Albumin infusion in liver cirrhotic patients

Abstract

Albumin infusions have been used for many years in the management of patients with decompensated cirrhosis in an attempt to reduce the formation of ascites, to improve circulatory and renal function, or in SBP patients. While some of these indications for albumin infusions are supported by the results of randomised studies, others are based on clinical experience and have not been proved in prospective investigations. Therefore, the use of albumin infusions in patients with cirrhosis is still controversial. However, despite the controversies, the use of albumin at least has been proven to be safe. Some guidelines recommended the use of albumin infusion in decompensated cirrhosis with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, large volume parecentesis and decompensated cirrhosis with complications.