Abstract

Purpose: Retinol binding protein (RBP) is a biochemical marker utilized for assessment of perioperative nutritional status and appropriateness of nutrition support. Due to short half-life and non-generalized measurement methods, it is not widely used, despite its sensitive response to protein and calories. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of serum RBP concentrations in order to reflect the appropriateness of postoperative nutrition support in patients treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Materials and Methods: We reviewed 36 patients treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy from December 2010 to May 2013. Serum concentrations of RBP, prealbumin, and transferrin were measured on the day before surgery and on postoperative day one, seven, and 14, retrospectively. Correlation of these parameters and other blood indexes used in nutritional evaluation, such as albumin and apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), were analyzed.
Results: Twenty five patients were men and 11 were women. Mean age was 58.9±9.9 years. RBP concentrations showed a significant decrease on postoperative day one and showed a slight increase afterwards. RBP concentrations showed significant correlation with prealbumin preoperatively (r=0.73, P<0.0001) and showed correlation with apoA1 and prealbumin on postoperative day one (r=0.44, P=0.03 and r=0.66, P<0.0001, respectively). RBP concentrations on postoperative day seven showed correlation with prealbumin (r=0.78, P<0.0001) and on postoperative day 14, RBP showed significant correlation with apoA1 and prealbumin (r=0.54, P=0.02 and r=0.77, P<0.0001, respectively).
Conclusion: Postoperative serum concentrations of RBP have been shown to be a rapid, sensitive blood index, which is useful in surveillance of nutritional status. An abundant accumulation of data and attempts to utilize this marker by several hospitals are needed in order to generalize its use domestically. (SMN 2013;4:25-30)

• Keywords: Retinol binding protein, Marker, Nutritional status, Pancreaticoduodenectomy