Malnutrition

Lab	Half-Life	Normal	Mild	Moderate	Severe
Albumin (mg/dL)	21 days	3.5-5.0	2.8-3.5	2.1-2.7	<2.1
Transferrin (mg/dL)	8-9 days	200-400	150-200	100-150	<100
Prealbumin (mg/dL)	2 days	16-30	10-15	5-10	<5

BMI <18; BMI is calculated using the equation Wt (kg)/ht (m2).

Serum albumin

• <3.5 g/dL associated with poor surgical outcome, unfavorable prognosis, increased cost
  <2.5 g/dL associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality.