Albumin Infusion

Albumin is a type of protein, which is soluble in water. It generally refers to serum albumin, found in blood plasma. Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma. Human serum albumin accounts for almost 60% of plasma protein. It is mainly produced in the liver. Human serum albumin levels should be between 3.5 to 5 g/dL in case of adults, while for the children less than three years, this range is 2.5 to 5.5 g/dL. When the level of serum albumin is abnormally low, it is termed as hypoalbuminemia, which can be an indicator of certain diseases including, liver disease and nephrotic syndrome. This condition can also be caused by burns. On the other hand, hyperalbuminemia refers to a high level of albumin, which can be caused by dehydration and deficiency of vitamin A. Albumin infusion refers to intravenous administration of albumin to treat certain conditions.

Importance of Serum Albumin

The main function of serum albumin is the maintenance of blood volume. Serum albumin maintains the oncotic pressure, which can be termed as a type of osmotic pressure, exerted by the proteins in blood plasma. It is also known by the name of colloid osmotic pressure, and it helps to pull water into the capillaries. When the level of albumin decreases to a large extent, the oncotic pressure also reduces, which in turn results in greater fluid leakage from the capillaries. This can eventually cause accumulation of fluid or water in the tissues, which is generally known as edema. Apart from maintaining blood volume, serum albumin acts as a carrier for certain molecules that have low water solubility. Such molecules include, bile salts, bilirubin, free fatty acids, lipid soluble hormones, calcium ions and certain drugs.

Administration of Albumin

It is generally required in the treatment of certain medical conditions. One such serious condition is hypovolemia or hypovolemic shock, which is characterized by a significant decrease in the volume of circulating blood or blood plasma. As we already know, it helps to maintain volume of blood, by maintaining the oncotic pressure. It helps to pull interstitial fluid into the circulatory system and thus, maintains volume of blood. Hypoalbuminemia is another condition, which can necessitate the infusion of albumin. Hypoalbuminemia can be caused by burns, major injury, hemorrhage, pancreatitis, infection and liver failure or liver cirrhosis. Administration of albumin in such a case can temporarily control the accompanied symptoms, until the underlying condition is diagnosed and treated.

Its infusion can be sometimes required for maintaining the level of systolic blood pressure, and in the treatment of liver disease and severe burns that result in significant protein loss and reduction in oncotic pressure. It can also prove effective for treating edema in the individuals with nephrosis or nephrotic syndrome. Nephrosis is characterized by high level of protein or albumin in urine, edema or fluid retention and hypoalbuminemia. In addition to these, the infusion is sometimes carried out prior to or during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, and for treating hemolytic disease in newborns.

If the patient is dehydrated, the infusion should be accompanied, or followed, by the administration of adequate fluid. Moreover, one needs to be very particular regarding the infusion rate. In certain situations, while administering undiluted albumin in patients whose blood volume is in the normal range, the rate of infusion should be slow. Moreover, it should always be administered under the supervision of a medical practitioner, and during this period, the patient needs to be closely monitored. This is because, some people may develop allergic reactions, which can manifest in rash, fever and chills, change in pulse and blood pressure.