Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 mg/dL) is an accepted marker of malnutrition, but it was unknown if low albumin remained an independent predictor of post-operative complications following primary total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for patients undergoing primary THA and TKA. Propensity score-matched analysis was used to control for co-morbid conditions. RESULTS: Patients with low albumin demonstrated greater odds of death (by 2-21x), morbidity (by 25-51%), re-admission (by 45-54%), and increased length of stay. CONCLUSION: Low albumin remains an independent predictor of adverse outcomes following primary total joint arthroplasty.