Albumin: physiologic and clinical effects on lung function

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Carmen Polito, Emory University; Gregory Martin, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2013-10-01
• Publisher: Edizioni Minerva Medica
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2013 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA
• Final Published Version (URL): https://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/minerva-anestesiologica/article.php?cod=R02Y2013N10A1180
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Minerva Anestesiologica
• ISSN: 0375-9393
• Volume: 79
• Issue: 10
• Start Page: 1180
• End Page: 1186
• Keywords: NORMAL SALINE; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; INJURY; CRITICALLY-ILL PATIENTS; FLUID RESUSCITATION; PLASMA; COLLOIDS; PULMONARY-EDEMA; Albumins; Physiology; PRESSURE; RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS-SYNDROME; Respiration disorders; Anesthesiology; HYPOPROTEINEMIA; General & Internal Medicine; Critical Care Medicine; Science & Technology
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Fluid resuscitation is one of the most frequent and necessary practices in clinical medicine and is an integral part of the initial stabilization of critically ill, hypovolemic patients. Longstanding debate and conflicting evidence surround the use of both colloid and crystalloid fluid resuscitation in these patients. The basis of this debate is heavily rooted in the physiological understanding of Starlings forces. In this review, we aim to highlight the ongoing debate of albumin venus crystalloid resuscitation both broadly and as it relates to lung function, and will discuss the current state-of-the-art, starting from an historic perspective and progressing through a review of both physiologic and clinical evidence. Despite the biologic and physiologic plausibility of therapeutic benefit, the current evidence base does not support the routine use of albumin administration to improve patient survival or prevent respiratory dysfunction.