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.

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