Assessment of Nutrition, Anthropometry, and Electrolyte Balance in Patients with Perforation Peritonitis: A Prospective Observational Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Perforation peritonitis is a severe abdominal emergency associated with systemic inflammation, catabolism, and significant nutritional and biochemical disturbances. Early postoperative assessment is vital to guide nutritional and electrolyte correction. Aim: To analyse changes in nutritional biomarkers (Serum total cholesterol, Serum triglyceride total protein, Serum albumin) anthropometric indices and electrolyte balance from the preoperative period to Postoperative Day 5 (POD5) in patients undergoing surgical management of perforation peritonitis. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Dr Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Nashik, Maharashtra, over five years, from May 2021 to May 2025. The study included 110 patients who underwent emergency laparotomy for perforated peritonitis. Nutritional parameters (serum cholesterol, serum Triglycerides, serum total protein, serum albumin), anthropometry {weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), mid-arm thickness, triceps skinfold}, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium) were recorded preoperatively and on POD5. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-tests. (p<0.05 was considered significant). Results: A total of 110 patients (83 males and 27 females) in the age group of 25-60 years (47.1±9.10 years) were included in the present study. Serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides showed a significant postoperative decline in values, indicating altered metabolism, reduced intake, and also an acute-phase response. Serum total protein and serum albumin were found to be decreased, suggesting inflammation. Reduced nutritional intake and catabolism can be the reason for this. Electrolytes remained stable, indicating adequate postoperative fluid and electrolyte management. Anthropometric markers, mid-arm thickness (p=0.0614) and triceps skinfold thickness (p=0.2903), were not statistically significant. Reduction in weight and BMI is statistically significant (<0.0001), which indicates early postoperative nutritional deterioration. Conclusion: Early postoperative deterioration of nutritional and anthropometric measures was evident. These findings collectively highlight the importance of early nutritional assessment and timely postoperative nutritional intervention in patients with perforation peritonitis.
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $275
OpenAlex ID: W7223262608