# Investigating Factors Related to Length of Hospital Stay in Male Patients With Lung Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

## TL;DR

This study found that lower albumin levels at admission are linked to longer hospital stays in male lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

## Contribution

The study identifies serum albumin levels as a novel pre-treatment indicator for predicting hospital stay duration in male lung cancer patients.

## Key findings

- Lower albumin levels at admission were significantly associated with longer hospital stays.
- Albumin levels showed a strong negative correlation with length of hospital stay (β = -0.512, p < 0.001).

## Abstract

Background/purpose: In recent years, length of hospital stay has decreased, necessitating smoother discharge support. However, in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, longer hospital stays are associated with an increased incidence of adverse events. Moreover, no studies have examined indicators of the risk of prolonged hospitalization before treatment initiation. Specifically, reports clarifying the relationship between blood data, such as serum albumin (albumin) levels, and length of hospital stay are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics of male patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy and examine the factors related to length of hospital stay.

Materials and methods: This was a cohort study of 42 male patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy (mean age: 70 ± 6 years; body mass index: 22 ± 3 kg/m²; Charlson comorbidity index: 4 ± 2 points; performance status (PS): 1 ± 0). Measurement items included comorbidities, frailty, PS, the functional independence measure, the Barthel Index, and biochemical data. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the influence of each indicator on length of hospital stay, with a significance level of 5%.

Results: Multiple regression analysis showed a significant association between albumin levels at admission and length of hospital stay (β = -0.512, t = -3.624, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that lower albumin levels at admission may lead to prolonged hospital stays in male patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. These findings indicate that a poor albumin status before chemotherapy may be related to length of hospital stay.