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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Albumin is a plasma protein frequently used in clinical settings, particularly for patients experiencing hypoalbuminemia, shock, burns, or fluid imbalances. Its use in treating or supporting wasting—which refers to significant loss of body mass and muscle, often secondary to chronic illness or malnutrition—has some scientific rationale but limited direct validation. The main justification for albumin administration in wasting syndromes arises when severe hypoalbuminemia leads to complications such as edema or impaired drug distribution. However, robust evidence supporting albumin supplementation as a treatment for the underlying wasting process itself is lacking.

Several clinical trials and systematic reviews have examined albumin supplementation in malnourished or critically ill patients. Most studies suggest that while albumin can temporarily restore plasma oncotic pressure and may improve short-term physiological parameters, it does not significantly improve survival, reverse wasting, or enhance long-term outcomes in these populations. Major guidelines (such as those from the Surviving Sepsis Campaign) recommend against routine albumin use solely for nutritional support or wasting, favoring targeted nutritional interventions and addressing underlying disease processes instead.

In summary, there is a scientific basis for albumin use in selected complications related to wasting (e.g., severe hypoalbuminemia with edema), but the overall evidence supporting its routine use to treat or reverse wasting itself is weak. The evidence is rated low (2/5), and its use should be reserved for specific clinical indications rather than general support of wasting.

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Products containing Albumin

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