Key result
Preoperative grip strength below 85% of the age- and sex-standard predicted 74% of postoperative complications (p<0.05), with improved specificity compared to sex-alone standards (50% vs 21%).
Why the study?
Does preoperative hand grip strength predict postoperative complications in surgical patients?
Observational (n=90)
Does preoperative hand grip strength predict postoperative complications in surgical patients?
p-value: p=<0.05
Preoperative hand grip strength below 85% of age- and sex-adjusted standards is a significant predictor of postoperative complications, identifying high-risk patients who may need nutritional assessment.
A mechanical hand grip dynamometer was used to derive age- and sex-related standard grip strengths from 247 healthy volunteers between 16 and 95 yr old. Preoperative grip strength was measured in 90 patients and related to postoperative complication rates. A grip strength of 85% standard for age and sex was found to be the most effective cut-off for prediction of postoperative complications in terms of sensitivity and specificity, predicting 74% of the complications (p less than 0.05). Specificity is improved over previously published standards related to sex alone especially when assessing the elderly patient (50% vs 21%). A grip strength below the recommended cut-off for age and sex suggests that the patient is in a high-risk group and demands further investigation of nutritional status. Studies of pre-operative nutritional support for the at risk group need to be undertaken.
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Webb et al. (1989) conducted an observational in Preoperative patients (n=90). Preoperative grip strength below 85% of age- and sex-standard vs. Preoperative grip strength above 85% standard was evaluated on Postoperative complications (p=<0.05). Preoperative grip strength below 85% of the age- and sex-standard predicted 74% of postoperative complications (p<0.05), with improved specificity compared to sex-alone standards (50% vs 21%).
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