Use and abuse of albumin: a survey of clinical records from an internal medicine ward

Background and aims: This study was to review albumin prescriptions and indications in 4122 patients hospitalized in internal medicine wards in the years 1996, 1998 and 1999, before and after the ad hoc regulations issued in 1997 by the Italian Ministry of Health. Methods: In 1996 (n=63), 1998 (n=59) and 1999 (n=55) 177 of these patients (4.3%) were given i.v. albumin. Results: 161 (91%) of them had serum albumin values of <3.5 g/dl, while in only 36% were these values <2.5 g/dl. Conclusion: In the majority of cases albumin was erroneously prescribed, often to enhance diuretic efficacy or in protein energy malnutrition. Its presciption has not been influenced by the new recommendations.