The relationship between serum albumin and the outcomes in patients with enterocutaneous fistula at the Kenyatta National hospital, Nairobi

Abstract

Objective:This study sought to determine the relationship between the serum albumin levels and outcomes in patients with enterocutaneous fistula at the Kenyatta National Hospital(KNH). Design:A prospective descriptive study. Setting:The Kenyatta National Hospital wards. Study population: 61 patients with acquired enterocutaneous fistula at the KNH wards. Outcome measures: The main outcome indicators were the duration of hospital stay, need for surgical intervention and death. Data Analysis: Data was analyzed in terms of mean, median and standard deviation. Comparisons were made using Student's t-test for continuous variables and X? or Fisher's exact test when categorical variables were compared. Results: Of the 61 patients enrolled 50.8% were females and 49.2% males. Patient ages ranged 16 years to 74 years with mean of 35.66 years. 47 fistulae were upper GI while 14 were of lower GI origin. 88.5% of the fistulae were due to post-operative causes. 62.3% patients had serum albumin <30g/L at admission, 18% had serum albumin between 30 - 34g/l_ and 19.7% had serum albumin ~35g/L. The duration of hospitalization ranged 2 to 46 days. The overall mortality rate was 63.9%. Conclusions: Mosl fistulas were as a result of various forms of surgical procedure. Serum albumin levels below 35g/l are associated with increased mortality in patients with ECF. No association was found between serum albumin levels and the duration of hospitalization and need for surgical intervention in patients with ECF.