Serum Albumin as a Predictor of Pulmonary Embolism Severity: A Retrospective Study From Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
Low serum albumin independently predicted massive pulmonary embolism in this cohort.
Serum Albumin as a Predictor of Pulmonary Embolism Severity: A Retrospective Study From Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
Pulmonary embolism (pulmonary embolism) presents with a wide spectrum of severity, and the early identification of high-risk patients is essential for improving outcomes.
This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum albumin levels and pulmonary embolism severity, including massive pulmonary embolism, Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index) scores, and mortality in a tertiary hospital cohort.
This retrospective study was conducted at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia between 2022 and 2025 and included 166 adult patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism.
low albumin sharply raises the odds of massive, high-risk pulmonary embolism
The mean age was 57.1 ± 19.4 years, and 93 (56.0%) patients were female.
Right ventricular (right ventricular) strain (adjusted odds ratio = 9.781, p < 0.001) and prior stroke (adjusted odds ratio = 5.340, p = 0.009) were also significant predictors.
There was a significant inverse correlation between albumin levels and Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index scores (r = -0.382, p < 0.001).
Mortality was significantly associated with albumin levels (p = 0.035).
The serum albumin level is a biomarker associated with pulmonary embolism severity, hemodynamic compromise, and adverse outcomes.
Hypoalbuminemia independently predicted massive pulmonary embolism and showed a significant inverse correlation with Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index score, underscoring its value in risk stratification.
The albumin level was also significantly associated with mortality, suggesting its broader prognostic relevance in acute pulmonary embolism.