia, and vitamin D.
Material and Methods
This is a prospective observational study including patients undergoing spinal surgery in an only spine center. There were no exclusion criteria. The patients had a preoperative serum albumin and vitamin D concentration analysis on the day before their surgical procedure. Demographic variables were extracted. The results of the preoperative analysis were correlated with the demographic variables using the ANOVA and T-student's test, with the threshold of significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results
A total of 75 patients were included, 47 women (62.7%) and 28 men (37.3%). 74 had albumin concentration analysis and 64 vitamin D. The mean of the serum albumin result was 3,76 g/dL (DP: 0,53 g/dL), with 70.3% of the patients considered normal and 29.7% presenting hypoalbuminemia. About vitamin D, the mean of the value was 16,64 ng/mL (DP: 7,43 ng/mL), with 64.1% of patients considered deficient, 32.8% inadequacy and only 3.1% considered normal. There was a significant difference in the albumin concentration related with age (p = 0.007), with older age group presenting poorer albumin levels. The hypoabluminemia occurrence was significantly higher in patients with 60 years or older (p < 0.001). There wasn't correlation between vitamin D and age (p = 0.603). The correlation analysis between the exam results and the gender didn't show any significant difference in none parameter.
Conclusion
Our study presented data about the serum albumin and vitamin D status in a Brazilian population sample of patients undergoing spinal surgery, information still unpublished. There was correlation between hypoalbuminemia, representing malnourishment, with patient in higher age groups. Almost all the patients presented some degree of hypovitaminosis D, without correlation with age.