Contagem total de linfócitos para identificação de desnutrição em pacientes candidatos à cirurgias

Abstract

The total lymphocyte count (TLC) is a laboratory marker that reflects the individual's immunological competence at that moment and may be reduced in malnutrition, and therefore, is related to the nutritional status of individuals. The TLC is used in several studies together with other parameters, mainly with albumin, for the diagnosis of malnutrition. Malnutrition has a great influence on the prognosis of surgical patients. The present study sought to evaluate the total lymphocyte count as a method of identifying malnutrition in patients who are candidates for surgery. The study was observational with a cross-sectional nature, carried out at the surgical clinic of the Hospital Universitário Professor Alberto Antunes (HUPAA), through the collection of clinical data such as diagnosis, length of stay, type of surgery and outcomes, anthropometric data such as weight, height , circumferences and skinfolds, in addition to obtaining biochemical data from the blood count, leukogram and serum albumin levels, of patients who are candidates for surgery. TLC can be used to aid in the diagnosis of nutritional status, but it should not be used as the only marker, but in conjunction with other widely used biochemical and anthropometric indicators.