title: The C-reactive protein-to-prealbumin ratio predicts fistula closure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictability of fistula closure using the ratio of C-reactive protein to prealbumin (C:P ratio).
  
  
  METHODS
  A database of 89 patients with gastrointestinal fistulas (1994-2009) was created based on the records of our Nutrition Support Services Team. All patients had weekly blood work including C-reactive protein level, prealbumin level, and albumin level. Forty-three fistulas were managed without surgery for 6 weeks or more; of these, 29 closed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median C:P ratio for those fistulas that remained open after 6 weeks of conservative management differed significantly from those that closed (.10 vs .35; P < .001). For patients with a C:P ratio of .25 or less, fistula closure occurred in 87.0% (95% confidence interval, 74.0-94.3), whereas for patients with a ratio of greater than 1.0, no fistulas closed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that the C:P ratio is a predictor of fistula closure.
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 0W8, Canada.
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Harriman
authors: Nadia
authors: N
authors: Rodych
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Hayes
authors: Michael A J
authors: MA
authors: Moser