# The Relationship Between Serum Albumin Levels and Sepsis in Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Center in India

## TL;DR

This study finds that low serum albumin levels in sepsis patients are linked to higher mortality and more vasopressor use in an Indian ICU.

## Contribution

The study identifies hypoalbuminemia as a potential severity and mortality predictor in sepsis patients in a tropical setting.

## Key findings

- Hypoalbuminemia was present in 56.9% of sepsis patients and was associated with a 29.3% mortality rate.
- Patients with hypoalbuminemia required vasopressor support more frequently (56.9%) than those without.
- Albumin levels did not significantly affect systemic inflammatory response scores or ICU readmission rates.

## Abstract

Introduction

Sepsis poses a significant threat in Indian hospitals, with high mortality rates and complications. This study explores the correlation between serum albumin levels and sepsis outcomes in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The challenges of diagnosing tropical infections further complicate sepsis management in India.

Methodology

A longitudinal study was conducted at Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupananda Variyar Medical College and Hospital, Salem, India. Adult patients admitted between July 2020 and March 2021 with sepsis were included. Serum albumin levels, demographic data, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. The study used a convenient sampling technique with a sample size of 102 patients.

Results

Among the 102 patients in the ICU, 22 have expired and the mortality rate in the study was 21.6%. Hypoalbuminemia was present in 56.9% (n = 58) of the patients. The mortality rate is higher among the sepsis patients with the occurrence of hypoalbuminemia (29.3%) compared to patients without hypoalbuminemia (11.4%) and the difference in proportion between the two groups was statistically significant (p-value = 0.029). The requirement of vasopressor support is higher among sepsis patients with the occurrence of hypoalbuminemia (56.9%) compared to patients without hypoalbuminemia (27.3%). The chi-square test reveals that the difference in proportion between the two groups was statistically significant (p-value = 0.005). No substantial impact on systemic inflammatory response scores, readmission to ICU, or progression to chronic illness was observed based on albumin levels.

Conclusion

This study underscores the predictive value of hypoalbuminemia in sepsis outcomes. Patients with decreased albumin levels showed higher mortality rates and increased vasopressor usage. While albumin levels did not significantly influence certain parameters, hypoalbuminemia may serve as an indicator of severity and adverse prognosis in sepsis, emphasizing the need for further research and tailored interventions.