Albumin and total protein concentration – selected parameters of catabolic reaction and nutritional status among patients with craniocerebral injuries diagnosed with surgically treated cerebrovascular diseases

Introduction
Posttraumatic metabolic disorders, including surgeries, generate a large energy expenditure in humans. They may lead to hypermetabolism, hypercatabolism, and hyperglycaemia, resulting in a severe condition of patients, which may require intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. The basic feature of the catabolism phase is the breakdown of muscle protein, due to which patients require urgent nutritional intervention. The necessity for nutritional support is assessed, among others, by measuring the level of protein and albumin.
Aim of the research: To evaluate the level of total protein and albumin as indicators of metabolic disorders in patients after surgical procedures due to craniocerebral injuries and cerebrovascular diseases, in order to confirm the need for nutritional treatment.

Material and methods
The study included 152 patients treated in the ICU, aged between 19 and 89 years. Seventy-one subjects were diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease (Group I) and 81 with cranial and cerebral trauma (Group II) and were after neurosurgery. Retrospective analysis of documentation and laboratory results was employed to assess the level of total protein and albumin on the day of admission to the ICU.

Results
Low levels of albumin were found in both groups (Group I: 75%, Group II: 76%) and of total protein (Group I: 69%, Group II: 71%), which indicated different degrees of malnutrition in the patients. On the day of admission, Group I showed higher albumin levels (p = 0.039) compared with Group II.

Conclusions
Low levels of albumin in both study groups indicate an intensified catabolic reaction of the body associated with extensive trauma and the need for nutritional treatment.