Medical Uses
Albumin injections are primarily used for their ability to maintain colloid osmotic pressure in the blood:
- Hypovolemia: Restores and maintains blood volume after trauma, surgery, or burns.
- Hypoalbuminemia: Corrects low albumin levels due to malnutrition, major injury, infections, pancreatitis, or liver disease.
- Severe Burns: Administered after the initial 24 hours to replace protein loss and stabilize cardiovascular function.
- Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites: Prevents fluid shifts after large-volume paracentesis.
- Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Used with diuretics to manage fluid volume overload.
- Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn: Treats severe cases in newborns.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Manages fluid shifts in severe cases.
- Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery: Used as a priming fluid.
Mechanism of Action
Albumin maintains body colloid osmotic pressure, preventing fluid leakage from blood vessels:
- Volume Expansion: Draws fluid from tissues into the bloodstream, increasing circulating blood volume and reducing edema.
- Carrier Protein: Transports hormones, enzymes, fatty acids, and drugs.
Administration
Administered via intravenous (IV) infusion, albumin is available in 5% and 25% concentrations:
- Dosage and Infusion: Adjusted based on the patient’s condition and response.
- Dilution: Should be diluted with normal saline or 5% dextrose, not sterile water.
- Solution Quality: Use only clear or slightly colored solutions; avoid using cloudy or particle-containing solutions.
Risks and Contraindications
While adverse reactions are rare, careful consideration is necessary:
- Allergic Reactions: Not suitable for those with hypersensitivity to albumin; symptoms include hives and wheezing.
- Fluid Overload: Risk for patients with severe heart
failure, pulmonary edema, or hypertension. Monitor for overload signs
like shortness of breath. - Severe Anemia: Albumin does not carry oxygen and may dilute red blood cells, impacting oxygenation.
- Infectious Disease Risk: Extremely low risk of disease transmission due to advanced manufacturing processes.
Albumin injection is a life-saving solution, essential in various medical scenarios. Always consult healthcare providers for proper administration and monitoring.