Use of Intravenous Albumin
Publication Date: March 4, 2024
Last Updated: March 5, 2024
Summary of Recommendations
In critically ill adult patients (excluding patients with thermal injuries and acute respiratory distress syndrome), intravenous albumin is not suggested for first-line volume replacement or to increase serum albumin levels. (C, M )
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In critically ill adult patients with thermal injuries or acute respiratory distress syndrome, intravenous albumin is not suggested for volume replacement or to increase serum albumin level. (C, VL )
620
In critically ill adult patients, intravenous albumin in conjunction with diuretics is not suggested for removal of extravascular fluid. (C, VL )
620
In pediatric patients with infection and hypoperfusion, intravenous albumin is not recommended to reduce mortality. (S, L )
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In preterm neonates (<36 weeks) with low serum albumin levels and respiratory distress, intravenous albumin is not suggested to improve respiratory function. (C, VL )
620
In preterm neonates (<32 weeks or <1,500 g) with or without hypoperfusion, intravenous albumin is not suggested for volume replacement. (C, VL )
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In patients undergoing kidney replacement therapy, intravenous albumin is not suggested for prevention or treatment of intradialytic hypotension or for improving ultrafiltration. (C, VL )
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In adult patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, intravenous albumin is not suggested for priming the cardiovascular bypass circuit or volume replacement. (C, M )
620
In pediatric patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, intravenous albumin is not suggested for priming the cardiovascular bypass circuit or volume replacement. (C, VL )
620
In patients with cirrhosis and ascites undergoing large volume paracentesis (>5 liters), intravenous albumin is suggested to prevent paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction. (C, VL )
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In patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, intravenous albumin is suggested to reduce mortality. (C, L )
620
In patients with cirrhosis and extraperitoneal infections, intravenous albumin is not suggested to reduce mortality or kidney failure. (C, L )
620
In hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosis with hypoalbuminemia (<30 g/L), repeated intravenous albumin to increase albumin levels >30 g/L is not suggested to reduce infection, kidney dysfunction or death. (C, L )
620
In outpatients with cirrhosis and uncomplicated ascites despite diuretic therapy, intravenous albumin is not routinely suggested to reduce complications associated with cirrhosis. (C, L )
620
The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.
Title
Use of Intravenous Albumin
Authoring Organization
International Collaboration for Transfusion Medicine Guidelines
Publication Month/Year
March 4, 2024
Last Updated Month/Year
March 13, 2024
Country of Publication
Global
Document Objectives
Albumin is commonly employed across a wide range of clinical settings to improve hemodynamics, facilitate fluid removal, and manage complications of cirrhosis. The International Collaboration for Transfusion Medicine Guidelines developed guidelines for the use of albumin in patients requiring critical care, undergoing cardiovascular surgery, kidney replacement therapy, or experiencing complications of cirrhosis.
Inclusion Criteria
Male, Female, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Infant, Older adult
Health Care Settings
Hospital
Intended Users
Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant
Scope
Treatment, Management
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D000418 - Albumins
Keywords
Intravenous Albumin
Source Citation
Callum J, Skubas NJ, Bathla A, Keshavarz H, Clark EG, Rochwerg B, Fergusson D, Arbous S, Bauer SR, China L, Fung M, Jug R, Neill M, Paine C, Pavenski K, Shah PS, Robinson S, Shan H, Szczepiorkowski ZM, Thevenot T, Wu B, Stanworth S, Shehata N, on behalf of the ICTMG Intravenous Albumin Guideline Group, Use of Intravenous Albumin: A Guideline from the International Collaboration for Transfusion Medicine Guidelines., CHEST (2024), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2024.02.049