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. 2020 Sep;30(5):635-640.
doi: 10.1177/1120700019862977. Epub 2019 Jul 15.

Malnutrition increases the 30-day complication and re-operation rates in hip fracture patients treated with total hip arthroplasty

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Malnutrition increases the 30-day complication and re-operation rates in hip fracture patients treated with total hip arthroplasty

Jared M Newman et al. Hip Int. 2020 Sep.

Abstract

Introduction: This study sought to determine the effect that malnutrition, defined as hypoalbuminemia, has on hip fracture patients treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA). Specifically, we evaluated: (1) demographics and perioperative data; (2) postoperative complications; and (3) re-operation rates.

Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was utilised to identify hip fracture patients who underwent THA from 2008 to 2015. Propensity scores were calculated for the likelihood of having a preoperative albumin measurement. Hip fracture patients who underwent THA and had preoperative hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) (n = 569) were compared to those who had normal albumin levels (⩾3.5 g/dL) (n = 1098) in terms of demographics and perioperative data. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, modified Charlson/Deyo scores, and propensity scores to evaluate complication and re-operation rates.

Results: Compared to controls, hypoalbuminemia patients were older (p = 0.006), more likely male (p = 0.024), had higher Charlson/Deyo scores (p = 0.0001), more likely smokers (p < 0.0001), more likely functionally dependent (p < 0.0001), had ASA scores ⩾3 (p < 0.0001) and had longer LOS (p < 0.0001). Compared to controls, hypoalbuminemia patients had 80% higher risk for any complication (OR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.43-2.26), 113% higher risk for major complications (OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.31-3.48), and 79% higher risk for minor complications (OR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.42-2.26), and 97% increased risk for re-operation (OR = 1.97; 95% CI, 1.20-3.23).

Conclusions: The findings in the present study indicate the need to develop better pre- and postoperative medical and nutritional care for malnourished hip fracture patients who undergo THA in order to potentially mitigate their increased risk.

Keywords: Complications; hip fracture; hypoalbuminemia; malnutrition; total hip arthroplasty.

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