What is Human Albumin?

This product is prepared from healthy human plasma through processes such as low-temperature ethanol protein separation, followed by virus inactivation at 60°C for 10 hours and purification. It functions to increase blood volume, detoxify, and provide nutritional supplementation.

Which department should be consulted for diseases treated with Human Albumin?

English Name: Human Albumin, HA.

Aliases: Anboling, Aoda, Octapharma, Octanol, Albumin, Baxter, Behring, Human Serum Albumin, Albumin From Human Plasma, Human Serum Albumin, Human Serum Protein.

Departments: ICU, Oncology, Burn Surgery, Infectious Diseases.

Which patients is Human Albumin suitable for treating?

This product is indicated for:

• Emergency treatment of hypovolemia (hemorrhagic trauma, burns, acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis shock);
• Increased intracranial pressure due to cerebral edema or injury;
• Edema caused by nephropathy or cirrhosis;
• Prevention and treatment of hypoalbuminemia (albumin ≤ 30 g/L);
• Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia;
• Adjuvant therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiopulmonary bypass, specific types of hemodialysis, and plasma exchange.

What is the dosage and administration of Human Albumin?

1. Hypovolemia: For shock caused by severe burns or hemorrhage, administer 5–10 g intravenously every 4–6 hours.

2. Hypoalbuminemia: For chronic albumin deficiency due to nephropathy or cirrhosis, administer 5–10 g intravenously daily until edema resolves and serum albumin levels normalize.

3. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: Administer 1 g/kg intravenously before or during exchange transfusion. For hypervolemic infants, administer approximately 1 hour before exchange transfusion.

Who should not use Human Albumin?

Patients allergic to the drug, those with hypertension, acute heart disease, normovolemic or hypervolemic heart failure, severe anemia, renal insufficiency, or acute pulmonary edema.

What is the therapeutic mechanism of Human Albumin?

1. Increasing circulating blood volume and maintaining plasma colloid osmotic pressure: Albumin accounts for 80% of plasma colloid osmotic pressure, regulating the dynamic balance of water between tissues and blood vessels. Due to its high molecular weight, albumin passes through membranes more slowly than salts and water, counteracting capillary hydrostatic pressure to maintain stable blood volume.

In circulation, 1 g of albumin retains 18 mL of water. Every 5 g of albumin retains water equivalent to 100 mL of plasma or 200 mL of whole blood, achieving the above effects.

2. Transport and detoxification: Albumin binds anions and cations, transporting various substances and delivering toxins to detoxifying organs.

3. Nutritional supply: Tissue and plasma proteins are interconvertible. In cases of nitrogen metabolism disorders, albumin serves as a nitrogen source for tissue nutrition.

What precautions should be taken when using Human Albumin?

1. Once opened, the product must be used immediately and not divided or shared. Use a transfusion set with a filter for infusion.

2. Administer intravenously by infusion or injection. Start with a slow infusion for the first 15 minutes, then gradually increase the rate, with a maximum infusion speed of 2 mL/min.

3. The drug comes in two forms: lyophilized powder (dissolved in 5% glucose or sterile water) and standard solution (diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose). Do not dilute with sterile water, as it may cause hemolysis and acute renal failure.

4. High doses or rapid infusion may cause hypervolemia (manifested as headache, dyspnea, hypertension, jugular vein distension, elevated central venous pressure, or pulmonary edema). Discontinue immediately if symptoms occur.

5. The 20% and 25% solutions have colloid osmotic pressures 4–5 times that of plasma. Ensure adequate hydration during infusion and monitor vital signs and lab values to avoid circulatory overload.

6. For large-volume plasma exchange, supplement with other plasma proteins (e.g., clotting factors) and monitor coagulation and hematocrit.

7. Monitor vital signs and hemodynamics (blood pressure, pulse, central venous pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure, urine output, electrolytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin). Discontinue for hypersensitivity reactions. Treat shock with standard anti-shock therapy if it occurs.

8. Monitor blood pressure in trauma or postoperative patients to detect rebleeding from clot rupture.

9. Side effects may include chills, fever, flushing, rash, nausea, vomiting, arrhythmia, or pulmonary edema (with rapid infusion). Allergic reactions are rare.

10. Do not mix with other drugs.

What other important information should be noted about Human Albumin?

1. Formulations and specifications: (1) 5% (40 mL: 2 g). (2) 10% (50 mL: 5 g). (3) 20% (25 mL: 5 g). (4) 20% (50 mL: 10 g). (5) 25% (50 mL: 12.5 g).

2. Storage: Protect from light, store at room temperature (≤ 30°C), and avoid freezing. Some manufacturers recommend 2–8°C.

3. Insurance coverage: Class B reimbursement, limited to critical care, severe cases, or patients with cirrhosis/cancer-induced ascites and albumin < 30 g/L.

4. FDA pregnancy category: C (potential risk). Use cautiously in pregnant or breastfeeding women after weighing benefits and risks.