Long-term albumin infusion in decompensated cirrhosis: A review of current literature

World J Hepatol. 2021 Apr 27;13(4):421-432. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i4.421.ABSTRACTDecompensated cirrhosis is characterized by chronic inflammation and severe portal hypertension leading to systemic circulatory dysfunction. Albumin infusion has been widely used in decompensated cirrhosis in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, large-volume paracentesis and hepatorenal syndrome. Emerging data suggest long-term albumin infusion has both oncotic and non-oncotic properties which may improve the clinical outcomes in decompensated cirrhosis patients. We review the current literature on both the established and potential role of albumin, and specifically address the controversies of long-term albumin infusion in decompensated cirrhosis patients.PMID:33959225 | PMC:PMC8080546 | DOI:10.4254/wjh.v13.i4.421

Source: World Journal of Hepatology - May 7, 2021 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Yu Jun Wong Rahul Kumar Yu Jing Jonathan Chua Tiing Leong Ang Source Type: research