Evaluation of the C-reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio and Fluid Overload in Critically Ill Children and Adolescents Aged One Month to 18 Years
2024

Predicting Outcomes in Critically Ill Children Using CRP/Albumin Ratio and Fluid Overload

Sample size: 100 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Chaurasiya Om S, Rana Sachin, Chhabra Kawalpreet, Singh Mayank

Primary Institution: Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, IND

Hypothesis

Can the C-reactive protein to albumin ratio and fluid overload predict mortality in critically ill children and adolescents?

Conclusion

Fluid overload can be used as a predictor of poor outcomes in critically ill children, while the CRP/albumin ratio requires further study.

Supporting Evidence

  • Fluid overload was significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors.
  • The mean CRP/albumin ratio was not significantly different between survivors and non-survivors.
  • Fluid overload was directly associated with the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
  • Patients with more fluid overload had increased requirements for ionotropic support.

Takeaway

Doctors can use fluid overload to help figure out if very sick kids might not get better, while the CRP/albumin ratio needs more research.

Methodology

This was a prospective, observational study conducted on 100 critically ill cases admitted to the PICU, measuring CRP and albumin levels and documenting fluid intake and output.

Potential Biases

Higher exclusion criteria may limit applicability to children with certain conditions.

Limitations

The study was conducted at a single center, limiting generalizability, and daily weight measurements were not recorded.

Participant Demographics

Mean age was 87.78 months, with a male-female ratio of 0.92:1.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.2284

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.75252

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