Albumin versus Saline in Mortality in Critically Ill Children

Abstract

High mortality in critically ill patients is a challenge for the intensive care medicine. While different reasons were figured out and corresponding therapeutic protocols were recommended, the actual mortality is still high and it is hard to conquer it and make a big improvement of the overall outcomes. Albumin, the most abundant protein in human blood plasma, plays an essential role in maintaining oncotic pressure, in participating in as an important protein transporter, and in possessing many physiological functions. In the context of critical care medicine, administration of albumin was found benefit patients in increasing their survival rate. However, a more recent study reported that bolus injection of albumin in critically ill pediatric patients increased the mortality. Of this report, we analyzed carefully and commented their methodology in performing the study. Some issues were not that clear, and it is difficult to determine the real effect of albumin administration on the mortality in children. It is a challenge to answer one question precisely and in overall, and we herein raise our concerns on this topic to discuss them with other researchers