C-reactive protein/albumin ratio versus lactate/albumin ratio as an outcome predictor for patients with sepsis and septic shock in hospital stay

Background & Objective: Pre-emptively identifying individuals at risk of developing sepsis and septic shock remains challenging. In septic patients, the Lactate/Albumin Ratio (LAR) and C-reactive protein (CRP)/Albumin ratio (CAR) have been suggested to be promising prognostic indicators for prediction of intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. We compared the prognostic values of CAR and LAR in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Methodology: Eighty adult patients diagnosed with sepsis and admitted to the ICUs of Ain Shams University Hospitals, were included in this observational prospective study. CRP levels, serum lactate, serum albumin, complete blood count (CBC), procalcitonin levels, and SOFA scores were assessed upon admission, with subsequently observing 28-day mortality among the selected patients. Results: CAR values were comparable between the mortality and survival groups (P = 0.807). However, LAR values were significantly elevated in the mortality group vs the survival group (P = 0.044). ROC analysis for mortality indicated that LAR had an AUC of 0.633 at a cutoff value > 0.68, achieving sensitivity and specificity of 89.4% and 21.2%, respectively. In contrast, CAR had an AUC of 0.484 at a cutoff value >= 1.54, with sensitivity and specificity values of 63.8% and 57.6%, respectively. Length of ICU stay (P < 0.001), duration of mechanical ventilation (P < 0.001), cardiovascular support (P < 0.001) and the need for renal replacement therapy (P < 0. 039), were increased in the mortality group compared to the survival group. Conclusion: Lactate/albumin ratio is superior and more reliable bio-marker predictor compared to C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio for ICU mortality.