Factors predicting morbidity and mortality in intestinal fistulae.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal fistulae are a daunting clinical problem. AIM: To evaluate the influence of various severity factors on morbidity and mortality in patients with intestinal fistulae. METHOD: In 29 patients with intestinal fistulae, eight severity factors, viz., age, associated bowel disease, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, high-output fistula, category IV fistula, excoriation of skin surrounding the stoma, and sepsis, were analyzed prospectively to assess their effect on healing of fistulae and mortality. Chi-squared test with Yates' correction was used. RESULTS: Age, presence of associated bowel disease, and hemoglobin levels had no significant effect on healing or mortality. Hypoalbuminemia, category IV fistulae, presence of local skin excoriation, and sepsis significantly delayed healing (p < 0.05). High-output fistula, category IV fistula, local skin excoriation, and sepsis were significantly associated with high mortality (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Identification of these prognostic factors in intestinal fistulae may guide the need for more intensive care or intervention.