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Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Udayana-Sanglah Hospital. Jl. PB. Sudirman,
Denpasar Bali, Indonesia.
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION
Albumin infusions have been used for many years in Liver cirrhosis, especially in the presence of
the management of patients with decompensated cirrhosis decompensation, is characterized by significant
in an attempt to reduce the formation of ascites, to improve hemodynamic changes. These changes consist of
circulatory and renal function, or in SBP patients. While systemic arterial vasodilatation, and effective arterial
some of these indications for albumin infusions are underfilling, which stimulate the renin aldosteron
supported by the results of randomised studies, others are
angiotensin system and associated with renal retention
based on clinical experience and have not been proved in
of sodium and water, and ascites is one of their clinical
prospective investigations. Therefore, the use of albumin
infusions in patients with cirrhosis is still controversial.
manifestations. In addition, patients with liver cirrhosis
However, despite the controversies, the use of albumin at are susceptible to sepsis, especially bacterial infections.
least has been proven to be safe. Some guidelines Once infection develops, renal failure, shock and
recommended the use of albumin infusion in encephalopathy can follow, all of which adversely
decompensated cirrhosis with spontaneous bacterial affect survival and increase mortality.
peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, large volume Albumin is the most abundant protein in the
parecentesis and decompensated cirrhosis with circulation, which has multiple function that can be used
complications. in cirrhotic patients with those complications mention
above. The main physiologic function of albumin is to
Key words: albumin, liver cirrhotic. maintain intravascular volume and colloid osmotic
pressure. The other physiologic functions of albumin
include ligand binding and transport of various
molecules, such as hormones, lipid and drugs. In
addition to having antioxidant and antiinflammatory
actions, and stabilizing effect on the endothelium.1-4
The use of albumin for many of these indications is
controversial, some studies support it based on the
decreasing of mortality rate of these patients. The other
indication for albumin use in cirrhotic patients is
extracorporeal albumin dialysis, which has shown
promise for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.
Some studies debate this mostly because of the cost of
albumin infusions, the lack of clear-cut benefits for
survival, and for fear of transmitting unknown viruses
such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and also HIV adding to
the controversy, allthough some studies say it is safe.1,5
Finally, it still requires further discussion, studies and
evidences for administration albumin in cirrhotic
patients.
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Vol 42 • Number 3 • July 2010 Albumin Infusion in Liver Cirrhotic Patients
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Ni Made Renny A. Rena Acta Med Indones-Indones J Intern Med
administration of albumin prevents renal impairment of death which is with score of 20 or more being only
and reduces mortality in patients with cirrhosis and 1 month compared with 8 months in those with a MELD
spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The incidence of score <20. By contrast, patients with type 2 HRS have
renal impairment was significantly lower among a much better median survival, approximately 6
patients treated with cefotaxime and albumin than months.18
among patients treated with cefotaxime alone, which The hallmark of HRS is renal hypoperfusion, which
is 29%, by contrast, the group treated with cefotaxime is caused by reduction renal blood flow result from
and albumin was only 10%. However, this study condition of systemic arterial vasoconstriction. The
received many criticisms because of unblind random- effective arterial underfilling is caused by splanchnic
ization study and without the insertion of CVP lines in vasodilatation. Renal vasoconstriction occurs as the
all the patients in order to know the relationship with result of both active renal vasoconstriction and
the disorder of renal function. Besides, this study also reducing systemic vasodilator factor such as
didn’t make comparison between albumin and others prostaglandine, Nitric Oxyde (NO) and natriuretic
plasma expanders.10,11 peptide as the compensated action due to systemic
Study in 2005 by Fernandez, et al. compared the arterial vasodilatation.4,18
role of albumin and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) to The goal of treatment in SHR is to reduce
prevent renal failure in SBP patients, found that systemic vasodilatation and increase renal blood flow.
albumin has it’s superiority than HES.12 Another study Besides renal transplantation and hemodialysis,
compared albumin, crystalloid fluid and artificial pharmacotherapies have been recommended in
colloid give the same result.13 Although albumin has a systemic vasoconstrictors as vasopressin analogs or
significant role in SBP patients with severe disturbance α-adrenergic agonists. The use of albumin to improve
of liver and renal function, but it’s use is still debated arterial underfilling is also recommended in
because of the high cost. 3,14,15 Other opinion says combination with vasoconstrictors, ocreotide or
patients with sepsis have an increase vascular midodrine. Some authors believe that albumin can
permeability, therefore albumin as well as other improve the efficacy of vasoconstrictors therapy.
molecule may became far less efficient in maintaining Angeli et al. in 2003 reported the superiority of
effective plasma volume for longer period because of administration dopamin together with albumin at non
rapid leakage from circulation. It still need to do intensive ward in type 1 HRS.19 Another pilot study
further study.3 The third phase of study has been done by Duvoux, et al. using norepinephrine plus
done until now about the role of human albumin in albumin, reports 83% success in reversing type 1 HRS.
cirrhotic patients with infection other than SBP. This American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
study was held in February 2008.16 (AASLD) recommended that albumin infusion plus
The other practice guidelines to follow are administration of vasoactive drugs such as ocreotide
regarding to recommendation of American Associa- and midodrine should be considered in the treatment
tion for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and of type 1 HRS (level II-1). Indonesian Association for
Indonesian Association for the Study of the Liver. It the Study of the Liver also recommended that albumin
suggested that patient clinical suspected of SBP should infusion given to prevent HRS in SBP patients
receive albumin 1,5 g/kg body weight within 6 hours of combined with cefotaxime can decrease mortality and
detection and should be given lower dose 1 g/kg body frequency of HRS. Other study shows it can improve
weight on day 3.4,14,17 renal function to 60-70%. The dose given is 1 g/kg
Hepato Renal Syndrome intravenously in day 1 and followed by 20-40 g/day for
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a dreaded 5-15 days or stopped when CVP >18 cm H 2O.
complication of advanced cirrhosis. HRS is defined as However, for the preventive dose is 1,5 g/kg body
the development of renal failure in patients with weight in day 1 and 1 gram / kg body weight in the
advanced liver failure (acute or chronic) in the absence next 48 hours.3,4,14,17,18
of any identifiable causes of renal pathology. Untreated A prospective, randomized, controlled study shows
type 1 HRS carries a grim prognosis and high mortal- that Molecular Adsorbent Resirculating System
ity as 80% in second week and only 10% of patients (MARS), an extracorporeal albumin dialysis, can
survived more than 3 months. The prognosis can be improved clinical and biochemical parameters in type
assessed by CHILD-PUGH and MELD (Model of 1 HRS patients. The advantage of using MARS in HRS
End-Stage Liver Disease) as an independent predictor relies on the assumption that removing albumin-bound
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Vol 42 • Number 3 • July 2010 Albumin Infusion in Liver Cirrhotic Patients
toxins which have a detrimental effect on hepatocytes argument against albumin infusion in conjunction with
and other organs, including the kidney, will stabilize liver paracentesis use is further fuelled by the finding that a
function and improve other end organ damage.18 5l paracentesis without albumin infusion was not
Moreau et al. in 2002 doing the largest associated with any changes in central blood volume,
retrospective study on the use of terlipressin for HRS serum sodium levels or renal function. However some
did not find any difference in patient outcomes consensus still recommended albumin infusion in
irrespective of whether they received albumin infusions LVP. 1,23-27
as well as terlipressin. However, Uriz et al. in 2000 American Association for the Study of Liver
found that terlipressin combined with albumin was Diseases (AASLD) recommended that albumin
effective for type 1 HRS. Other study found one thirds infusion should be given with dose 6-8 g/1 litre ascites
patients with ischemia as side effect from using fluid removed for paracentesis volumes of greater than
ornipressin and albumin.1,13,16-18 5-6 litres. Fifty percents should be given in the first 1
hour (maximum 170 mL/hr) and the remain in the next
6 hours.14,15
Tabel 2. Definition of refractory ascites20
The uses of albumin led to studies investigating
Diuretic-resistant ascites
Ascites that cannot be mobilized with dietary sodium restriction
substitute fluid for albumin that can prevent circula-
(50mEq/day) and intensive diuretic treatment (spironolactone tory failure after paracentesis. It’s found mannitol has
400 mg/day plus furosemide 160 mg/day) for at least 1 week or the same effectivity as albumin, but not others plasma
which recurs early despite the above measures.
Diuretic-intractable ascites
expanders like dextran and polygelyne. Hydroxyethyl
Ascites that cannot be mobilized or prevented from recurring, starch (HES) is still controversy, it concluded there the
due to the development of diuretic-induced complications, use was no significantly differences than albumin. It
that precludes the usage of an effective diuretic dosage.
can be tolerated by liver cirrhotic patients, but it still
need further investigation about lower weight loss
compare to albumin.28-31
Plasma Expansion in Large Volume Paracentesis
The circulatory disturbances seen in advanced Albumin Level <2.5 g/dL in Liver Cirrhotic Patients
cirrhosis lead to the development of ascites, which can with Complications
become refractory to diet and medical therapy. Some complications can occur in liver cirrhotic
Approximately 10-20% of patients with ascites patients, the low level of albumin leads them into worst
have adequate natriuresis and clinical response to condition. Therefore, Indonesian Association for the
dietary sodium restriction alone, and the majority of Study of the Liver in 2003 suggest albumin infusion for
the remaining patients respond to diuretic therapy. those conditions. The dose is different albumin level in
However, around 10% of patients do not respond to every kg body weight.4
the above measures, or develop complications to Other complications such as electrolyte
diuretic therapy, and these patients are classified as abnormalities, especially hyponatremia and
having refractory ascites. Prognosis for this subgroup hyperkalemia, are common in patients with advanced
of patients is poor, with a 50% 1-year mortality. The cirrhosis. These abnormalities can occur spontaneously,
International Ascites Club recently redefined or more often follow the use of diuretics. Hyponatremia
refractory ascites.20 is usually the result of overactivity of vasopressin, in
One of the management of refractory ascites is response to a reduction in the effective arterial blood
Large Volume Paracentesis (LVP). Some studies volume Diuretic-induced electrolyte abnormalities and
concluded that serial therapeutic paracentesis can be blood-volume contraction can also lead to the
performed safely and effectively with volume less than 5 development of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with
litres.17,20-22 Circulatory dysfunction can develop after cirrhosis. In a study conducted in cirrhotic patients with
large-volume paracentesis. This is caused by diuretic-induced hepatic encephalopathy by Jalan R et
exaggerated systemic arterial vasodilatation, effective al., showed infusion of a 4.5% albumin solution was
intravascular volume depletion, and elevated renin and comparably effective to infusion of a colloid solution in
aldosterone levels. Clinically it’s recognized as renal relation to increasing plasma volume. Both treatments
impairment and electrolyte imbalance, particularly caused similar reductions in plasma ammonia
hyponatremia.1 concentrations, and increased in urinary ammonia
Albumin infusion seems to be the most appropriate excretion. The improvement of hepatic encephalopa-
way to prevent this complication of paracentesis. The thy grade, although it was only sustained at 72 h in the
165
Ni Made Renny A. Rena Acta Med Indones-Indones J Intern Med
group who received albumin infusions, and was randomized controlled trials published between 1975
associated with a reduction in plasma malondialdehyde, and 1998, in which albumin was used in treatment of
which suggested a reduction in oxidative stress.7 hypovolemic, burnt or hypoalbuminaemic patients. The
As the use of albumin in liver cirrhotic patients is data suggested that the use of albumin in these groups
still controversial, not only because of lack of clear cut resulted in six additional deaths per 100 patients. The
benefits for survival, but also because of the high cost controversy seems to have centred on the validity of
of albumin infusion. Therefore, many studies done to the conclusions drawn from such a heterogenous group
compare effectivity between albumin and other fluids of studies, samples of the studies were small, and there
in SBP patients and ascites patients whose done LVP were few deaths. Some of the responses suggested
is shown in Table 3. that capillary leakage may explain the increased
The debate about the use of albumin in the mortality, and presented data showing that albumin
critically ill patients has been stimulated by the leakage was greater in critically ill patients than in
publication of a meta-analysis which reviewed 32 patients after major surgery. Thus, infusion of albumin
Table 3. A summary of studies to date that have compared the use of albumin versus
various colloids for the management of complications of cirrhosis1
Study Colloid Patient population Outcome
Moreau et al Albumin vs Ascitic patient undergoing Albumin group: significantly fewer
(2006) 3,5% LVP (Alb n=30; liver-related complications
polygeline Polygeline n=38) adjusted per 100 patient days and
lower hospital costs. No
difference in survival
Fernandez Albumin vs Ascitic patients with SBP Albumin group: improved
et al (2005) HES (Albumin group, n = 10 systemic hemodynamics, and
200/0.5 Starch group, n = 10) decreased endothelial activation
with no further increase in nitric
oxide derivatives
Garcia- Albumin vs Ascitic patients undergoing No significant difference in the
Compean et dextran 40 LVP (Albumin group, development of complications
al. (2002) n = 48. Starch group, related to LVP, ascites recurrence
n = 48) and survival. Dextran 40® was
not as efficacious as albumin in
the prevention of paracentesis-
induced circulatory dysfunction
Altman et al Albumin vs Ascitic patients undergoing No significant difference between
(1998) HES LVP (Albumin group, the groups in the prevention of
n = 33. Starch group, n = complications related to LVP
27)
Gines et al Albumin vs Ascitic patients undergoing Albumin was significantly better
(1996) dextran 70 total paracentesis (Albumin than dextran 70® and polygeline
& polygeline group, n = 33. Starch in the prevention of paracentesis-
group, n = 27) induced circulatory dysfunction
which was associated with
shorter time to readmission and
shorter survival
Fassio et al Albumin vs Ascitic patients undergoing No significant difference between
(1992) dextran 70 LVP (Albumin group, the groups in the development of
n = 21. Starch group, complications related to LVP,
n = 20) hospital readmission and survival.
The cost of using dextran 70®
was significantly lower.
Salerno et Albumin vs Ascitic patients undergoing No significant difference between
al (1991) hemaccel total paracentesis (Albumin the groups in the development of
group, n = 27.Hemaccel complications related to total
group, n = 27) paracentesis, hospital
readmission and survival.
Planas, et al Albumin vs Ascitic patients undergoing No significant difference between
(1990) dextran 70 total paracentesis (Albumin the groups in the development of
group, n = 43. Starch complications related to LVP,
group, n = 45) hospital readmission and survival.
Albumin was more efficacious in
the prevention of paracentesis-
induced circulatory dysfunction
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Vol 42 • Number 3 • July 2010 Albumin Infusion in Liver Cirrhotic Patients
167
Ni Made Renny A. Rena Acta Med Indones-Indones J Intern Med
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