Lactate–Albumin Ratio Tied to TBI Mortality
Admission biomarker showed prognostic value alongside clinical scoring systems in pediatric intensive care
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By
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Kathryn Wighton
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April 17, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Lactate–Albumin Ratio Tied to TBI Mortality
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Pediatric Patients |
| Key Mechanisms | Lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) as a prognostic marker |
| Target Population | Pediatric patients with TBI |
| Care Setting | Pediatric Intensive Care Unit |
Key Highlights
- LAR values associated with mortality in pediatric TBI patients
- Overall mortality rate of 9% in the studied cohort
- Non-survivors had significantly higher PRISM III scores and lower pGCS scores
- LAR cutoff >0.68 showed 89% sensitivity and 78% specificity for mortality
- First study to evaluate LAR as a prognostic marker in pediatric TBI
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale and PRISM III scores for initial assessment
- Consider LAR as an additional prognostic tool
Management
- Monitor lactate and albumin levels in pediatric TBI patients
- Implement intensive interventions for patients with high LAR values
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regular assessment of pGCS and PRISM III scores
- Track changes in lactate and albumin levels during ICU stay
Risks
- Higher likelihood of hypotension and subarachnoid hemorrhage in non-survivors
- Increased need for mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy
Patient & Prescribing Data
Pediatric patients admitted with TBI
Higher LAR values indicate a need for aggressive management strategies
Clinical Best Practices
- Incorporate LAR into routine prognostic assessments for pediatric TBI
- Ensure timely blood sampling post-injury for accurate LAR measurement
- Consider multi-faceted approach using various inflammatory indices for comprehensive evaluation
References
