Two nonograms can help predict 30-day surgical morbidity and mortality in cancer patients who are being considered for surgery without curative intent. Using logistic regression models of data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP), researchers found that increasing age, “do not resuscitate” status, weight loss >10%, dyspnea, impaired functional status, ascites, chronic steroid use, active sepsis, elevated creatinine, hypoalbuminema, abnormal white blood cell counts, decreased serum hematocrit, acuity of the surgical procedure, and procedure type were significant predictors of increased morbidity and mortality .
Study details and the nonograms are available online in the June 14, 2011, issue of Annals of Surgery (http://journals.lww.com/annalsofsurgery/Abstract/publishahead/Nomogram_to_Predict_Risk_of_30_Day_Morbidity_and.99107.aspx).
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