title: [Rational use of albumin].
abstract: The use of albumin has been a matter of debate since its introduction in the 1940's. Albumin is not only expensive but may also be harmful when administered inappropriately. Until recently our use of albumin was controlled by a number of authorized physicians who signed all albumin prescriptions. In August 1998, a multidisciplinary team reviewed the indications for albumin use and introduced simple guidelines for its supply and administration. As a result, the use of albumin has decreased by almost 70%. This indicates that rational use of albumin can be achieved by appropriate guidelines, without requiring administrative limitations. We believe that this conclusion holds true for other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as well.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medicine, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheba.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sikuler
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shapira
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mor-Yosef
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shlaeffer
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Slovik
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brutin
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gurman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010952:Plasma Substitutes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D010952:Plasma Substitutes; D012709:Serum Albumin