title: Relation of anthropometric and dynamometric variables to serious postoperative complications.
abstract: Prediction of serious postoperative complications by using standard anthropometric and biochemical nutritional variables was attempted in 225 patients admitted for major abdominal surgery. In 102 of the patients hand-grip dynamometry was also measured, and this proved the most sensitive test, predicting complications in 48 of the 55 patients (87%) who developed them (p < 0.001). Arm muscle circumference and forearm muscle circumference below 85% of the standard value were also of predictive value (p < 0.02 and p < 0.01 respectively); weight for height and serum albumin concentrations were less satisfactory, while weight loss of more than 10% was not significantly related to complications. Dynamometry is a useful, rapid, and inexpensive screening test for detecting malnutrition that is likely to predispose to serious postoperative morbidity.
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D001132:Arm / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D012709:Serum Albumin