Prevalência de hipoalbuminemia e fatores associados em idosos hospitalizados

Abstract

The Albumin is a major serum protein capable of transporting microparticles into the blood stream and help maintain oncotic pressure, its serum depletion may lead to a worsening of symptoms, particularly in hospitalized elderly, because they generally are weakened. The aim of this study was to relate hypoalbuminemia and determinants to health problems of elderly people admitted to a hospital. It is a cross-sectional study of a quantitative and descriptive nature that was developed with 200 patients admitted to a large hospital in northern RS, the technique was simple random selection in the elderly who were hospitalized during the months from April to June, 2012. Data were collected through a questionnaire, after signing the consent form. The study was approved by the Ethics in Research with Opinion number 619/2011. For data analysis we used the SPSS software v. 18. Mean age was 72,6 ± 8,3 years. The result albuminêmico averaged 2,9 ± 0,5 g/dL. The diagnosis of hypoalbuminemia was found in 173 subjects (87%) and 27 (13%) had albumin standard showed this difference is statistically significant (p=0,000). Using the Mini Nutritional Assessment, observed that the worsening of the nutritional status of hospitalized elderly is related to decreased levels albuminêmicos. The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia is high, constantly monitor the albumin and nutritional status enables early intervention and consequently decreases the length of stay, cost and appearance of other comorbidities.