Evidence supporting the use of: Albumin
For the health condition: Dehydration

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Albumin is a plasma protein commonly used in clinical settings as a colloid solution for volume expansion, including the management of hypovolemia and certain forms of shock. The rationale for its use in dehydration centers on its ability to increase oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, thereby drawing fluid from the interstitial space into the intravascular compartment, which can help restore circulating blood volume. However, scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of albumin for simple dehydration (such as that caused by mild fluid loss from diarrhea or vomiting) is limited. Most guidelines recommend crystalloids (like normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution) as the first-line therapy for dehydration due to their effectiveness, safety, and lower cost. Albumin is generally reserved for cases where there is significant hypoalbuminemia, ongoing losses, or failure to respond to crystalloids, or in specific settings such as burns, nephrotic syndrome, or liver cirrhosis with ascites. Several large randomized controlled trials (such as the SAFE study) have shown that albumin and crystalloids are equally effective for volume resuscitation in critically ill patients, but albumin does not confer a mortality benefit and is much more expensive. In summary, while there is scientific rationale and some evidence for albumin’s use in volume expansion, its routine use in uncomplicated dehydration is not well supported and should be reserved for select clinical scenarios.

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