Key result
Low grip strength linked to ~6-fold greater incidence of serious postoperative complications.
Why the study?
The value of simple malnutrition assessment methods in predicting postoperative complications after major abdominal surgery was uncertain.
Does hand-grip dynamometry predict postoperative complications in patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery?
Observational (n=120)
Does hand-grip dynamometry predict postoperative complications in patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery?
Relative Risk: 6
p-value: p=<0.001
Hand-grip dynamometry is a highly effective and simple screening tool for predicting postoperative complications related to malnutrition in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.
May flag high-risk abdominal surgery patients; hypothesis-generating for grip strength screening before practice change.
The assessment of malnutrition by simple methods was studied in 120 patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery to determine which index was of the most value in predicting postoperative complications. Weight for height and weight loss were of little significant value; serum albumin less than 35 g/l was more significant (p less than 0.05) but predicted only a quarter of those patients who developed serious complications. Measurements of muscle stores by anthropometry (arm and forearm muscle circumference) predicted nearly half the patients (p less than 0.01). By far the most useful index was hand-grip dynamometry, which predicted 90% of those who developed complications (p less than 0.001). The incidence of serious complications was 6 times greater in those patients with a low grip strength. Hand-grip dynamometry appears to be a useful screening test of patients at risk, and a valuable additional test for nutritional assessment.
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Klidjian et al. (1982) conducted an observational in Elective major abdominal surgery (n=120). Low grip strength (hand-grip dynamometry) vs. Normal grip strength was evaluated on Serious postoperative complications (6 times greater incidence, p=<0.001). Low grip strength measured by hand-grip dynamometry was associated with a 6-fold greater incidence of serious postoperative complications (p<0.001).
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