Abstract

HERNANDEZ-GUIO, A et al. Study of clinical use of albumin in non-critical patients in a third-level hospital. Rev. OFIL·ILAPHAR [online]. 2021, vol.31, n.2, pp.155-159.  Epub Aug 16, 2021. ISSN 1699-714X.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/s1699-714x2021000200008.

The use of intravenous albumin is widespread and supported by scientific evidence in certain situations. However, its use is common to improve a poor nutritional status or an analytical finding of hypoalbuminemia, despite the lack of evidence, the high cost and the risk of adverse effects. The objective of this study is to analyze and evaluate the use of albumin in a third-level hospital, after the suspension of its consideration as a restricted drug and the electronic prescription implementation, and therefore, the absence of the need to report the indication and clinical parameters in the prescription. A four-week prospective observational study was conducted where albumin prescriptions were reviewed. The data were processed using the Stata statistical software package.

The excessive and wrong use of albumin is confirmed, since most of the prescriptions (54,5%) did not conform to the therapeutic indications of the data sheet or the main recommendations, the only justification was the correction of hypoalbuminemia. The blood test values showed malnutrition and no patient had a body weight record. Long-term treatments were detected and in many cases they were maintained until hospital discharge. Most of the total cost was in non-indicated prescriptions. The three hospital departments with the highest albumin consumption were Internal Medicine, Oncology and Gastroenterology. It is considered necessary to reintroduce the intensive monitoring performed years ago in the hospital for clinical, economic and sustainable reasons.

Keywords : Albumin; malnutrition; hypoalbuminemia; biological agents.

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