Preoperative Corticosteroid Usage and Hypoalbuminemia Increase Occurrence of Short-term Postoperative Complications in Chinese Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Background: Clarifying the risk factors for postoperative complications and taking measures to minimize these complications will improve the outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to systemically explore the risk factors for short-term postoperative complications in Chinese UC patients undergoing ileocolorectal surgery. Methods: Forty-nine UC patients undergoing proctocolectomy or ileostomy were retrospectively enrolled. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to reveal the risk factors among the clinical, laboratory, and surgical variables as well as preoperative medications. Results: Twenty-two (44.9%) patients who suffered from at least one short-term postoperative event had more severe hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.007) and an increased prevalence of preoperative corticosteroid usage (prednisone more than 20 mg daily or equivalent) for more than 6 weeks (59.1% vs. 25.9%, P = 0.023) compared with patients without short-term postoperative complications. Based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) values of these two risk factors were 1.756 (0.889-3.470, P = 0.105) and 3.233 (0.916-11.406, P = 0.068), respectively. In 32 severe UC patients, prolonged preoperative hospital stay worsened the short-term postoperative outcomes. Conclusions: Preoperative corticosteroids usage and hypoalbuminemia worsened the short-term outcomes following ileocolorectal surgery in Chinese UC patients.