Should Albumin Be Used in All Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis?. (2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Narula, Neeraj; Tsoi, Keith; Marshall, John K
• Is Part Of: Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. Volume 25:Number 7(2011)
• Page Start: 373
• Page End: 376
• Publication Date: 2011
• Subjects: Albumin -- Ascites -- Colloid -- SBP -- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis -- Volume expansion
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/586702
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0835-7900

Abstract

Abstract : Patients with cirrhosis who develop spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) have been reported to experience a high incidence of renal impairment and mortality. Renal dysfunction is possibly related to altered systemic hemodynamics that leads to decreased effective arterial blood volume. Albumin, a plasma volume expander, has been investigated to determine whether it plays a role in patients with SBP. The current literature suggests that albumin can reduce renal impairment and mortality in high-risk SBP patients, defined as patients with a serum bilirubin level of greater than 68.4 μmol/L, a blood urea nitrogen level of greater than 10.7 mmol/L or a serum creatinine level greater than 88.4 μmol/L. The rationale for albumin and other volume expanders in SBP is discussed, accompanied by a review of the current literature.