Recent research published in the Archives of Surgery suggests lower body mass index may be a significant predictor of 30-day mortality after a procedure.
For this study, researchers assessed characteristics and outcomes of patients with major surgical procedures that were reported as part of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. In total, there were 189,533 general and vascular surgical procedures from 2005 to 2006.
Of these patients, the researchers found patients with a BMI of less than 23.1 were linked to a significantly higher risk of death (40 percent greater odds) compared to patients with BMI of 26.3 to 29.7. The researchers also discovered BMI is still a significant predictor of 30-day mortality after adjusting for type of procedure and patient's expected risk of death.
The researchers concluded patients with a lower BMI may be at greater risk of mortality 30 days after their procedure.
For this study, researchers assessed characteristics and outcomes of patients with major surgical procedures that were reported as part of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. In total, there were 189,533 general and vascular surgical procedures from 2005 to 2006.
Of these patients, the researchers found patients with a BMI of less than 23.1 were linked to a significantly higher risk of death (40 percent greater odds) compared to patients with BMI of 26.3 to 29.7. The researchers also discovered BMI is still a significant predictor of 30-day mortality after adjusting for type of procedure and patient's expected risk of death.
The researchers concluded patients with a lower BMI may be at greater risk of mortality 30 days after their procedure.
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