The Effect of Exogenous Human Albumin Administration on Acute Kidney Injury Development in Hypoalbuminemic Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Objective: Hypoalbuminemia is an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the effect of exogenous human albumin (EHA) administration on hypoalbuminemic patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) regarding the development of AKI. Our secondary aim was to compare the ICU admission duration and mortality rates of these patients.

Methods: After receiving ethics committee approval, the researchers retrospectively screened database for 5,989 patients admitted to the adult ICU from 01.01.2014 to 01.06.2018. The demographic data, serum albumin and creatinine levels, ICU admission duration and mortality rates of patients were recorded. Stage 2-3 AKI was accepted based on the AKI network criteria, while hypoalbuminemia was accepted as serum albumin values below 3.5 g/dL. Patients not given EHA were assigned to group none human albumin (Group NHA), while patients given EHA were assigned to group human albumin (Group HA). The rate of AKI development, duration of stay in ICU and mortality rates were compared between the groups.

Results: The mean age, AKI development rate, mortality rate and ICU admission duration in Group HA were statistically significantly higher than in Group NHA (p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001). There was no difference in terms of the gender distribution in the groups. The mean albumin value in Group HA was statistically significantly lower than Group NHA (p=0.0001).

Conclusion: In conclusion, EHA administration in hypoalbuminemic patients prolong stay in ICU in addition to the increase in the development of AKI and mortality.