Pattern of albumin consumption in patients hospitalized in intensive care unit of two teaching hospitals in Iran

The goal of this study was to evaluate the consumption pattern of human albumin according to the available and reliable guidelines.

  This research was a descriptive-analytical study. The study sample consisted of patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of Shahid Sadoughi and Rahnemoon Yazd Teaching Hospitals. In this study, 67 patients were selected. The study was carried out over three months. During the study, the albumin request by ICUs was investigated. Along with observing albumin orders' para-clinic findings were evaluated. The specific form of albumin consumption and prescription prepared by the Hospital Steering Board of Pharmacy was completed for each patient individually.

In this study, 65.7% of prescribed albumin was infused for approved cases by the US food and drug administration (FDA). Administration after burn injury with 32.8% and hypoalbuminemia with 19.4% of cases were the most frequently reasonable prescribed albumin. About 34.3% of prescribed albumin (18 cases) did not have FDA-approved indications. Albumin infusion after patients edema in 14.9% of cases, nutritional support 6 % and Major surgery 6% have been the most frequently incorrect prescribed albumin.

Based on the findings of this study, the prescription of albumin in patients admitted to ICUs of Sadoughi and Rahnemoon teaching hospitals from October to December 2015 was not completely in accordance with the guidelines. So , consulting with relevant health care professionals can be helpful to improve the proper administration of this essential and expensive drug.