Long-term albumin infusion improves survival in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: an unblinded randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of long-term albumin administration on survival, recurrence of ascites and onset of other complications.


METHODS
One hundred consecutive patients admitted for first-onset ascites were randomized to receive diuretics plus human albumin 25 g/wk in the first year and 25 g every two wk thereafter (group 1) or diuretics alone (group 2). The primary endpoint was survival without liver transplantation. Secondary endpoints were recurrence of ascites and occurrence of other complications.


RESULTS
Median follow-up was 84 (2-120) mo. Albumin-treated patients had significantly greater cumulative survival rate (Breslow test=7.05, P=0.0078) and lower probability of ascites recurrence (51% versus 94%, P<0.0001). Chronic albumin infusion resulted in a mean increase in survival of 16 mo.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term albumin administration after first-onset ascites significantly improves patients' survival and decreases the risk of ascites recurrence.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence School of Medicine, Viale Morgagni, 85-I-50134 Florence, Italy. r.romanelli@dmi.unifi.it
Roberto-Giulio
RG
Romanelli
Giorgio
G
La Villa
Giuseppe
G
Barletta
Francesco
F
Vizzutti
Fabio
F
Lanini
Umberto
U
Arena
Vieri
V
Boddi
Roberto
R
Tarquini
Pietro
P
Pantaleo
Paolo
P
Gentilini
Giacomo
G
Laffi
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000418:Albumins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001201:Ascites / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012306:Risk; D015996:Survival Rate
D000418:Albumins