Use Of Albumin In Patients Research Articles

Assessing Physicians' Knowledge about International Guidelines of Albumin Use in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Assessing Physicians' Knowledge about International Guidelines of Albumin Use in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Malign asitli over kanserinde sitoredüktif cerrahide perioperatif hemodinamik optimizasyon

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of norepinephrine and albumin use in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer with malignant ascite in order to maintain plasma oncotic pressure and intravascular volume, to provide perioperative hemodynamic stabilization and tissue perfusion. In addition, it was aimed to compare in terms of postoperative intensive care admission, hospital stay and complications.
 Materials and Methods: A total of 66 patients, 38 with ascites and 28 without ascites, who underwent cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer were included in this study. PVI and invasive arterial monitoring of the patients were performed after hemodynamic stabilization (after the start of surgery) (T0). T0, 1st hour (T1) and 2nd hour (T2) and postoperative (Tpostop.) Ascites patients were composed of 3 subgroups which the ones received norepinephrine (NE) infusion, norepinephrine + albumin (NEA) infusion or only fluid therapy (FT). From the perioperative hemodynamic and laboratory data of the patients, tissue perfusion was evaluated with lactate, and hemodynamic status was evaluated with pleth variability index (PVI), perfusion index (PI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP).
 Results: Demographic and clinical findings did not differ significantly between patients with and without ascites. Lactate level in NEA / NE group in Tpostop, PVI level in T1h, T2h and Tpostop time frames were determined higher than the FT group. PI was found to be significantly lower in the T2 time frame. The postoperative ICU admission rate was higher in the NEA and NE groups. The duration of ICU stay in group NEA was shorter than in group NE.
 Conclusion: We recommend the use of low-dose NE with albumin to provide perioperative hemodynamic optimization, tissue perfusion and plasma oncotic pressure in surgery of ovarian cancer with malignant ascites. Despite high fluid replacement in these patients, the use of norepinephrine and albumin together may have an important role in preventing / reducing major complications in the perioperative period.

Use of Albumin as a Resuscitative Fluid in the Intensive Care Unit.

Use of Albumin as a Resuscitative Fluid in the Intensive Care Unit.

Perceptions on the management of varices and on the use of albumin in patients with cirrhosis among GI specialists in Austria

SummaryBackgroundPortal hypertension (PH) causes severe complications in patients with liver cirrhosis, such as variceal bleeding and ascites; however, data on the knowledge and perceptions on guideline recommendations for the management of varices and the use of albumin is scarce.MethodsWe designed two structured surveys on (i) the management of varices and (ii) the use of albumin for Austrian physicians of specialized Gastro-Intestinal (GI) centers. The interviewed physicians were confronted spontaneously and provided ad hoc responses to the questionnaire.ResultsIn total, 158 surveys were completed. Interestingly, many specialists (30%) would recommend a follow-up gastroscopy after 1 year in patients with compensated cirrhosis without varices (i.e., overtreatment). For small varices, 81.5% would use non-selective beta blockers (NSBB) for primary prophylaxis (PP). For PP in patients with large varices, endoscopic band ligation (EBL) plus NSBB was preferred by 51.4% (i.e., overtreatment). Knowledge on the indication criteria for early TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) was reported by 54.3%, but only 20% could report these criteria correctly. The majority (87.1%) correctly indicated a preference to use NSBB and EBL for secondary prophylaxis (SP).The majority of participating gastroenterologists reported no restrictions on the use of albumin (89.8%) in their hospitals. Of the interviewed specialists, 63.6% would use albumin in patients with SBP; however, only 11.4% would use the doses recommended by guidelines. The majority of specialists indicated using albumin at the recommended doses for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS-AKI, 86.4%) and for large volume paracentesis (LVP, 73.3%). The individual responses regarding albumin use for infections/sepsis, hyponatremia, renal impairment, and encephalopathy were heterogeneous.ConclusionThe reported management of PH and varices is mostly adherent to guidelines, but endoscopic surveillance in patients without varices is too intense and EBL is overused in the setting of PP. Knowledge on the correct use of early TIPS must be improved among Austrian specialists. Albumin use is widely unrestricted in Austria; however, albumin is often underdosed in established indications.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00508-020-01769-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Albumin Administration is Efficacious in the Management of Patients with Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

The use of albumin in patients with cirrhosis has been extensively discussed over recent years. Current treatment approaches depend on targeting related complications, aiming to treat and/or prevent circulatory dysfunction, bacterial infections and multi-organ failure. Albumin has been shown to prolong survival and reduce complications in patients with cirrhosis. This review aims to ascertain whether the use of albumin is justified in patients with cirrhosis. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses evaluating albumin use in patients with cirrhosis published between 1985 and February 2020 was conducted; the quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed. In total, 45 RCTs and 10 meta-analyses were included. Based on the included evidence, albumin is superior at preventing and controlling the incidence of cirrhosis complications vs other plasma expanders. Recent studies reported that long-term albumin administration to patients with decompensated cirrhosis improves survival with a 38% reduction in the mortality hazard ratio compared with standard medical treatment alone. Albumin infusions are justified for routine use in patients with cirrhosis, and the use of albumin either alone or in combination with other treatments leads to clinical benefits. Long-term administration of albumin should be considered in some patients.

8 The Adoption of Rescue Colloid During Resuscitation Decreases Fluid Administered and Returns End Organ Perfusion

Abstract Introduction Traditionally lactated ringers (LR) has been utilized for the resuscitation of thermally injured patients. Both the Parkland and Brooke formula’s include the addition of albumin as part of their ongoing resuscitation after the initial 24 hours. Over the last five years, the addition of albumin to current protocols has been reported to decrease fluid creep. Our institution has adopted these practices and here we present our findings during the adoption phase of rescue albumin during resuscitation. Methods A prospectively collected burn registry was queried for patients greater than 18 years, between July 2017 and December 2018, who sustained a thermal injury and required a formal resuscitation. Patients were included in the rescue albumin group if the treating team administered 25% albumin for a sustained urine output less than 0.5ml/kg over 2–3 hours. Our primary outcome was a total volume of resuscitation ml LR/%TBSA/kg. Our secondary outcomes were the change in resuscitation rate and the change in urine output three hours before and three hours after the administration of albumin normalized to %TBSA/kgs. Finally, we compared clinical outcomes of ICU days and length of stay (LOS) between the rescue albumin and no rescue albumin group. Results A total of 92 patients with thermal injuries were included: median age was 40 (IQR 31–57), 73% were male, and 30 patients received rescue albumin. The TBSA was increased in those who received rescue albumin (47% vs 38% p=0.02). Despite a higher TBSA in the albumin group the total LR given during resuscitation normalized to TBSA and KG was not significantly different (ml LR/%TBSA/kg: 3.66 vs. 4.31, p=0.149). Similarly, the total urine output (UOP) and the adjusted UOP showed no significant difference, total UOP 1,781 ml no albumin vs 1,483ml rescue albumin (p=0.149) and UOP/kg 21.7ml no albumin vs 18.9 ml rescue albumin (p=0.341). But our secondary outcomes did demonstrate there was a decrease in the LR rate by -0.06 ml/%TBSA/kg/hr (SD 0.13) and an increase in the UOP by 1.61 ml/kg/hr (SD 3.25), see Figure 1. Conclusions Rescue albumin administration decreases the amount of fluid administered during resuscitation, and increases end organ function as evidenced by increase UOP. This was observed in patients who sustained larger burns and were failing traditional increases in resuscitation LR. These findings are the basis for a modification to our current protocol and a prospective study of the clinical outcomes. Applicability of Research to Practice We believe these findings support the limited use of albumin in patients who fail a conventional LR based resuscitation.

Albumin Use in Patients With Cirrhosis in France: Results of the “ALBU-LIVE” Survey

The use of human albumin for the management of cirrhosis has increased. Recommendations have been published for therapeutic paracentesis (TP), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), and type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). The goal of this survey was to assess the prescription practices of French hepatogastroenterologists. All hepatogastroenterologists were contacted. The questionnaire evaluated (1) the use of albumin in validated indications and (2) the prescription of albumin for nonvalidated clinical situations. Responses were analyzed from 451 (50.1%) practitioners. The mean age was 40 years (range, 24 to 67 y). Physicians practiced in a university hospital (47.7%) or a general hospital (45.8%). There were 56.7% senior practitioners. Overall 99.6% of the practitioners compensated for TP. Albumin was used by 87.8% of the physicians, with a fixed dose being used by 84.6%. For SBP, 94% of the physicians used albumin concomitantly with antibiotics. The recommended protocol was followed by 56.2% of the practitioners: more often by senior university hospital practitioners than by senior general hospital practitioners (P=0.015). About 66.5% used albumin infusion for the diagnosis of HRS: used more often by senior university hospital practitioners (P=0.0006). Albumin was used concomitantly with vasopressor treatment by 84%; the dose and the duration varied considerably. About 23.5% used albumin for severe bacterial infection, 47.9% for severe hyponatremia, 43.9% for severe hypoalbuminemia, and 65.9% for hydrothorax. In this large French survey, albumin is only prescribed in accordance with recommendations for TP. The schedule for SBP is followed by only 56% of the practitioners. The use of albumin for HRS is not adapted to recommendations, which are not well known, suggesting that they should be more diffused.

Economic evaluation of human albumin use in patients with nephrotic syndrome in four Brazilian public hospitals: pharmacoeconomic study.

In 2004, the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, ANVISA) published a resolution establishing guidelines for albumin use. Although the published data do not indicate any definitive conclusions about the benefits of albumin use in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS), the guidelines recommend this procedure only in cases of edema that is refractory to use of diuretics. The aim here was to analyze albumin use among patients with nephrotic syndrome. Pharmacoeconomic study conducted in four large public referral hospitals for nephrology services in northeastern Brazil. Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility economic evaluations were performed on a concurrent cohort of patients with nephrotic syndrome, who were divided into two groups according to compliance or noncompliance with the guidelines. Quality-of-life data were obtained from the SF36 and CHQ-PF50 questionnaires. This study enrolled 109 patients (60% adults and 56% women); 41.3% were using albumin in accordance with the guidelines. The weight, diuresis and fluid balance parameters were more cost-effective for patients who adhered to the guidelines. Regarding days of hospitalization avoided, the incremental ratio showed a daily cost of R$ 55.33, and guideline-compliant patients were hospitalized for five days or fewer. The quality of life improved by 8%, and savings of R$ 3,458.13/QALY (quality-adjusted life year) for the healthcare system were generated through guideline compliance. The economic analyses of this study demonstrated that there were greater cost benefits for patients whose treatment followed the guidelines.

Results of a survey on albumin use in clinical practice in intensive care units

BackgroundHuman albumin solutions are used in a number of disorders, though their indications are not clear in all circumstances. These solutions are costly, and their benefit has not been established in all settings. It is therefore interesting to assess the presence of albumin solutions in the daily clinical practice of critical care professionals. ObjectivesTo report the standard clinical practices and to describe the variability of albumin solutions use in critically ill patients. DesignA survey sent by e-mail to Spanish and South American Intensive Care Units (ICUs) PeriodPlanning and execution were during the year 2012. MethodsA questionnaire comprising of 35 questions. ResultsFifty-seven surveys were analyzed. The use of albumin solutions was sporadic or negligible in critically ill patients (96.5%). The exceptions were patients with liver disease (87.7% of the responders administered albumin to these patients). A high percentage of professionals claimed to know the available scientific evidence on the use of albumin in patients with liver disease (82.5%) and in patients without liver disease (77.2%). Only 5.3% of the responders preferred to rely on their own experience to establish the indications of albumin use. ConclusionsThe use of albumin solutions is infrequent in ICUs, except in patients with liver disease. Evidence-based knowledge on albumin use is declared to be extensive in ICUs. As a rule, opinions on the use of albumin solutions are based on the scientific recommendations, especially in patients with liver disease. Professional experience rarely prevails over the published clinical guidelines.

Resultados de una encuesta sobre la práctica clínica habitual en el empleo de albúmina en UCI

BackgroundHuman albumin solutions are used in a number of disorders, though their indications are not clear in all circumstances. These solutions are costly, and their benefit has not been established in all settings. It is therefore interesting to assess the presence of albumin solutions in the daily clinical practice of critical care professionals. ObjectivesTo report the standard clinical practices and to describe the variability of albumin solutions use in critically ill patients. DesignA survey sent by e-mail to Spanish and South American Intensive Care Units (ICUs) PeriodPlanning and execution during the year 2012. MethodsA questionnaire comprising 35 questions. ResultsFifty-seven surveys were analyzed. The use of albumin solutions was sporadic or negligible in critically ill patients (96.5%). The exceptions were patients with liver disease (87.7% of the responders administered albumin to these patients). A high percentage of professionals claimed to know the available scientific evidence on the use of albumin in patients with liver disease (82.5%) and in patients without liver disease (77.2%). Only 5.3% of the responders preferred to rely on their own experience to establish the indications of albumin use. ConclusionsThe use of albumin solutions is infrequent in ICUs, except in patients with liver disease. Evidence-based knowledge on albumin use is declared to be extensive in ICUs. As a rule, opinions on the use of albumin solutions are based on the scientific recommendations, especially in patients with liver disease. Professional experience rarely prevails over the published clinical guidelines.

New Recommendations for the Use of Serum Albumin in Patients With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

New Recommendations for the Use of Serum Albumin in Patients With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

Albumin use is beneficial in cirrhotic patients

There are several indications for the use of albumin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and its role has existed in clinical practice for many decades. While the drug enjoys immense popularity, it yet attracts intensive debate amongst clinicians and pharmacologists alike. Regardless of its pharmacological properties, its clinical use in cirrhotic patients has its fair share of proponents and opponents. At present, in the setting of cirrhosis this debate centers around the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, in patients with ascites treated with large volume paracentesis, and in those with hepato-renal syndrome. With the evolving evidence it has become imperative to shed old dogmas and address this issue in the light of evidence-based medicine. This article gives a representative view of albumin use in the above conditions across both sides of the clinical divide.

The rational use of albumin in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: A Delphi study for the attainment of a consensus on prescribing standards

Background. Ascites is one of the most frequent severe complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. The treatment of this chronic disease usually requires the prolonged use of albumin, frequently continued even after patients’ discharge from the hospital. Aims. Aim of the study was to define a consensus among Italian physicians with regard to the use of albumin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites. Methods. The study adopted the Delphi technique to conduct the consensus activities. All controversial issues related to the use of albumin were identified by the experts’ board and proposed to the 68 participating hepatology centres through two subsequent questionnaires. The questionnaires, returned by the specialists involved, were collected and the answers classified to verify the elements on which a consensus was reached. Results. The home use of albumin can help to improve the patient’s general conditions and well-being. About 77% of the experts involved considered likely that albumin administration could shorten hospital stays or could reduce the number of hospital admissions. The results of the study, along with a socioeconomic analysis, were presented to the Italian Drug Commission, which subsequently removed the specific hypoalbuminemia level as a prerequisite for having the drug reimbursed by the National Health Service. Conclusions. For an outpatient prescription, the hypoalbuminemia limit of 2.5 g/dl or less is not sufficient, while the decision whether to administer the drug requires the evaluation of patient’s overall clinical conditions as an essential criterion for the prescription of a home treatment with albumin.

Is the use of albumin of value in the treatment of ascites in cirrhosis? The case in favour

In patients with cirrhosis, ascites accumulates because of sodium retention, triggered by a reduction of the effective arterial blood volume, and imbalanced Starling forces in the splanchnic area due to portal hypertension and hypoalbuminemia. Albumin is the ideal plasma expander in this setting, since it ameliorates systemic and reneal haemodynamics, so reducing sodium retention, and increases oncotic pressure in the splanchnic compartment. In particular, albumin proved useful in patients treated with diuretics, as demonstrated by a randomised study performed at our Instituition in which 126 ascitic inpatients were treated according to a stepped-care diuretic regimen. In fact, patients receiving diuretics plus albumin (n = 63) had a higher cummulative rate of response (p < 0.05) and a shorter hospital stay (20 +/- 1 versus 24 +/- 2 days, p < 0.05) than those given diuretics alone. Treatment with albumin on an outpatient basis (25 g/week) resulted in a lower probability of developing ascites (p < 0.02 vs. patients not given albumin) and a lower probability of readmission (p < 0.02). Patients given albumin also had a better quality of life. As discussed in another article, evidence also supports the use of albumin in patients treated for paracentesis, as well as in patients with spontaneous peritonitis or hepatorenal syndrome.

Use of intravenous albumin in patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis for reducing complications and mortality is a cost-effective intervention

Use of intravenous albumin in patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis for reducing complications and mortality is a cost-effective intervention

Albumin use in neurosurgical critical care.

To examine the use of albumin in patients receiving neurosurgical intensive care. Survey and chart review of albumin use in neurosurgical intensive care units. University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center and American Brain Injury Consortium (ABIC). Thirty-eight patients who underwent neurosurgery at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center; members of the ABIC. Chart review with attention to administration of albumin; mailed survey to 200 ABIC members. Patients admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center over a 6-month interval were evaluated. Albumin, either 5% or 25%, was prescribed for approximately 25% of patients. The indications for use were vasospasm and maintenance of cerebral perfusion pressure. The response rate for the ABIC survey was 39%. Respondents stated that normal saline and albumin were both primary fluid choices for the treatment of vasospasm. Twenty-two percent reported a reduction in albumin prescribing following a formal warning statement issued by the Food and Drug Administration regarding the use of albumin in critically ill patients. Chart review revealed the primary indications for albumin in the neurosurgical intensive care unit, and our survey data demonstrated the lack of consensus among neurosurgeons regarding their fluid of choice for neurosurgery indications. Prospective, randomized investigations comparing colloids to crystalloids in patients receiving neurosurgical intensive care are required to help define the role of albumin in neurosurgery patients.

Differential effects of serial hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch, albumin, and 0.9% saline on whole blood coagulation

Study Objectives: To determine by thrombelastography assessed coagulation, the effects of progressive hemodilution with three intravascular volume expanders. Design: Prospective, controlled, whole blood, volumetric ex vivo hemodilution study. Setting: University of Pennsylvania Medical Center Operating Rooms. Patients: 60 ASA physical status I and II patients; phlebotomy prior to administration of IV fluids or medications. Interventions: Analysis of whole blood clotting determined by six thrombelastographic channels for control and five volumetric hemodilutions (11%, 25%, 33%, 50%, and 75%) with 0.9% saline, 5% albumin, and 6% hydroxyethyl starch (n = 20 for each diluent group). Measurements and Main Results: Thrombelastographic parameters R (minutes), angle α (°), MA (mm), and lysis (%) were measured and compared to the sample control for each dilution of the same specimen. There was no significant difference between control groups in any thrombelastographic variable (R, angle α, MA, or lysis). No changes were seen in any variable from any diluent at 11% hemodilution. Seventy-five percent hemodilution caused significantly hypocoagulable changes from control for all thrombelastographic parameters for all three diluents. Thrombelastographic indices differed significantly from controls at intermediate hemodilutions. Both colloids caused decreases in measured angle α and MA at lower hemodilution than did 0.9% saline. Albumin 5% caused significant hypocoagulable changes from control values at lower hemodilution than did either 0.9% saline or 6% hydroxyethyl starch for all thrombelastographic parameters. Saline 0.9% increased angle α significantly at 50% hemodilution. Abnormal lysis did not occur at any dilution. Differing ex vivo effects of three different intravascular fluids thrombelastography assessed coagulation are found. Conclusion: No differences were found after 11% hemodilution with any volume expanders. Hemodilution with up to 50% saline maintained thrombelastographic indices. Albumin produced early and profound hypocoagulable effects. Significant hypocoagulability occurred for all three diluents at 75% hemodilution. The study supports the use of albumin in patients at risk for thrombosis, and saline in patients with a need for normal hemostasis.