C-reactive protein to albumin ratio as a predictor of early postoperative wound complications in patients undergoing posterior lumbar spine surgery - Report - MDSpire

C-reactive protein to albumin ratio as a predictor of early postoperative wound complications in patients undergoing posterior lumbar spine surgery

  • By

  • Tao Niu

  • Haoran Zhang

  • Peng Xie

  • Shibin Shen

  • Haoran Huang

  • Zhenggang Zhou

  • Bin Wang

  • Jianlin Ma

  • May 28, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: The Role of C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio in Forecasting Early Wound Complications After Posterior Lumbar Spine Surgery

Overview

This study evaluates the predictive value of the C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) for early postoperative wound complications in patients undergoing posterior lumbar spine surgery. A CAR ≥0.9 was identified as an independent predictor of complications, particularly in complex surgical cases.

Background

Early postoperative wound complications are a significant concern following posterior lumbar spine surgery, impacting patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Traditional risk factors may not fully capture a patient's physiological and nutritional status, highlighting the need for objective biomarkers. The CAR, combining inflammatory and nutritional indicators, has shown promise in predicting surgical outcomes.

Data Highlights

ParameterCase Group (N=140)Control Group (N=280)
High CAR (≥0.9)35.0%25.0%
Multivariate OR for CAR ≥0.91.753(95% CI: 1.089–2.822)

Key Findings

  • Patients with wound complications had significantly higher BMI, aCCI scores, ASA scores, blood loss, operative duration, and drain retention time.
  • Diabetes mellitus and allogeneic blood transfusion rates were higher in the case group.
  • A CAR ≥0.9 was an independent predictor of postoperative wound complications (OR: 1.753).
  • CAR remained a robust predictor in patients undergoing interbody fusion and multilevel surgery.
  • CAR was not significantly associated with complications in surgeries without interbody fusion.

Clinical Implications

Preoperative assessment of CAR can aid in identifying patients at higher risk for wound complications, allowing for tailored perioperative management strategies. This biomarker may enhance risk stratification and improve surgical outcomes, particularly in complex procedures.

Conclusion

The CAR serves as a valuable biomarker for predicting early postoperative wound complications in posterior lumbar spine surgery, emphasizing the importance of preoperative evaluations in optimizing patient care.

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  6. Data-driven Preoperative Albumin Level Predicts Increased Risk of 30-day Surgical Site Infection Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion - PubMed
  7. Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Prevention Guideline | Infection Control | CDC
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