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Efficacy of Albumin Treatment for Patients with Cirrhosis and Infections Unrelated to Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Fernandez J, Angeli P, Trebicka J, Merli M, Gustot T, Alessandria C, Aagaard NK, de Gottardi A, Welzel TM, Gerbes A, et al
Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association. 2019
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Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We performed a randomized trial to determine whether albumin should be administered to patients with infections unrelated to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). METHODS We performed a multicenter, open-label trial in which 118 patients with cirrhosis, non-SBP infections, and additional risk factors for poor outcome were randomly assigned to receive antibiotics plus albumin (study group; n=61) or antibiotics alone (control group; n=57). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality; secondary outcomes were effect of albumin on disease course. RESULTS There were no significant differences at baseline between groups in results from standard laboratory tests, serum markers of inflammation, circulatory dysfunction, or liver severity scores. However, the combined prevalence of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) and kidney dysfunction was significantly higher in the study group (44.3% vs 24.6% in the control group; P=.02), indicating greater baseline overall severity. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome between groups (13.1% in the study group vs 10.5% in the control group; P=.66). Circulatory and renal functions improved in only the study group. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the study group had resolution of ACLF (82.3% vs 33.3% in the control group; P=.03). A significantly lower proportion of patients in the study group developed nosocomial infections (6.6% vs 24.6% in the control group; P=.007). CONCLUSIONS In a randomized trial of patients with advanced cirrhosis and non-SBP infections, in-hospital mortality was similar between those who received albumin plus antibiotics vs those who received only antibiotics (controls). However, patients given albumin were sicker at baseline and, during the follow-up period, a higher proportion had ACLF resolution and a lower proportion had nosocomial infections. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT02034279.
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Comparison of outcome in patients with cirrhosis and ascites following treatment with albumin or a synthetic colloid: a randomised controlled pilot trail
Moreau R, Valla DC, Durand-Zaleski I, Bronowicki JP, Durand F, Chaput JC, Dadamessi I, Silvain C, Bonny C, Oberti F, et al
Liver International : Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver. 2006;26((1):):46-54.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The question of which colloid (albumin or synthetic colloids) used for plasma expansion following paracentesis or other complications requiring fluid loading in patients with cirrhosis remains controversial. AIMS To compare outcome and hospital-related cost in patients with cirrhosis treated with 20% human albumin with those treated with a synthetic colloid (3. 5% polygeline). METHODS The primary end point was occurrence of a first liver-related complication. RESULTS When the trial was prematurely discontinued because of safety concerns about bovine-derived products, 30 patients were assigned to receive albumin and 38 were assigned to receive a synthetic colloid. Sixty-three patients were included for ascites removal by paracentesis and five patients for ascites removal by paracentesis and renal impairment. The median time to first liver-related complication was not significantly longer in the albumin group (20 vs. 7 days). However, the total number of liver-related complications adjusted to a 100-day period was significantly lower in the albumin group. The median hospital cost for a 30-day period was significantly lower in the albumin group (1915 euros vs. 4612 euros). CONCLUSIONS In patients with cirrhosis and ascites, human albumin appears to be more effective in preventing liver-related complications than synthetic colloid. This may be associated with decreased hospital costs.