Figure 27-6 A-C, The response to hyperalimentation (repletion), as measured by variation in serum albumin levels, predicted the outcome of surgery. Patients who responded (B) to nutritional support with increased albumin levels had a significantly better outcome than did those whose albumin level did not increase (C). See the text for a more complete explanation. (Adapted from Starker PM, Group FE, Askanazi J, et al: Serum albumin levels as an index of nutritional support. Surgery 91:194, 1982.)