ALB and infection: Compared to controls, cases had a higher rate of chronic corticosteroids use and infections in the previous 30 d (39% vs 10%, p < 0.001 and 21% vs 3%, p = 0.001, respectively), as well as higher percentage of thrombocytopenia (39% vs 18%, p = 0.002), neutropenia (14% vs 1%, p = 0.003) and lower albumin levels (35.6 ± 6.7 vs 37.4 ± 5.5 g/dL, p = 0.003).