The relationship between albumin levels and the presence and progression of frailty in low to middle-income countries

An analysis of the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS)

Abstract

Introduction: frailty is a geriatric syndrome with multiple causes and contributing factors, which increases vulnerability to various health outcomes like disability and death. Low albumin is considered to be a potential indicator of frailty; however, the evidence is controversial. This study seeks to relate low albumin to the presence and progression of frailty in older adults in low and middle-income countries.

Design and analysis: this was a longitudinal observational study using data from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). Data was analyzed from 837 adults 65 to 74 years of age to 2016. The analysis included sociodemographic, anthropometric, physical health, mental health and mobility variables

Results: a multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypoalbuminemia (<4 gr/dL) (RR= 2.51, p= 0.021), poor grip strength (RR= 2.67, p= 0.001), a score < 8 on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) (RR= 4.641, p= 0.000) and a mobility disability (RR= 2.89, p=0.004) were independently related to a higher risk of developing frailty in four years.

Conclusions: low albumin in older adults is an independent risk factor for the developing frailty. This information is relevant and could contribute to predicting and treating frailty in older adults which could, in turn, prevent complications and lower the medical costs related to its care.