[The prognostic value of cholesterol levels in malnourished patients with esophageal carcinoma].

A variety of clinical calculations, including serum cholesterol, have been used as parameters of prognostic value in surgical populations, but there are few studies aimed at patients with esophageal carcinoma. In a set of patients with established esophageal cancer, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were recorded, along with the following parameters: age, sex, body weight, serum albumin, total lymphocytes, and hemoglobin concentration. Manual grip strength was measured, along with delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity response, and the type of surgical treatment was distinguished (palliative versus radical). Total complications and postoperative hospitalisation time are the main indicators used in our study for the surgical results. Patients were divided into two groups: those with serum cholesterol levels over 150 mg/dl (Group I) and those under that figure (Group II). Most nutritional and functional values were lower in Group II patients, for whom the radical surgery rate was also lower, with greater postoperative morbidity. It was concluded that 1): Cholesterol depletion is associated with nutritional and immunological alterations and 2) post-surgical results are poorer in patients with levels below 150 mg/dl.