Dynamic changes in serum albumin, prealbumin, and retinol-binding protein after head and neck cancer surgery: a retrospective cohort study - Report - MDSpire

Dynamic changes in serum albumin, prealbumin, and retinol-binding protein after head and neck cancer surgery: a retrospective cohort study

  • By

  • Linjian Huang

  • Simin Deng

  • Xiahan Sheng

  • Hanwen Chu

  • July 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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Postoperative Fluctuations in Serum Albumin, Prealbumin, and Retinol-Binding Protein Levels

Overview

This study analyzed serum albumin, prealbumin, and retinol-binding protein levels in head and neck cancer patients before and after surgery.

Background

Nutritional status is critical in patients with head and neck malignancies due to the catabolic effects of tumors and surgical stress. Traditional markers like serum albumin may not adequately reflect short-term changes in nutritional status. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of different nutritional support strategies during the perioperative period.

Data Highlights

GroupALB (g/dL)PA (mg/dL)RBP (mg/dL)CRP (mg/L)NLRHospital Stay (days)
ControlPre-op: XPre-op: YPre-op: ZPre-op: APre-op: BPre-op: C
InterventionPost-op: X'Post-op: Y'Post-op: Z'Post-op: A'Post-op: B'Post-op: C'

Key Findings

  • Intervention group had higher levels of ALB, PA, and RBP postoperatively (p < 0.05).
  • CRP and NLR levels were significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.05).
  • The intervention group experienced a shorter time to first oral intake (p < 0.05).
  • Hospital stay was shorter in the intervention group (p < 0.05).
  • Energy and protein target achievement rates were higher in the intervention group on postoperative days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05).
  • PA and RBP were more sensitive indicators for perioperative nutritional assessment than ALB.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that intensive nutritional intervention can enhance postoperative recovery and nutritional status in head and neck cancer patients. Clinicians should consider using multiple biomarkers, including PA and RBP, for a more accurate assessment of nutritional needs during the perioperative period.

Conclusion

Intensive nutritional support improves key nutritional biomarkers and reduces inflammatory responses in head and neck cancer patients post-surgery.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Perioperative hypoalbuminemia predicts postoperative survival: a large cohort study with global context
  2. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2023 -- Pre-operative Serum Albumin Levels and Their Impact on In-Hospital Mortality Following Gastrointestinal Surgery in Thailand: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
  3. Changes in Nutritional Status and Preoperative Anemia Over Time in Patients with Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Retrospective Longitudinal Analysis
  4. Evaluating the Role of Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia and Hypoproteinemia as Predictors of Anastomotic Leakage in Elective Colorectal Surgery within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Framework
  5. ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in surgery – Update 2025
  6. The Use of Visceral Proteins as Nutrition Markers: An ASPEN Position Paper - Evans - 2021 - Nutrition in Clinical Practice
  7. The impact of immunonutrition in head and neck cancer surgery: a systematic review with meta-analysis | ACTA Otorhinolaryngologica Italica
  8. ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in surgery – Update 2025 - ScienceDirect
  9. The Use of Visceral Proteins as Nutrition Markers: An ASPEN Position Paper - Evans - 2021 - Nutrition in Clinical Practice - Wiley Online Library
  10. The impact of immunonutrition in head and neck cancer surgery: a systematic review with meta-analysis | ACTA Otorhinolaryngologica Italica

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